Irazu Volcano, Ujarras ruins, and Cartago

This past Sunday we traveled to see the Irazu Volcano, the Ujarras ruins, and the Basilica in Cartago. I was super excited to go to Irazu Park because it was my first time ever going to a volcano and I wasn't sure what to expect! Irazu is located in the Cordillera Central, about 15 miles East of San Jose. As we drove to Irazu, which is 11,260 feet in altitude above sea level, I was surprised at how different the land was. We began to see cattle and larger plants as we got closer to the clouds. There were fewer homes and it started to look more rural. As soon as we got off the bus we walked a bit to see a fabulous view of the volcano. It was not exactly what I expected, but it was still a beautiful view of the craters; it was a sunny and gorgeous day to be there. After our first views we decided to trek to the highest point. After about a half hour hike up to the top, I was thrilled with the view. It was not what I had anticipated a volcano to look like; the view was filled with the craters and the lake and beautiful clouds, but it did not look like a typical model of a volcano. The impeccable weather and view made the trek to the highest point worth it. I also learned that although there are few inhabitants in this environment, the slopes of the volcano are full of potato, onion, cabbage fields, and dairy farms-- all of these resources are important for Costa Rica's economy.

After the Volcano we stayed in the Orosi Valley to have lunch at the Cafetal La Casona. After enjoying our time at the buffet with a pretty lake area, we headed to the Ujarras Ruins. Here we saw many families spending the gorgeous afternoon in the park. We also saw the oldest Church that was built in the 1690s. It is surrounded by gardens and mountains. The ruins are reflective of how the first settlers began to civilize the natives hundreds of years ago in the Orosi Valley. I was surprised to see that many people visiting; beforehand I thought of the ruins as solely a tourist attraction. However, as we were exploring I realized it is also a park and a peaceful place for families and children to enjoy.

Our final stop of the day was the Basilica in Cartago. We happened to arrive there just as Sunday mass was finishing up. It also happened to be January 6th, Dia de Los Reyes Magos, or the Epiphany. For this reason I think there were more people at mass. I never thought about how religious people are here. I think the majority of people in Costa Rica have a strong faith. After we visited the Basilica, our host brother told us about the pilgrimage on August 2nd. On this day people will walk to the Basilica and may travel for up to 2 weeks to get there. Once they arrive they will go up to the alter on their knees to pray. I was surprised at how many people do this each year; it is interesting to see how religion is such a huge part of the Costa Rican culture.

On this excursion we had the opportunity to learn about the history of Costa Rica, see and experience the beautiful nature that the country has and preserves, and experience a little bit of the current daily lives of Costa Ricans. It was a long but terrific day exploring the culture of Costa Rica!

 Esther and I at the Irazu Volcano

 La Basilica

 Irazu Volcano

Ujarras Ruins