Poás Volcano National Park attracts a significant number of visitors and is the second most-visited national park in Costa Rica. The volcano itself stands at 2,708 meters above sea level and has been emitting gases since 1989, which have led to acid rain affecting the flora in some areas of the park and nearby agricultural plantations. Poás Volcano is a highly popular national park in Costa Rica due to its gently active volcano and triplet craters. The park boasts of a 0.9 miles wide second-widest crater in the world, which holds a turquoise lagoon known for its high acidity. In addition, there is another crater that no longer has volcanic activity, where you can find a cold-water lake called Botos Lagoon. Visitors can explore the park through various trails that lead to the volcano’s craters, cloud forests, and different habitats.
At the summit, there are two craters – the main one measures 1.5 km in diameter and is 300 meters deep. The Botos lagoon, which is a source of cold water and solely fed by rainwater, is also located at the summit and drains into the Angel River, a tributary of the Sarapiqui River. The volcano continues to emit large amounts of gas and water vapor through various fumaroles situated in the inner cone of the crater.
Mita Yoyoyo
March 25, 2023 at 8:28 pmFortunately, we arrived when the volcano was visible, and the scenery was genuinely breathtaking. However, currently, only the viewpoint trail is accessible, and visitors are only permitted to remain at the viewpoint for a maximum of 20 minutes. As it takes around an hour to drive here from San Jose, we would have preferred to have more time to explore the region. It’s essential to bring a jacket as it can get cold, and it’s recommended to book in advance online.
Helena Ra
March 25, 2023 at 8:27 pmIt’s cool that you can drive quite close to the view point, because it’s 2500m high. The best time to visit this place from February to September at any time a day, but the morning is the best (c) local personal. The worst time… now, between the seasons (nov-dec), since you will see literally nothing.
Kathy Hua
March 25, 2023 at 8:26 pmBeautiful experience, nice place to visit in Costa Rica, our tour guide was great, security measures are serious at the park, I recommend visit in the AM to see the volcano before the fog covers it.
David Diez
March 25, 2023 at 8:25 pmAt the top, an attendant waits and meticulously stops the time of 20 minutes as soon as the first of the group has arrived. So, if you dangle on the short way, you have less of the view.
Speaking of views. We had the bad luck to see nothing. At 11:00 in the morning it is already cloudy. So be sure to book the first slot!
Meanwhile, we enjoyed the hummingbirds along the way.
Meena Escalante
March 25, 2023 at 8:23 pmThe location is fantastic and offers breathtaking views. The authorities have ensured that the visit is secure and well-coordinated for moderate crowds. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting on rainy or cloudy days as the visibility is poor due to the high altitude, and you may not be able to see the actual crater. Please prioritize your safety and enjoy the experience!
Helpful ReviewRonald Logrono
March 25, 2023 at 8:22 pmMake sure to book your reservation online before you arrive. If you haven’t, don’t worry, you can use the park’s wifi to make the reservation and purchase tickets upon arrival. Once you park your car, it’s a 10-minute walk to the crater where you can see the beautiful acid light blue lake. It’s important to arrive early as the afternoon clouds can make it difficult to see the crater. A path next to the crater takes you around the rainforest on the volcano, where you can spot beautiful trees and hummingbirds. The walk lasts about 30 minutes, depending on your speed. Overall, it’s a good experience, but if you’re on a budget, paying the admission fee may not be necessary. If the clouds are thick, it can be difficult to see the crater, but if you’re fortunate to visit on a clear day, the view is stunning. Keep in mind that the other trails in the park are closed, and you’re limited to 20 minutes at the main crater. The smell of sulfur is noticeable at times, and safety is taken seriously, with air quality sensors and concrete shelters available. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in person at the small shop prior to the entrance. A live webcam of the crater is available, allowing you to check if it’s visible or covered in clouds. The park is a one-hour drive from San Jose, so bring a jacket as it can get chilly. It’s an extraordinary place to visit, and the administration has made it safe and organized for midsize crowds. However, it’s best to avoid rainy or cloudy days as the altitude can limit visibility.
Nimoo
March 25, 2023 at 4:41 pmWe came early in the morning 08:20 and enjoyed an amazing view. We didn’t have any time limit for staying near the volcano. Later we took the road back to the parking through the lagoon. Very nice view and walk – Took us about an hour to get back to the car. We got the tickets online for 15$ each and payed around 2500c for the parking. Near the parking there is a nice coffee and snacks to end the walk.
Tikoo
March 25, 2023 at 4:40 pmActive volcano where you can go to the edge of the crater. Its allow only 50 people for 20minutes because it’s still active volcano. You can park car quite near the volcano, but weather is little bit tricky. Mostly is cloudy and you nor see the crater. Still the feeling is amazing