| Over 2 million people visit Costa Rica each year | | | | This strange forest is full of stunted trees where |
| and the majority of them fly into the country via | | | | bonsais and ferns struggle to grow because of |
| San Jose. Less than a quarter of these travelers | | | | the acid rain in the area created by the volcanoes |
| visit spectacular Poas Volcano only 19 miles from | | | | gas emissions. |
| the capital. Poas Volcano is still active and standing | | | | San Jose offers quite a few attractions as well, |
| at the crater's rim watching puffs of sulfur | | | | and if you are flying in and out of this travel hub, |
| escape from the Earths' steaming crust after | | | | it is worth it to take an extra two or three days |
| hiking through lush cloud forest is one of the | | | | to really explore the region. The city itself has |
| highlights of Costa Rica for the lucky travelers | | | | tons of great restaurants, and a booming nightlife |
| who make the trek. There is a second crater | | | | for those looking for a city adventure counterpart |
| filled with turquoise water nearby that is an ideal | | | | to their nature filled Costa Rica vacation. |
| lunch spot and provides a great hike around the | | | | However, San Jose is also a great base for |
| rim for those who still have the energy. | | | | exploring the nearby artisan villages in the |
| Eruptions go back as far as 11 million years with | | | | surrounding highlands. Only an hour from San Jose |
| the most recent activity occurring in 1989, when | | | | sits the charming little village of Sarchi, where |
| the park was closed due to dangerous gas | | | | locals produce the famous Costa Rican oxcarts, |
| emissions. The volcano is part of the 13,800 acre | | | | as well as intricately painted wooden bowls and |
| Volcan Poas National Park which boasts a wide | | | | trays, and a variety of hand carved wooden |
| variety of wildlife and unique plant life. Another | | | | pieces like masks and wind chimes. |
| must-see spot within the park is the dwarf forest. | | | | |