My Costa Rica Vacations

Poas Volcano Costa Rica

Poas Volcano
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Poas Volcano
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Costa Rica Volcano
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Volcano Vacation
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The Poas Volcano is one of the most visited volcanoes in Costa Rica mostly because of its proximity to San Jose. Poas is considered one of the largest active craters in the world – measuring over a mile wide and over 900 feet deep. There are two crater lakes near the summit of Poas- one of these is considered the only example of a lake comprised of molten sulfur in the world. The Poas National Park consists of nearly 15,000 acres that encompass at least four different habitats- another testament to Costa Rica’s amazing bio-diversity. The dwarf or stunted forest is particularly spectacular with its Bonsai sized trees and resilient ferns whose growth is thwarted by the acid rain that is prolific in the area. With a long history of eruptions- nearly forty since 1828- Poas has maintained activity that gives it the reputation as having the world’s highest geyser.

This volcano is one of the most visited volcanoes in Costa Rica, mostly because of the proximity to San Jose (approximately an hour and a half) and the amazingly dense forest park that surrounds the two craters- making it an oasis close to the city! At over 8000 feet above sea level, it offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside and the beautiful crater lakes. Poás Volcano is a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica.

The Poas Volcano National Park has an amazing bird population and many fascinating animals to view while visiting. Almost eighty different species of birds including the resplendent Quetzal have been seen in the area surrounding the volcano. Because of the acidity in the crater lakes there is very little marine life to be found, but the animal species are numerous. There is a squirrel, the Poas green-yellow squirrel- that is only found here at the Poas National Park!

The history of conservation Poas National Park has a unique tie to the United States. In the 1960’s, a student named Mario Boza was visiting Poas and was so impressed with its natural beauty that he wrote a conservation management plan for the area as his master’s thesis. His thesis was adopted as the backbone of what is now the National Park system in Costa Rica. Few volcanoes anywhere in the world allow you to drive right up to the rim, but Poas allows you to get within 300 ft. of the edge of this massive crater. The park has no accommodations and camping is not permitted in the National Park. This is one of the most visited and developed of the National Parks in Costa Rica, so there is ample access for all sorts of abilities. The visitor’s center and museum offer informative materials on the geography and history of the area and there is a nice restaurant and plenty of comfort facilities. A well-developed system of trails are available for all visitors, but the combination of humidity and cool temperatures make dressing correctly especially important. There are trails to each of the three crater lakes, which offer uniquely different environments. One of these crater lakes is over 1000 feet deep, making it the largest volcanic lagoon in the world. Information about all of the facilities can be found at the visitor’s center.

Type:Stratovolcano
Height: 2,708 m (8,885 ft)
Location: Alajuela