Trip Planner:   Central America  /  Costa Rica  /  Province of Alajuela  /  Poas Volcano National Park  /  Poas Volcano

Poas Volcano, Poas Volcano National Park

4.2
#4 of 53 in Parks in Province of Alajuela
Volcano National Park Must See
Observe firsthand the geothermal forces that created much of Costa Rica at Poas Volcano. Located within a national park, this active stratovolcano in the central part of the country features a giant crater over 1 km (0.6 mi) in diameter. Although the last major eruption occurred back in the 1950s, on most days you can see mud and water shooting high up into the air. These minor blowouts are caused by deposits of liquid sulphur, which wreaks havoc on the surrounding ecosystem. Just south of there you can see an inactive crater filled by a lake and surrounded by lush cloud forest. Begin your visit at the wheelchair-accessible visitor center, which marks the starting point of one of the park's main trails. Wear shoes suitable for rugged terrain, and keep in mind that due to its location above the frost line, the park often experiences below-freezing temperatures. Using our custom trip planner, Poas Volcano National Park attractions like Poas Volcano can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
Improve this listing »
Create an itinerary including Poas Volcano
map
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Poas Volcano Tours
Costa Rica Day Trip from San Jose BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $114
5
238 reviews
Duration: 10 hours
Buy tours from $114
White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $95
5
5 reviews
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $95
Combo Tour Poás Volcano -Doka Coffee Plantation and La Paz Waterfall Gardens BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $137
3.5
6 reviews
Duration: 10 hours
Buy tours from $137
Poas Volcano Reviews
Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
3,137 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • By kimrabel
    My husband and I heard that the volcano was now open again. We decided to make a reservation and see it as we were nearby. We were so glad we took the time to stop. We arrived 20 minutes earlier than ...  more »
  • By brumi918
    It is a place where the views are truly extraordinary. A visit not to be missed. I recommend to go early in the morning is when it is more clear.
    View original
  • By Gary G
    We watched daily till we had a clear day. Headed out and had a clear view of the volcano. Brilliant teal blue, hard to believe it's real. Great rain forest walk, this is a must see and do.  more »
View more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Kelsey Dunman
    Because the hike is not bad at all, why not go and see this treasure? I’ve been twice, once when I was 12 and again when I was 20. It was still the same, beautiful place that isn’t over crowded and shouldn’t take up more than an hour of your day. I wouldn’t recommend traveling great lengths to see it though, only if it is on your way to other adventures. There is no place to eat so bring your own lunch!
  • By Mercello lippi
    The park has been closed for the last year and half, local shops really suffered due to the closure. The drive through the mountains is amazing and local coffee shops and sodas deserve a stopover.
  • By Terrence Stagniton
    e park has been closed since April 13, 2017 due to increased and unpredictable volcanic activity; the latest update is that officials were petitioned on October 23rd to reopen the park since the volcano had been quite for several months. The decision whether to reopen or not is still pending so the best course of action is to call the phone number at the top of the attraction listing for the current status. Even if the park is closed, the drive up the side of the volcano offers some spectacular views and there are a number of quaint shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
  • By Peter Sharkey
    Still closed when I went. Awesome Shops on the way up though. Should be opening up in May or June.
  • By M. Douglas
    I thought it was great. Easy access from San Jose by bus. You can make an easy day trip out of it.
View more on Google »
Places to stay near Poas Volcano

Plan your trip to Poas Volcano National Park

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Poas Volcano National Park

Parque Recreativo Los Manantiales
2.2
Duration: 3​h
©
Doka Estate Coffee Tour
4.4
Duration: 3​h

Side trips from Poas Volcano National Park

©
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Vara Blanca
4.6
Duration: 4​h
©
Tirimbina Biological Reserve
La Virgen
4.5
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Orosi River Valley ( El Valle del Rio Orosi )
Province of Cartago
4.8
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park
La Virgen
4.6
Duration: 1​h 30​min
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Plans to Poas Volcano by other users

12 days in San Jose BY A USER FROM ISRAEL February, popular sights PREFERENCES: February ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 15 days in Grecia BY A USER FROM PORTUGAL April, popular sights PREFERENCES: April ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 12 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM INDONESIA February, popular sights PREFERENCES: February ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 12 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES May, popular sights PREFERENCES: May ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 8 days in Volos, Thessaloniki & Grecia BY A USER FROM ISRAEL April, popular sights PREFERENCES: April ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 5 days in San Jose & Roatan BY A USER FROM COSTA RICA April, popular sights PREFERENCES: April ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 60 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, kids, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: June, kids, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM EGYPT May, popular sights PREFERENCES: May ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 8 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM COSTA RICA April, outdoors, popular sights PREFERENCES: April, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 11 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES November, popular sights PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 10 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM ARGENTINA March, popular sights PREFERENCES: March ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 18 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM COSTA RICA March, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular sights PREFERENCES: March, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium
View more plans