Few volcanoes allow you to drive all the way to the rim. Poás does – well, at least to within 300 meters, where a short stroll puts you at the very edge of one of the world’s largest active craters (1.5 km wide).

The viewing terrace gives a bird’s-eye view not only 320 meters down into the hellish bowels of the volcano, with its greenish sulfuric pool, but also magnificently down over the northern lowlands.

Poás (2,708 meters) is a restless giant with a 40-year active cycle. It erupted moderately in the early 1950s and was briefly active in 1989, when the access road was closed, and again in May 1994, when the park was temporarily closed.

In July and August 1994, it rumbled dramatically. The park is frequently closed to visitors because of pungent and irritating sulfur gas emissions – many plants bear the scars of acid attacks.

Over the millennia it has vented its anger through three craters. Two now slumber under a blanket of vegetation; one even cradles a lake. But the main crater bubbles persistently with active fumaroles and a simmering lake.

The sulfuric pool frequently changes hues and emits a geyser up to 200 meters into the steam-laden air. The water level of the lake has gone down about 15 meters during the past decade, one of several indications of a possible impending eruption. In the 1950s a small eruption pushed up a new cone on the crater floor; the cone is now 200 feet high and still puffing.

Oft as not it is foggy up here and mist floats like an apparition through the dwarf cloud forest draped with bromeliads and mosses. Clouds usually form midmorning. Plan an early-morning arrival to enhance your chances of a cloud-free visit.

Temperatures vary widely. On a sunny day it can be 21° C (70° F). On a cloudy day, it is normally bitterly cold and windy at the crater rim. Dress accordingly.

Poás is popular on weekends with local Ticos who arrive by the busload with their blaring radios. Visit midweek if possible. Hours: daily 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The gates close promptly at 3:30 p.m.

Trails

The Botos Trail just before the viewing platform leads to an extinct crater filled with a cold-water lake – Botos. This and the Escalonia Trail, which begins at the picnic area, provide for pleasant hikes.

The park protects the headwaters of several important rivers, and the dense forests are home to emerald toucanets, coyotes, resplendent quetzals, sooty robins, hummingbirds, frogs, and the Poás squirrel, which is endemic to the volcano.

One Day Tours To Poas Volcano

  • Poas Volcano, Gredia and Sarchi (Lunch included) Only US$54 per person
  • Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls and Gardens (Lunch included) Only US$68 per person
  • The Best of Costa Rica – 4 in 1! (Breakfast and lunch included) Only US$80 per person

WeLoveCostaRica.com Preferred Travel Company:

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As a VIP Member of WeLoveCostaRica.com if you mention that you were recommended by WeLoveCostaRica.com when you make your travel arrangements with Carlson Wagonlit, you will receive FREE access to the VIP Lounge at the San Jose international airport.

For reservations or for further information about this fascinating destination, please email Mrs. Marlene Gayle or, telephone Marlene in Costa Rica at (506) 280-0122 of fax Costa Rica (506) 280-2449


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