News Alert: Poás Volcano National Park experienced a large earthquake on January 8, 2009 and is now open for tourism, however use caution when going. Many tour companies are still not going due to insurance reasons. We suggest if you go to be careful.
Poás Volcano is an active volcano with some of the most beautiful scenery in Costa Rica. Poás Volcano is situated in the Alajuela Province at about 2,700 meters above sea level. Being only an hour and half drive from Downtown San Jose it is a popular day trip from the city. The main crater of Poás Volcano is about 2 km in diameter and over 1000 meters deep. Next to the crater is a beautiful blue-green crater lake as well many forests. There is a visitor’s center overlooking the crater lake and it is a sight not to be missed, especially if you have a couple of days to kill in San Jose. The best time to view the crater is early in the morning before the clouds cover the crater and the lake, however if there are clouds when you do arrive take a hike and watch closely for the clouds to clear for the spectacular view of the crater.
The road to Poás Volcano National Park is also very beautiful, as you start ascending the mountain you will pass many coffee plantations that are varying colors of green. Just after the coffee plantaions you the landscape changes into a cloud forest that is truly amazing. If you have time La Paz waterfall is on the way up to the volcano or probably best if you visit the waterfall on the way back from the volcano.
Make sure that you are prepared for some rain as the volcano is in a cloud forest and it can be very wet and cold.