La Paz Waterfall Garden

On Tuesday, we headed up the mountain to explore the Poas Volcano and the La Paz Waterfall Garden.  Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the volcano due zero visibility.  Evidentially, it is very rare for the weather to allow for a glimpse of the volcano.  I did read that if a person visited the volcano on a clear day, one could see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean.  Anyway, so off we went up the mountain and deep into rainforest.  The further we drove out of the city and higher in elevation we rose, the greener every plant seemed to be as we entered the rainforest.  As a former resident of Montana, I felt more and more at home. Finally, we arrived at the La Paz Waterfall Garden.  The air was fresh although slightly thin.  We made our way through a small gift shop and out the back of the store.  This is where the rainforest truly began for me.  A small paved trail rolled downhill and lead to all the exotic birds and animals’ exhibits that claim the Costa Rican rainforest home.  The first on list were the brightly colored toucans that were very accustomed to eating fresh fruit out of humans’ hands, which made for an unforgettable experience and photo opportunities!  We then made our way through another tropical bird exhibits and onto the monkeys.  My favorite monkey was the Cappuccino monkey, or white-faced monkeys.  These monkeys were very cute and entertaining as they were not shy.  They seemed to put on a show for us as they chased each other around their cage with spectacular speed and agility.  Next, we walked through hummingbirds and butterfly sections.  I cannot believe how fast the hummingbirds were as they raced throughout the air with blazing speed and inches past our heads.  Also, we viewed the jungle cats that were all fast asleep inside hollowed out trees.  And finally we had some very tasty cheese and hot tea before we prepared for a steep challenging descent to the waterfalls.

After a short ways down, we realized why it is called a rainforest as Mother Nature opened the floodgates and we enjoyed a fresh tropical rainfall.  Many people wore ponchos or had umbrellas, but a few of us this was the experience that we were hoping for.  It would have been disappointing to not be drenched in rain in the rainforest.  Once we finally reached the waterfalls, smiles spread like a powerful firestorm.  Everybody took turns taking pictures and some of us could not help but drink the water!  For me, this was the highlight of the trip, being deep one of the most remote parts of the world and surrounded by the best aspects that our planet as provided.  It is this experience that defines Costa Rica, as a country with an incredible commitment and dedication to protecting the environment.