gailching

Oh, and we would likely stop at the church in Cartago on the way to Lankaster Gardens.

We are going to have a driver.

Is it worthwhile to see Irazu volcano? How is it different from Poas Volcano?

Should we drop Irazu and spend more time at the other locations or go to another location in the area? Suggestions?

THANKS (boy, do I ever ask a lot of questions

seawitch1

We were going to do Irazu before our trip to the church and Lankester Gardens. Unfortunately, the clouds were in and we didn't make the trip. Yes, you can do all in a day.

We ended up visiting the Basilica, Lankester Gardens, had lunch at Sanchiri Lodge (great view and I would recommend it) and then hit the Gold Museum and National Theatre. The National Theatre is very pretty inside as is the Basilica...I would not pass up the opportunity to visit these places.

As far as the difference between the two, I can't say because the clouds were in when we tried to get to Poas as well.

sandyc

You can do it in one day. We often do a tour of the old church in Orosi, the Basilica, Lankaster Gardens, lunch at Sanchiri and Irazu in one day and we don't feel rushed. Irazu is pretty interesting. It's a crater type and the drive up is very nice. Sometimes we are driving above the clouds, which is very cool and different and the scenery is great. I've never seen Poas--too cloudy so I don't know, but Arenal is definitely the most impressive volcano to me. When you go through Lankaster Gardens, go with a naturalist guide. We went with Gustavo Leon, who knows so much about plants and made it very interesting. [email protected]. For that matter, he made Irazu and the Basilica very interesting too. I did the same tour with another guide and it wasn't the same.

Sandy

gailching

aaahh...now I want to do EVERYTHING!

I would like to do Irazu, Lankaster and orosi....and also stop by the national theatre and maybe even the central market (is this worth it if i'm going to Sarchi). Now I'm probably pushing it with time

Is the basilica different from the old church in Orosi?

sandyc

I would save the San Jose stuff for another day. Really I think that's pushing it. It will take all day to do the other things. The Basilica is way different than the old church in Orosi. Go to both. It doesn't take long to see the church in Orosi--just a quick stroll through. It's very small but interesting. The basilica has a very interesting legend, and it's huge and people from all over CR do a pilgrimage there every year. There are all of these little charms of body parts that were left for the virgin for healing them, and one time I went into the sanctuary when it was full of people praying. The energy was so strong and incredible that I couldn't move from my spot. It was really something... If you want to stay in the area, a very charming hotel is Rancho Rio Perlas. A little over an hour from the SJ airport and very close to the old church in Orosi.

Sandy