Travel Guide Parque Nacional Volcán Poás

The Poás volcano (2 705 m) is one of the most active volcanoes of Costa Rica, and therefore very observed. Bathed by an acid lake (PH is lower than 1!), its main crater measures 1,5 km in diameter (one of the biggest in the world) and reaches a depth of 300 m. Its first eruption dates back to 1828 and it is currently in its fourth eruptive period after some thirty years of rest. In April 2017, the park was even completely closed due to exceptional volcanic activity. This eruption destroyed part of the crater dome. It generated a 700 m high smoke column that affected the area of the mirador. In September 2018, the park reopened its doors, but the volcano, still in intense activity, regulated the visit in a very restrictive way. Since August1 , 2022, it is once again possible for visitors to make the full tour of the park, walk the trails and access the crater. If it is still open when you visit, here are some tips. Before you hit the road, try to find out what kind of weather is waiting for you up there: if the sky is overcast, you won't see anything. If you go by bus, ask the driver. As with most of the country's volcanoes, the best time to go is early in the morning, when the sky is clear, to have a chance to see the craters without any clouds on the horizon! From December to mid-April, i.e. during the dry season, you should not have too many problems to observe them because the sky is blue most of the time.