Travel Compositor: Poas Volcano National Park

Poas Volcano National Park Costa Rica

Poas Volcano National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Volcán Poás) is a national park in Costa Rica that covers an area of approximately 65 square kilometres (16,000 acres), with a summit elevation of about 2,700 metres (8,900 ft). Established on January 25, 1971, the park offers access—when conditions allow—to viewpoints near the edge of the main crater. On April 13, 2017, however, the park was closed to visitors following an explosive eruption the previous evening. Additional eruptions, including one on Easter Sunday, April 16, kept the park closed until August 2018. Over the years, Poas Volcano National Park has been closed periodically as a precaution due to emissions of water vapor and sulfuric gases. Because the park’s status can change, visitors should always check current conditions before planning a visit. Poas Volcano erupted twice briefly in September 2019. The volcano lies within the Central Conservation Area in Alajuela Province, near Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The main crater is about 290 metres (950 ft) wide and remains quite active, with frequent small geyser and lava eruptions; the last major eruptive period occurred from 1952 to 1954. Two additional craters form part of the park: the extinct Von Frantzius crater and the Botos crater. Lake Botos, located in the latter, is a striking cold, green crater lake about 370 metres (1,200 ft) in diameter. The Botos crater has not erupted for roughly 7,500 years. Well-marked trails, when open and safe, lead visitors to these inactive craters.

Recommended airport

Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO)

Nearby destinations

Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Poas Volcano National Park Costa Rica