Tours, tours, and tours...
Poas Volcano National Park, Doka Coffee Plantation, Grecia & Sarchi!
11/12/2011 - 11/12/2011
70 °F
I decided to postpone my tours for one day since I wasn't feeling so well and wanted to get the most out of the day. From San Jose I was driven to a hotel in Alajuela where I was picked up by the tour bus. I was supposed to be picked up at 8:00, but due to "Tico time" it was almost 8:45 before they arrived. I am glad I took some motion sickness pills because the day was filled with bumpy and windy roads. It took about an hour to get to the Poas Volcano National Park and on the way we traveled through country towns, dairy farms, coffee plantations, and highland forests. Before the volcano we stopped at a small shop and had the opportunity to try the local wine, cheese (delicious and tastes like Mozzarella) and sugar cane. 9:30 is a little early for vino, but it wasn't half bad (although nothing compares to Sonoma County wine)!
Once we reached the volcano we grabbed our raincoats and starting hiking to the top. The summit of the volcano is 8445 ft which takes you through a cloud forest full of giant leaves, ferns, forests and colorful hydrangeas. Unfortunately after reaching the summit it was too foggy to see anything. I was super bummed, but I overheard several tour guides saying that they have never had the luck of a clear view.
Thank goodness it was time for some cafe and lunch at the famous "tres generaciones" Doka coffee plantation. Beautiful picturesque views of coffee plants everywhere. It was very interesting to hear about the coffee process while also watching it in action.
There was also also a butterfly garden on the plantation and many beautiful butterflies to try and take a picture of.
The Third stop was Grecia, considered one of the cleanest cities in Latin America and with essentially zero crime. We were able to catch a glimpse of the local style with a visit to the central market area 
The last stop on the tour was Sarchi known as the cradle of Costa Rican Artisans because of its fine workshops. We passed many furniture stores with beautiful wood carved items and stopped for a few souvenirs at a local stop.
Although it was a long day of tours I am glad to have seen a little more of Costa Rica so far. Tomorrow morning I will get on a bus for an hour and a half trip to where I will be for the next two weeks, Turrialba. I am anxious to go to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and meet my new host family! I begin Spanish class on Monday and from what I understand will be speaking a lot of it in this not so touristy town.
Until then....
Posted by KristinQ 11/12/2011 18:18 Archived in Costa Rica
