Poas Volcano Costa Rica
Poas Volcano, Costa Rica

 

Costa Rica is famous for its dense jungles, exotic wildlife and stunning beaches. Tens of thousands of people come here every year to explore the national parks of this tropical paradise. The province of Heredia is renowned for its volcanoes, and if you're looking for the ultimate exotic adventure, come with me to tour the volcanic peaks of Heredia!

Foothills near Barva Volcano
Foothills near Barva Volcano

Braulio Carrillo National Park

The first stop on your volcano exploration adventure should be Braulio Carrillo National Park. Located in the heart of Heredia province, this sprawling wildlife reserve boasts lush rainforests and magnificent views. It is also home to the dormant Barva Volcano, which some experts believe last erupted in the 1700s.

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This mighty mountain is characterized by its three distinct peaks, and locals often refer to Barva as Las Tres Marías, or The Three Marys. The top of the largest of the three is filled with water, and is known as Barva Lagoon. If you decide to hike to the summit of Barva Volcano, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.



Poas Volcano National Park

A short distance west from Braulio Carrillo National Park lies Poas Volcano National Park. This stunningly beautiful wildlife refuge is home to the volcanic peak of the same name, as well as some of Costa Rica's most exotic bird species such as the resplendent quetzal.

Unlike its neighbor to the east, this volcano is highly active - in geological terms, anyway! Poas Volcano has erupted at least 39 times since the early 1800s, and today, you can see two bubbling crater lakes at the summit of the mountain. These lagoons are filled with highly acidic water, and often steam and bubble due to the pressure of the gases released by the volcano! The larger of the two lakes is known as Laguna Caliente, and is one of the most acidic lagoons in the world. The smaller pool, Lake Botos, was formed when Poas erupted in approximately 7,500 BCE.

Poas Volcano Crater
Poas Volcano Crater

Prehistoric wonder

There's no better way to appreciate the stunning majesty and power of nature than by touring Heredia's volcanoes. Hiking up these mighty mountains is an adventure in itself, and the spectacular views from the summit of the volcanoes is breathtaking. So, if you're the adventurous type who wants to take your Costa Rica vacation to the next level, why not explore these prehistoric marvels?