Poás Volcano National Park
Witness the raw power of an active stratovolcano with its intensely blue, acidic crater lake. Explore cloud forests and learn about geology.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Poás Volcano National Park
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the raw power of an active stratovolcano with its intensely blue, acidic crater lake. Explore cloud forests and learn about geology.
"Absolutely breathtaking! Poás Volcano is something out of this world."
🎯 Book Online Ahead of Time
Tickets are essential and must be purchased online in advance. Don't miss out! :ticket:
☁️ Aim for Clear Weather
Fog can obscure views. Check forecasts and try to visit on a clear day for the best crater visibility. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laguna Caliente Crater
Main Crater Viewpoint
Witness the intensely blue, acidic lake of the active stratovolcano. A truly otherworldly sight!
Laguna Botos Trail
Trail near the main crater
A serene hike through a cloud forest leading to a beautiful, peaceful lake. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds!
Volcano Museum
Visitor Center
Learn about the volcano's history, geology, and the unique ecosystem surrounding it.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Park Status & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online Ahead of Time
Tickets are essential and must be purchased online in advance. Don't miss out! :ticket:
☁️ Aim for Clear Weather
Fog can obscure views. Check forecasts and try to visit on a clear day for the best crater visibility. :sunwithface:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Easy trails, but good footwear ensures comfort for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
Temperatures can be cooler at higher altitudes, even if it doesn't feel cold initially. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online Ahead of Time
Tickets are essential and must be purchased online in advance. Don't miss out! :ticket:
☁️ Aim for Clear Weather
Fog can obscure views. Check forecasts and try to visit on a clear day for the best crater visibility. :sunwithface:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Easy trails, but good footwear ensures comfort for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
Temperatures can be cooler at higher altitudes, even if it doesn't feel cold initially. :cloud:
📸 Capture the Blue Lake
The vibrant blue of Laguna Caliente is a must-see and photograph! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking and otherworldly views of the active volcano's intensely blue crater. The well-maintained trails and park facilities, including viewing platforms and a museum, are also highlighted as positives. Some note the mandatory online ticket purchase and parking fees, and the potential for fog to obscure views.
"The park was open when I visited and the volcano looked quite active (steam coming out). VERY IMPORTANT: Buy your tickets beforehand! Buy them before starting for Poas Volcano (a few days prior would be even better to get your desired time slot). At the entrance, they do not sell tickets. There is some WiFi where you can attempt to buy but the signal is not reliable. They will not let you enter if you do not have a prepaid ticket and if you do not arrive for your designated time slot. Try to arrive before 10 am. It gets cloudy afterwards to the point where you wouldn't be able to see the volcano. From the secured parking, it's a short walk (5-10 mins) to the viewpoint on a gradual incline. Expect to spend 10-15 mins at the top, taking pictures and admiring the view (or more if you are waiting for the clouds to clear for a moment). It is quite an impressive site when the conditions are right! There are restrooms at the main building after the car parking. If you are calling Uber or something for your return, you may not get enough signal. Better to have your own car or arrange for return transportation beforehand. Typically, takes around 1h 10 mins driving from the airport area (give yourself 10-15 mins buffer because of strictness of entry and vehicle queue at entrance). On navigation, put "Poas Volcano main parking lot"."
Sim M
"Unique to see an active volcano so close. Highly recommended place to visit. The actual crater was a fairly easy walk of 15 minutes from parking 2 on a paved road. Be mindful that if you want to see the lake, the last entry to the lake gate is 2:30 pm. Even if you are in the park near the crater, you won’t be able to go see the lake because the close the trail gates."
nadeem rizwan
"Visiting a National Park such as this one is not necessarily for those on a budget or who like to do activities on the fly. You have to get your tickets online in advance and it’s about $20 per person and then once you drive here (from San Jose depending on what part it can can be 1.5 to two hours) their hand is out for their mandatory parking fee. Please note they do check to make sure you have tickets before you are allowed to pay. Many people mentioned that they had a time limit of 20 minutes that was enforced, but that was not our experience. We were up there longer than 45 minutes and no one said anything to us. We did have on shades and I think that helped our eyes out. Really Breathtaking experience and since your in Costa Rica you minus well come on to see it. Some people mentioned it was cold at the top and again that was not our experience your blood should be flowing from the hike up there. They have a museum on site with a lot of valuable information. Also their bathrooms were clean , we did not go in the gift shop. The hike was easy peezy and only took us about 15 - 20 minutes. Have fun 🤩"
D Buckmon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from San José to Poás Volcano National Park is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your starting point. Many visitors rent a car or hire a taxi. Some tour operators also offer day trips from San José, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
Yes, the drive is generally considered easy and beautiful, with well-maintained roads leading to the park.
There is a mandatory parking fee upon arrival at the park. Ensure you have cash or be prepared for potential card payment options.
While possible, public transportation can be less direct and time-consuming. It's generally recommended to drive or join a tour for ease of access.
The park has viewing platforms and trails, but accessibility can vary. It's advisable to check with the park directly for specific accessibility information if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park typically costs around $20 USD per person. Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the SINAC website. +1
Yes, booking your park entry in advance online is mandatory. They check tickets before you can pay for parking.
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check the official SINAC website for the most up-to-date information. Some visitors mention arriving early for the best views. 
While some visitors have reported a 20-minute time limit at the crater viewpoint, others have stayed longer without issue. It's best to be mindful of park staff instructions.
No, tickets must be purchased online in advance. They will check your tickets before you are allowed to proceed to pay for parking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the active stratovolcano's main crater, Laguna Caliente, known for its intensely blue, acidic lake. The park also features trails and a second crater with a lake.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the trails. While some visitors report it not being cold, others suggest bringing a light jacket as temperatures can be cooler at higher altitudes.
Yes, the park offers viewing platforms, safety shelters, clean restrooms, a small museum, and a gift shop. Some reviews mention a restaurant as well.
The hike to the main crater viewpoint is generally described as easy and well-maintained, taking about 15-20 minutes. There are also trails leading to other areas like Laguna Botos. +1
While the focus is on the volcano, the surrounding cloud forest can offer opportunities to see local flora and fauna, including hummingbirds.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings offer the best chance for clear views of the crater before fog rolls in.
The intensely blue Laguna Caliente crater is the most iconic and photogenic spot. The surrounding cloud forest also offers beautiful scenery.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of safety guidelines and any specific park rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the crater. A telephoto lens can be useful for any wildlife spotting.
Visit on a clear day and try to capture the vibrant blue of Laguna Caliente. Polarizing filters can help enhance the colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park also offers a small museum where kids can learn about volcanoes and the local environment in an engaging way. It's advisable to check the weather forecast and consider bringing layers of clothing, as temperatures can be cooler at this altitude.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're traveling from San José, consider if renting a car and splitting costs with others is more economical than a guided tour.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for early morning visits to capture the crater under clear skies, as fog can quickly obscure the view. +1 A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the crater and surrounding scenery. Beyond the main crater, the trails leading through the cloud forest offer opportunities for nature photography, including shots of local flora and the occasional hummingbird.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Poás Volcano's Activity
The park's main crater, Laguna Caliente, is renowned for being one of the most acidic lakes in the world. This unique, hot, and sulfurous environment has even been compared to the geochemical conditions found on Mars, making it a site of scientific interest. Due to its active nature, the park may experience temporary closures. Visitors are strongly advised to check the official park website for the most current status before planning their trip.
Despite its potential for activity, Poás Volcano National Park offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw power of nature. The park's facilities are designed to allow visitors to observe the crater safely from designated viewing platforms, providing a breathtaking and educational experience.
Navigating Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Trails
Timing is crucial for the best experience. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended, as it significantly increases your chances of witnessing clear views of the crater before the common afternoon fog rolls in.
+1 While some visitors have noted a 20-minute time limit at the main viewpoint, others have reported being able to stay longer, suggesting flexibility based on conditions and park management. The park features well-maintained, easy trails. The hike to the main crater viewpoint is short, usually taking about 15-20 minutes, and leads to a breathtaking vista.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit