Sector Prusia Irazu Volcano

“Lumaca is the bus company that goes to San José. Buses are about 1 dollar and you don't need a ticket beforehand. The trip to San José takes less than an hour usually depending on trafic. High traffic hours are from 6 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm.”

“A botanical research center that houses a world-class collection of hundreds of orchids displayed at eye level. The huge number of plants means you can see blooms year round, although February through April is the most spectacular time to visit. Other families that are well represented in the garden are palms, bamboos, heliconias, bromeliads, palms, and conifers. Don’t miss the Japanese gardens. ”

“Home to 5 kinds of tropical forests, 45 mammal species, and over 260 varieties of birds. You could see monkeys, tapirs, kinkajou, or quetzales. The Orosi River runs through the park and there are countless paths to take. A steep track leads you past a variety of short hiking trails and up to the spectacular waterfall viewpoint. You can also walk on flat paths next to the fast-flowing river. It is equipped with restrooms, barbecue stands, and a small restaurant. ”

“This is the most important church building in Costa Rica as it is the site of a purported miracle. Every August 2 half the population of the entire country walks La Romería—a pilgrimage to arrive here from wherever they live. ”

“This is the most visited National Park in Costa Rica. It is the tallest volcano in the country at 11,300 feet. Your best bet to get a view of the crater (and possibly all the way to both coasts) is early in the morning between December and April. Temperatures hover around 45F and the constant winds and saturating humidity contribute to a bitter cold at the rim. Take your warmest clothes and layer up—some have commented that they would have worn a parka if they had one. Remember that you are near the equator at a significant elevation—the sun can cause burns in less than an hour at the summit. ”