Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
entrance. The upstairs restaurant's wraparound picture windows offer gorgeous sunset per-
spectives, while a roaring fireplace invites convivial pre- and post-dinner conversation.
Downstairs, four comfortable, contemporary rooms have satellite TV, excellent wi-fi and
stunning views.
East of Poás
About 10km before the entrance to the national park, a winding, paved road heads east
through Poasito, crossing bucolic high pastureland en route to the village of Vara Blanca,
where it turns north towards the famed La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This is scenic, un-
cluttered countryside - the ideal place for a pleasant drive or to spend the night.
Poás Volcano Lodge
LODGE
US$145, master ste US$195-295; )
For contemporary class in an idyllic rural setting, visit this high-altitude dairy farm, whose
dozen suites combine rusticity and elegance; the best have balcony and private garden and/
or fireplace. Spacious, inviting common areas include a games room and a library. More
than 3km of hiking trails offer views of the volcano (and all the way to Nicaragua!) on
clear days.
Colbert Restaurant
FRENCH
At this charming restaurant with lovely views, 6km east of Poasito, the toque-clad, amply
mustachioed French chef Joël Suire looks like he's straight out of Central Casting. Natur-
ally, the menu is loaded with traditional French items such as onion soup and house-made
paté. A good wine list (bottles from US$16) is strong on vintages from South America and
France.
Information
Some 250,000 people visit the park annually, making Poás the most packed national park
in the country; weekends get especially jammed. The best time to go is on a weekday in
the dry season. In particular, arrive early in the morning before the clouds obscure the
