La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

user — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:55:49 +0000

user Tue, 03/21/2023 - 13:55

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is an all-inclusive destination near the Poas Volcano. It is on the route 126 , past the Varablanca intersection.

Here are some of the key amenities that the park provides:

Waterfalls: The park is named after the series of waterfalls that are the main attraction. Visitors can hike along a trail that leads to five different waterfalls, including the famous La Paz Waterfall.
Animal exhibits: The park is home to a variety of animals, including big cats, monkeys, snakes, frogs, and birds. Visitors can view the animals up close in exhibits designed to mimic their natural habitats.
Butterfly observatory: The butterfly observatory is a popular attraction where visitors can see hundreds of different species of butterflies.
Hummingbird garden: The park has a hummingbird garden where visitors can see dozens of different species of hummingbirds up close.
Aviary: The park has a large aviary where visitors can see a variety of birds, including toucans, parrots, and macaws.
Serpentarium: The serpentarium is an exhibit that showcases a variety of snakes, including venomous species.
Frog exhibit: The frog exhibit is another popular attraction where visitors can see a variety of colorful frogs, including the famous red-eyed tree frog.
Gardens: The park has several gardens where visitors can see a variety of plants, including orchids and heliconias.
Gift shop: The park has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts, including locally-made crafts and artwork.
Restaurant: The park has a restaurant that serves Costa Rican cuisine, including traditional dishes like casado and gallo pinto.
The park also offers upscale lodging in the hotel located on the premises.

Overall, La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park provides a diverse range of amenities that offer something for everyone, from nature lovers to foodies. You can come for the day or stay overnight.

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Laguna de Hule

user — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:48:21 +0000

Laguna de Hule

Private Reserve

user Wed, 03/15/2023 - 15:48

Similarly to the Barva crater , the Hule Lake is a fresh water crater lake and is part of the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre “Bosque Alegre” , which is on the Atlantic side of the Braulio Carillo National Park. It is part of a complex of lakes comprising Lake Hule, Lake Congo and Lake Bosque Alegre. There is a hill of volcanic origin separating the lakes. Lake Hule is at 400 meters above sea level ( about 1200 feet) , with a surface of 98.8ac and a depth of 246 feet . It is the deepest lake in the country. This spectacular location is close to Quinta Mont Fleuri. Driving to lake Hule entails driving past the Paz Waterfall Gardens as well as 'Mirador Cinchona' (stop here if you want to see emerald toucans!! Highly recommended.) The road there is mostly paved , except for the last 3 miles or so . You leave the car at the spectacular 'Restaurante Mirador Bosque Alegre'. This is a great place to enjoy a reasonably priced meal with a stuning view . You need to buy an access pass to use the trails of this park , buy the meal and pass combo to maximize savings.

The hike down to the main lake is quite steep , but the trails are well maintained. The restaurant also employs guides that are a good source of information regarding the nature and length of the different trails. To view all three lakes takes several hours and conditions can be challenging due to rain and steep inclines. Kayaks can be rented to explore Lake Hule. The nearest peak visible from the restaurant is not the Poas Volcano but the crater of the Congo Volcano.

Google Maps

On the way to Laguna Hule.

The Sarapiqui River .

Spectacular Laguna Hule.

The view from the restaurant.

The western rim of the crater of Laguna Hule.

Coatis visible at the side of the road.