See it all in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica
I have traveled to Vara Blanca several times over the last few years and was deeply saddened by the effect that the January 8th earthquake had on the people. Life in Vara Blanca is simple – farms, coffee plantations and tourism sustain this area outside of Alajuela. My hope is that by now, the roads are clear and all is as close to ‘back to normal as possible’.
One of the treats of Vara Blanca is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. While it has become a little too touristy for my taste, I still would go there for a few specific reasons:
Family – La Paz is easy. The trails are great and there is plenty to see. If you have smaller ones, the ability to see monkeys, exotic birds, snakes (behind glass) poison dart frogs, waterfalls and butterflies all await you. Just pay your fee and away you go for an entire day of discovery.- Photography – Since there is so much to see up close and personal, photo junkies can’t help but to break out their zoom and macro lens. When I go, I ensure that I have something that reaches out to 200 mm and have a macro lens with at least 1:1 magnification ratio. When I go, my bag has my Nikon 18-200 VR and 105 Micro.
- Waterfalls – The trails down the waterfalls are beautiful. Tons of photo opportunities and the views will leave you speechless. The trails can take as long as you want them to take, but if you go at a good clip, expect to lose your breath a few times and spend 45 minutes in awe.
There are a few good restaurants at La Paz, but when the buses are there (tourists), it can be a feeding frenzy. Steer towards the typical food (rice and beans) vs. pizza and burgers and you will eat more, faster. Recently, they have also built rooms so that you can extend your stay for a few days (1 or 2 is the most I would stay) rather than limit yourself to a single day trip.
All in all, Vara Blanca is a fun, family location. Now, more than ever, the people there could use your help.
