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 55 in Parks in Province of Alajuela

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.

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Poas Volcano Reviews

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3,108 reviews

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By Dave L On July 2, 2018

Increíbles vistas de los crateres de lo que fue un volcan activo alguna vez, estas en 3 cráteres a mas de 3,000 metro de altura y uno de ellos cuenta con una laguna increíble, vale la pena conocerlo y... more »

Incredible views of the craters of a volcano that was active at one time, these 3 crater to more than 3,000 meter high and one of them has an amazing lagoon, worth knowing it and is relatively close San Jose

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By Mdq_87 On June 18, 2018

Fuimos en Mayo y estaba cerrado. Lo que no nos gusto es que no había mucha información sobre si el parque estaba abierto o no.... directamente fuimos a hablar con el guardaparques quien nos informo qu... more »

We went in May and it was closed. Not like us is that not much information had on whether the Park was open or not... directly went to speak with the Rangers who informed us that the Park was closed since it has to build a bunker as a result of the activity volcanic.

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By Jamie M On June 18, 2018

A short ride from downtown San Jose, highly recommended going in the morning to avoid getting a cloudy view. Admission is based by vehicle. There are a few hiking trails (moderately easy to easy) that... more »

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By Kelsey Dunman On March 19, 2018

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!

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By Mercello lippi On July 6, 2018

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.

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By Terrence Stagniton On March 27, 2018

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.

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By Peter Sharkey On April 27, 2018

Still closed when I went. Awesome Shops on the way up though. Should be opening up in May or June.

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By M. Douglas On December 30, 2017

I thought it was great. Easy access from San Jose by bus. You can make an easy day trip out of it.

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