major reconstruction of roads now under way

Earthquake January 2009 Vara Blanca, Costa Rica

Six Months After major Earthquake hit Costa Rica

At 1:21 p.m. on January 8, 2009 a massive 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Costa Rica with it’s epicenter  nineteen miles NW of the capital city of San Jose , on the southeastern  flank of the Poas Volcano.  The populated areas of Vara Blanca and Cinchona were greatly affected.   Homes were destroyed, mudslides occured, and bridges were downed. Forty seven people were killed and over one hundred were injured.
Tourism to this area was completely disrupted.
Now, six months later, homes are being repaired and rebuilt with the help of many volunteer groups and the roads are under reconstruction by the Costa Rican government.
Tourism is back to normal except one cannot drive to the Arenal Volcano going the “back route”  around the eastern flank of the Poas Volcano.

The biggest tourism attraction in the area, The La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge was hard hit.  However, it is now July and they have reopened to tourism after a major reconstruction.  The road leading to the lodge is under major repair but is navigable.  Tourist buses as well as cars are getting there  without any problems.the Poas

The Volcano National Park Entrance station, the small museum, and coffee shop located near the walk up to the crater did not sustain much damage and  was open for tourism after one week of repairs.  And now hundreds of visitors each day arrive and enjoy the park.
I include these photos so you can see the major damage that some of the homes sustained.  Also you can see the massive  reconstruction under way to rebuild  the roads.

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