Volcanos

[bengalvfan]

We really want to see one of the volcanos in Puntarenas. Not sure which one to see, Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs OR Poás Volcano National Park. Also which tour guide did you use? We are leaning towards Odyssey Tour since it seems to be the most commented on CC boards. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. We are sailing on the NCL Pearl out of LA on Oct 4.

[CruiserBruce]

Puntarenas is in Costa Rica, so you might want to look on the Costa Rica board. I see you have already posted there.

[pilotdane]

Personally I would not do either as a day cruise excursion but if I had to pick I'd go with Poas just because you can get there and back more quickly. The Arenal parks are on the far side of the lake (or, at least much of the road access is) and quite a drive from Puntarenas where Poas has better roads for much of the trip so you can at least get to the area quicker.

 

I'm not a fan of doing either as a day trip because the likelihood of the summit being visible and erupting is slim and depends on the weather and the mountain. It is not uncommon for the summit to be shrouded in clouds for days so it all depends on luck & the weather.

 

I do love seeing the volcanoes. I've been at the base of Arenal and felt the ground shake and seen material ejected and sliding down the mountain and it's a very cool experience. Best I think would be if you could come spend a week in Costa Rica and stay at a hotel somewhere with a volcano view. Do some day trips & hot springs... then you'll turn around one time and the mountain will be clear.