Main crater viewpoint
A short paved walk from the visitor centre to the viewpoint over the main crater. The view depends on the clouds, which usually come in around midday.
Alajuela · Central Valley · Costa Rica
Poás Volcano National Park
One of the widest active craters in the world, an hour from San José, set in cloud forest.
- Created in 1971
- About 6,500 ha
- Summit about 2,700 m
- Morning is best
- Reservation required
About the park
Poás is an active volcano in the Central Valley with a crater about 1.3 km wide and, in normal times, a turquoise acid lake and fumaroles at the bottom. A paved road runs almost to the viewpoint, and the visit takes about an hour, so it is a good half-day trip from San José or the airport.
The park also has short trails through cloud forest and to Botos Lake, a quiet crater lake. Because the volcano is active, access depends on the activity and the gas level, and visits at the crater viewpoint are limited in time and in number.
- A huge active crater, a short walk from the road
- Cloud forest trails and Botos Lake
- Easy half-day from San José
- Easy to combine with coffee farms and waterfall gardens
Wildlife
HummingbirdsVolcano juncoClay-colored thrush (the national bird)CoyotesMany bromeliads and cloud forest plants
What to see
Botos Lake
A cold, green crater lake inside the forest, reached by a trail of about one kilometre from the crater.
Escalonia trail
A short loop in the cloud forest, with bromeliads and birds.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- The park opens early in the morning and closes early in the afternoon. We confirm the hours of the day you want.
- Reservation
- Entrance is booked in advance through the SINAC online system, with a time slot. We handle it for you.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Closures
- The park or the viewpoint can be closed at short notice when the volcano is more active or the gas level is high.
- Best time
- Early morning in the dry season, from December to April, gives the best chance of a clear crater.
- What to bring
- A warm jacket, a rain jacket, sun protection and water. It is cool at 2,700 m.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 1 hour 15 minutes from San José and about 45 minutes from the airport, on a paved road.
Transfer
We arrange private transfers or tours from San José and the airport. Ask us for a quote.
Tours to Poás
Frequently asked questions
Can I always see the crater?
No. It is often in cloud after midday and can be closed because of gas. Go early in the morning.
How long is the visit?
The time at the viewpoint is limited; plan about an hour in the park and half a day with the drive.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Entrance is reserved in advance with a time slot. We handle it.
Can I combine it with other sights?
Yes: a coffee farm and a waterfall garden are nearby, and our combo tour joins them.