La Postita

Turrialba Volcano is part of the Central Mountain Range and it is located in Cartago province. To go to Turrialba Volcano, you go to La Pastora town, approximately 45 minutes from Turrialba. The stratovolcano is 3,329 meters high and the summit has three craters, one of which has fumaroles and sulfur pits; the central crater is accessible by walking. Below the summit is a montane rain and cloud forest, with ferns, bromeliads, lichens, and mosses.

Whitewater rafting is only a half-hour away from your home-away-from-home. There are a couple of first rate rafting rivers:

1. Reventazón River (Class II - III Rapids) - 1 day; and
2. Rio Pacuare (Class III - IV) 1 or 2 days.

Rafting Rio Reventazón: After a brief safety talk and instruction period, the nine mile run of the Reventazón River begins by starting with fairly easy rapids and facing the most challenging water just before the take out point. Minimum age 12 years old. Breakfast and lunch included. Ideal trip for beginners. Duration: 10-12 hours.

Rafting Rio Pacuare: Travel to San Martin to Siquirres (about 18 miles). During the 2 day trip, the first morning on the river is approx. 4 miles; the afternoon is at your disposal at the river jungle camp for hiking, swimming or simply relaxing. The facilities are very rustic, comfortable rooms. The second days experience will take you through the spectacular gorge of Rio Pacuare with amazing amounts of rapids and waterfall thundering into the river. Lunch will be served along the river. Some side hikes down river may be scheduled if the group desires or more valuable relax time can be spent at camp in the morning.

Wildlife of Costa Rica: Costa Rica's climate and geography are great for supporting a wide variety of wildlife. Sometimes known as the "biological crossroads" of the world, Costa Rica's inhabitants are made up of more than 500,000 species of animal.

Insects of Costa Rica: There are about 1,250 species of butterflies and at least 8,000 species of moths. Butterflies and moths are common year round but are more present during the rainy season. Costa Rican butterflies and moths have made amazing adaptations to the environment. For example: Swallowtail caterpillars imitate bird droppings and many others have bright colors to warn predators of bodily toxins. What someone would easily identify as a butterfly or a wasp, in Costa Rica could well be a moth in camouflage.

Amphibians in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is home to around 175 amphibians, which include frogs. Frogs in Costa Rica have interesting ways of finding fishless water to raise their young in. Fish, of course, will eat Tadpoles and eggs. Poison Dart Frogs put their eggs in water pools in bromeliads.

Birds of Costa Rica: Although Costa Rica is a small country, it is a bird-rich tropical region, and has a huge number of species for its area with 894 bird species recorded in the country (including Cocos Island), with seven endemics. 19 species are globally threatened.

La Postita is a great place to hang out and relax. What I like the most is the feeling of being in your own home. If you're in Costa Rica to explore and study the environment or ecology, La Postita offers the solitude and quietness to write up your notes, recuperate, and plan your next outing. Depending on the interest and demand, internet and VOIP may be provided in the near future. This would provide contact with the rest of the world and resource information at your fingertips.

Now, for the hungry: One can make pancake mix from scratch (great recipe provided) and cook up a great breakfast. I especially like to walk throughout the expanse of the grounds to stretch my legs and check out the fruit trees, grab a banana. Along with breakfast you can’t beat the fresh aroma of Costa Rican beans, freshly ground and hot water poured over cloth sieve full of fresh ground coffee beans for that savory cup of hot coffee and toast.

You will sit back and say: Aaaahh! What a great life!