Since being part of the Pacific Fire Ring Circle, the volcanic formations found in Costa Rica can be dated back over 65 million years.
Nowadays only 100 or so show actual volcanic activity, while only five are acutally classified as "active" volcanoes.
The most visited volcano is the Poas located just o
utside of San José, for the best panoramic view we recommend a visit to the Irazú volcano, while the most famous o
f the volcanoes here has to be the Arenal volcano, with the city of La Fortuna exploding with tourism thanks to this natural wonder.
But one of the volcanoes which has been recently making headlines is the Turrialba volcano.
Standing an impressive 3,340m (10,958 ft) above sea level, this magestic volcano has just woken up over the last few years and in January 2010 had a small eruption sending ash over the areas outside of Cartago and San José.
But volcanoes are not all dangerous when active, one of the best parts of an active volcano is the heat and with the Turrialba / Orosi area so rich in rivers, there has to be hot springs!
We decided to take a side trip to the Orosi valley another beautiful destination here in Costa Rica often overlooked due to its location.
The small town of Orosi has been a place where the towns folk grow coffee, sugar cane & have a small niche for tourism.
Only recently is the town receiving more fame for the tourism activities and the outdoor adventure you can find in the area.
There are ATV adventures, rafting, visit to the Tapanti National Park (the road is rough!) located outside the town but worth the visit for the abundance in species of birds.
But another great reason to visit the town other than the delicious food is the natural hot springs.
They are not easy to find and driving directions are necesary, available from locals and local business's but the place is a natural beauty.
There are public pools in Orosi that also have hot spring water, one of the better places is called Los Pati
os on the main road heading out of Orosi.
But we were able to find the natural ones, beside a nice cold flowing river, small pools with amazingly warm water.
Most people find the pools busy on holidays and weekend, as locals do take advantage of the natural pools but is a very relaxing atmosphere and who wouldn't like to be surrounding by nature, relaxing in a hot spring!
We invite you to enjoy the area that few tourists visit, but offers amazing views, great nature and pleasant people.
Looking for somewhere to eat while in Orosi, we recommend Restaurante Coto, the food was delicious, casados are piled with amazing local treats and hit the spot after the hiking the swiming we did that day.
The service is very friendly and the location give a great view of the town and the rolling hills around it!
Want to stay the night in Orosi, we recommend Orosi Lodge, this intimate little lodge offers 6 rooms beautifuly decorated with a small balcony overlooking
the area and the volcanoes with organic coffee in the rooms, another option is the Tetey Lodge located just south of the colonia church, this lodge is offers comfort and the family atmosphere makes you feel at home.
Orosi valley is definately a gem and worth a visit even if just for the day.
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