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Located in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica, Poás Volcano stands as an impressive symbol of the power and beauty of nature. This active volcano, with its impressive crater and lush surroundings, attracts travelers seeking a mix of adventure and natural splendor. Its unique landscape, shaped by geological forces over millennia, offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photographer or simply looking for a breathtaking destination, Poás Volcano promises a trip to explore the volcanic landscape of Costa Rica.
Getting to Poás Volcano National Park
Located about 40 kilometers (24.5 miles) from San José, it’s accessible by various modes of transportation.
- By car: This is the most popular option, as it offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The drive, which usually takes an hour and a half from San José, winds through rolling green hills with beautiful views of the central valley and small villages, offering a glimpse of rural Costa Rican life. You don’t need a 4×4 to get there, the roads are completely paved and in good condition. But they are very narrow and with many curves, so you have to drive slowly and carefully.
- You can see below the route’s links:
- By Public Transportation: Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from San Jose to Poás Volcano. All public transportation routes leave from the center of the province of Alajuela and there is only one route that goes directly to the Volcano, but it leaves only on Saturdays and Sundays.
- This route is once a day leaving from the Terminal El Roble in Alajuela downtown at 9:30 and returning from the National Park at 14:00. The cost of this bus is about $8 roundtrip.
- If you would like to visit the Volcano from Monday to Friday, it will be necessary to take up to 3 buses and a cab to arrive there.
- By Tour: For those seeking a more structured experience, numerous tour operators in San José offer day trips to Poás. These tours often include knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights into the volcano’s history and ecology.
Entrance Fee & Opening Times
Poás Volcano National Park operates with specific visiting hours and an entrance fee system to ensure the conservation of this natural wonder. If you go with a Tour Operator, they will take care of buying the tickets through the government website in charge of the national parks. Don’t worry if they ask for your passport number or other ID, as the government website asks for this information when you make the reservation for the national park.
If you go on your own, it is necessary to book in advance through the government page.
Buy tickets: SINAC- National Park Reservation System
You have to create an account first and then search for Poás Volcano National Park, select a time, enter your personal information and make the purchase.
Once the purchase is completed, the reservation information will be sent to your email. This information is what you need to enter the park.
Entrance Fee:
- Adults: $15
- Child: $5
- The parking fee must be paid at the park in cash or by credit/debit card. Parking: ¢2,000 ($4)
Opening Times:
- The Park is open from 8:00 to 13:30. But the last visitor entrance is at 14:00.
Things to do in Poás Volcano National Park
Once inside the park, the first thing that you will see is the visitor’s center. It’s like the welcome mat of the park. Here, you can learn cool facts about the volcano, its history, and the animals and plants around it. Beside this, you will find a souvenirs and small coffee Shops and the bathrooms.
Exploring the Crater
Next to the Visitor’s center, you will find the main well-maintained pathways to the main attraction, the Poás volcano’s impressive crater, one of the largest in the world.
It will take you about 20 to 30 minutes to get to the crater from the visitor center. This is the main trail and it is easy, everything is flat. It is accessible even for wheelchairs.
Trail Distance: 600 mts (0.37 Miles)
Poás Volcano crater it’s one of the biggest and most active ones in the world! You’ll be amazed by its size and the smoke that gently rises from it. Normally this main crater has a lake, however there have been changes to this lake due to increase of volcanic activity during 2024. So, if you visit during the next few months, you will notice that the crater lake has almost disappeared.
You will see the crater from the observation deck. It’s easy to get to and safe for everyone. It even has small shelters in case of eruptions.
From here, you can see the whole crater in all its glory. On a clear day, the sight is breathtaking.
The Wonderful Botos Lake
After seeing the crater, take a stroll to Botos Lagoon. The trail is close to the crater and is all paved. It will take you about 20 to 30 minutes to get to the Lagoon from the crater. However, it is not easy, it is of moderate level because it has elevated sections and if it has rained it can be slippery.
Trail Distance: 1400 mts (0.87 Miles)
Botos Lagoon is a stunning, green-turquoise lake that fills an inactive crater. Surrounded by lush green forests, it’s like a scene from a fairy tale.
You can return by the same trail or take the Laguna Botos trail on the other side of the lagoon that will take you to the parking lot. But keep in mind that this trail is of moderate level and takes more time since the distance is 1800 mts (1.1 miles).
Wildlife and Birdwatching Opportunities
The Park has several trails suitable for all levels of fitness. These trails wind through cloud forests and pass-through flora and fauna endemic to the region. Birdwatchers will be especially delighted, as the park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the colorful quetzal. For birdwatching consider joining a guided tour and take the Laguna Botos trail with a distance of 1800 mts (1.1 miles)
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Poás Volcano is during Costa Rica’s dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, the skies are clearer, offering better views of the crater. Mornings are particularly recommended as the afternoons often bring clouds and fog, obscuring the views.
It is possible to see the crater during the rainy season (May to November). However, it is necessary to check weather forecasts and arrive as soon as the park opens. Be a few minutes early if necessary. I have visited during this season and have been lucky enough to see it, but I have always booked the 8:00 entrance and arrived before the park opened. This does not guarantee that you will be able to see it, but at least you have a better chance.
Tips for Visiting the Poás Volcano National Park
As a local, these are some of the tips for visiting the Poás Volcano National Park
- No matter if you are going during dry or rainy season for the best experience, try to arrive early. Morning visits usually offer clearer views of the crater before the clouds appear.
- If you want to check the weather, specially to know if you will have clearer views check the live camera:
- Shoes: Choose waterproof hiking shoes with good grip, as trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Even if you go during the dry season, Costa Rica is a tropical country and it might rain a little. During my last visit in January, it had rained the night before and the trails were wet.
- Gear: The essentials for a day trip are a light backpack, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Binoculars are a good complement to observe wildlife and birds.
- Clothing: The weather at Poás can be unpredictable, often changing from sunny to chilly and foggy. Dressing in layers is advisable, with a waterproof jacket for sudden downpours, especially during rainy season, and a sweater as it can get windy at higher altitudes beside that the average temperature is 12 degrees Celsius
- Take a consideration that this is an active Volcano, its last major eruption was in April 2017, so please be attentive to the information provided by the guides and park rangers.
- Once you get to the parking lot you will most likely start to smell the sulfur. Sometimes in the crater the smell is a little stronger, however this is normal and most of the time the smell is not that strong.
- Last Update: Due to its last eruptions, you must wear a helmet (provided by the park), only 56 people can stay at the same time at the crater viewpoint, and the trail from the crater to Botos Lake is closed. To visit the Lake, you must take the trail near the parking lot.
Poás Volcano National Park Tourist Map
Below you will find a map of the national park, as well as recommended locations of other attractions, restaurants and hotels/Airbnb’s nearby.
