A Guide to Visiting Poás Volcano National Park in Costa Rica

If you're looking for a fantastic adventure, Poás Volcano National Park in Costa Rica is the place to be! This park is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and offers visitors a chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Costa Rica.

What is Poás Volcano National Park?

Poás Volcano National Park is located in Costa Rica's Central Valley, about an hour and a half from the capital city of San Jose. The park covers an area of ​​about 26 square kilometers and is home to the Poás volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The Poás volcano is about 2700 meters high and has a crater that is more than 800 meters wide. The volcano last erupted in 2017, and before that, it had been inactive for about 60 years.

What to expect at Poás Volcano National Park

Poás Volcano National Park is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason! The scenery in the park is absolutely breathtaking, and there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. Visitors can hike to the top of the Poás volcano, visit the Poás Volcano Museum, or take a dip in one of the many hot springs in the area. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the park, as well as a few souvenir shops. 

When hiking to the top of the volcano, you will be required to wear a helmet. This is because the volcano is still active and could spurt out rocks at any moment. When you're at the summit, you will see circles on the ground that mark where rocks have hit. There are also cement shelters in case of eruptions. Additionally, you are only allowed to spend 20 minutes at the top. This is because the volcano is actively spewing gas, as that can be damaging to humans. 

Secondly, it is very likely that the blue water you see in these photos will be covered by clouds. We were lucky, and the clouds were constantly moving, so there was an opportunity to see the water and snap some photos. Don't be surprised if your experience isn't as crystal clear as mine. 

How to get to Poás Volcano National Park

Getting to Poás Volcano National Park is easy, whether you're coming from San Jose or another city in Costa Rica. The park is accessible by car, bus, or taxi, and there are plenty of tour companies that offer day trips from San Jose. If you're driving, be sure to take the Pan-American Highway north from San Jose until you reach the Poás Volcano National Park exit.

Poás Volcano National Park is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Costa Rica. The scenery is beautiful, the activities are plentiful, and it's an overall solid experience.