Poas Volcano National Park

The basics

Poas Volcano (Volcán Poás in Spanish) makes for a thrilling day-trip destination from San Jose. Full-day tours regularly depart from the city for the volcano and often combine a visit with other popular Costa Rica activities such as white-water rafting, touring a coffee farm, or checking out the five waterfalls and animal exhibits at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

At Poas Volcano National Park, admire the mile-long (1.6-kilometer-long) crater, dotted with smoking fumaroles and home to the deep, rain-fed Botos Lagoon. The lagoon is turquoise and considered one of the most acidic lagoons on earth. Most people find the stunning view accessible via the paved trail. Two slightly longer hikes offer incredible opportunities to spot colorful bird species like hummingbirds, tanagers, and the elusive quetzal.

Things to know before you go

• Dress in layers and prepare for rain, as it can be cold and wet near the crater.

• The visitor center is wheelchair accessible.

• On-site facilities include parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and a café with some food options.

• Limit your time at the crater to 10-20 minutes as the gas is not healthy; when gas levels are too high, the park may close.

• You must purchase Poas Volcano National Park tickets in advance, online.

How to get there

Although it’s just 30 miles from San Jose, the drive to Poas Volcano takes about 1.5 hours. The parking lot has security, but you’ll have to pay to park. Of course, the easiest way to visit Poas Volcano is as part of a guided day tour where you can leave the driving up to an experienced local driver. Costa Rica’s roads are infamous, and part of the drive to Poas Volcano is steep and windy.

The park is also accessible via public transportation, but don’t plan on doing it unless you feel comfortable asking locals for help. Take the TUASA bus from San Jose to Alajuela. From there, take the nonstop bus to the national park. It only runs on the weekends, and it does not run all day.

When to get there

Get the best views when you visit early in the day during the dry season (December through April). Clouds typically roll in around noon, and many of the park’s facilities close by 3pm. If you do visit in the rainy, or green, season (May through November), you may not see the volcano crater. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a glimpse of the lagoon, but there are no guarantees.

Note: some visitors who don’t see the lagoon on their first hike up, hike back down to kill time in the gift shop (it sells locally sourced Costa Rican products) before trying again. Often, on their second trip up, there will be a break in the clouds, and they’ll get to see the lagoon which they say is well worth it.

Other Costa Rican volcanoes

The Poas Volcano is far from Costa Rica's only volcanic attraction in the Central Valley. Geothermically inclined visitors should make a note to visit Irazú Volcano National Park. Irazú Volcano is Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, and it’s also home to a crater lake.

Of course, most visitors to Costa Rica have Arenal Volcano National Park on their bucket list, too. Arenal Volcano, a perfectly-shaped stratovolcano now covered in rainforest, was the country’s most active volcano until 2010. Guided hiking, adventure, or sightseeing tours depart for Costa Rica's volcanic hot spots daily.