Irazú Volcano, Cartago, Costa Rica

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The Irazú is an active stratovolcano located in the ‘Cordillera Central Volcánica’, in Costa Rica. It peaks at 3,432 meters. It is located inside the national park of the same name about thirty kilometers from San Rafael de Oreamuno, in the province of Cartago. It is sometimes called the twin volcano of Turrialba because they rest on the same base. The crater hosts an acid lake. The intra-crater area consists of three main structures: the active part with a diameter of 1 km and a depth of 180 m that hosts a colorful lake; Diego de la Haya Fernández crater (inactive) is located north of the volcanic crater with a depth of 80 m and to the side a large semi-planar structure that corresponds to the remains of an old terrace called Playa Hermosa and we also find remains of an edge of an ancient volcanic crater. Northeast of the main crater are lava flows and south of the main peak is found the pyroclastic cone of Mount Noche Buena, Mount Pasqui and Mount Guardián. The last eruption took place en1963 but frequent earthquakes indicate that magma is still moving under the volcano. There is also a fumarole field that maintains assets northwest in the outer wall of the main crater.

Tips

You can climb to the top of the volcano by car or bus; it will take you 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes from San José. The only problem is that the cloud layer begins to get thick around 10:00, so you must arrive early; the park opens at 8:00. By the way, there is only one bus that leaves San Jose at 8:00 am arriving at the summit at 9h30-10h00 and departs around 12:30. At the top, the temperature drops a lot and usually there is a strong wind, thick fog and a small cold rain then it is better to bring warm clothes and waterproof if possible. There is no accommodation or camping in the park, just a small reception center where you can have a coffee to warm you after the visit and toilets. The best season to visit is the dry season, between January and April. If possible do not go on weekends or public holidays to be able to visit out of the crowd. Because of the altitude, you may feel that you lack a little oxygen, stay calm because this is normal.

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Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

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The Yas Marina Circuit is a race track that hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 since November 2009, it is located on Yas Island, half an hour from Abu Dhabi. The same company that built the circuit, has also built a theme park on the island, the Ferrari World; a marina, residential areas, sports and leisure facilities as well as hotels and resorts. The circuit is 5.55 km long with 21 corners, a long straight and a pin, between the marina and the sand dunes. The stands are quite spacious and the  exit of the pit lane passes under the track through a tunnel. The departure takes place day and night of arrival and cars go in the anticlockwise direction. The lighting is done through powerful illuminated projectors. Apart from Formula 1, the circuit is used for many other activities such as karting, motorcycle, marathons, etc. There is also a conference room that can be rented for events.

Tips

If you want to attend the Grand Prix, you have to make reservations well in advance, especially if you also want to stay in a hotel next to the circuit. For the various activities and events, check out their website.

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The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru

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The Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley is located in the Andes of Peru, near the capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco, and over the sacred city of Machu Picchu; it includes all that is between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River (sacred river that runs through this valley). It is fed by numerous rivers that descend from the adjoining valleys and gorges and includes many archaeological sites and villages. The Incas had chosen this place for its geographical and climatic characteristics; it was one of the main points for the extraction of natural resources, and there they found the Peruvian corn increased production. “Little Cusco” overlooks the Sacred Valley above the village of Lamay and the town of Calca. It was a former residence of the Inca rulers that can be reached on foot. You can also visit the site of Yucay; summer residence of the Sapa Inca. There is a great system of terraces and irrigation canals. There are the remains of the palace of the last Inca, consisting of a ‘cancha’ (enclosure surrounded by a stone wall and adobe) and several individual houses separated by courtyards and interior partition walls, the traditional Inca palace may cover several hectares. In addition of Ollantaytambo, the communities of Huilloc and Patacancha are the most accessible and welcome some tourists each year. There are also other small communities that live in the mountains that lead to the path of the Incas.

Tips

The best way to visit the Sacred Valley is taking a tour with a guide in your language to also experience the rich history of the Incas. On the same day they will show you 3 or 4 sites depending on what you would like to see. You can also visit the sites taking public transport but at that time, you will do your best and take directions and go with a map. Taking a taxi is another option, a little more expensive but you can agree with the driver for a fixed price of return.
Wear comfortable shoes or sports ones, take water, sunglasses, sunscreen and of course your camera.

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