Parque Nacional Volcán Poás

Really amazing. The mountaintop forest is really wonderful, and the air is fresh and cool. Very very quiet with birds and other wildlife around. The crater was clouded over when I was there, but still a very cool experience and worth the trip. It sounded almost like an airplane near the crater from the gases escaping the fumaroles (vents). Logistics - I got there at 1 pm (online ticket is a must!), no queue, small parking fee, only a couple dozen people there for the last part of the day. Nice gift shop & cafe. I’ll also mention that it was nice to drive through the farms/economies dependent on the montane climate - coffee, strawberries/fruit trees, and trout. Nice clean mountain air. Be aware that mountain access may close suddenly due to volcanic activity as happened a week ago.

Definitely worth visiting. This is the 1st time I experienced the crater of a volcano so accessible, just a short walk. Volcano became a bit stirred during our visit, so couldn’t go off the main path, but the view and experience are worth while. But tickets beforehand, everything is done through their website.

Easy hike to view the crater. Visibility is largely dependent on weather conditions - I went when it was overcast and rainy but I still enjoyed my view. I didn’t do any of the trails except the short hike to the crater view point. You must book tickets in advance via the SINAC website. At the time, the total price for two tickets was $33.90 USD. Parking was 3000 colones upon arrival. The parking lot felt secure - I left my luggage in the car for a few hours and had no issues. I went in late February 2025 and it was quite cool. I wore long pants, long sleeve shirt, hiking shoes, and a poncho as it rained.

One of the highlights of my trip to Costa Rica, some years ago. The crater is stunning, even massive. The view cleared up and we were able to get a good view of the crater after a short hike. Spectacular scenery all around the crater as well.

Wonderful national park in Costa Rica! The view is stunning. You need to take a light jacket because it could be cold up there. Also, be sure to have a good pair of walking shoes. There are warning lights in case the volcano gases rise to dangerous levels. The national park is well located just about one hour drive from the airport. Nice place don’t miss it in case you come to visit Costa Rica.

A must if you are in the San Jose area. Not only the volcano itself, but the drive and surrounding areas and restaurants getting there. The place itself needs better signage as once inside not sure what is what. Also there are no gift shops, coffee shops etc, which is a pity. There are two view points via walking oaths, around 30 to 45 minutes in all that on a clear day provide beautiful sites of the volcano, mountain and so on. There are other paths but as there are no signs one is not sure where they go. There are toilets on site. Yes you have to pay to enter and park but it is not expensive.

Poas Volcano is one of the active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The hike was easy and approx 700 mts from the info center. However when we went, it was completely covered in fog and raining. Nevertheless it was a new and incredible experience to learn about the history of this volcano and I was able to smell something like sulphur..

Very disappointed .....not with the volcano. This is an amazing site to see and well worth the effort to see it with your own eyes. (If you can afford it). The problem. Lack of information. As a hiker I wanted to walk around the trails and view the nearby lake and take my time and enjoy the day. 1. The cost. 15 dollars. I consider this on the expensive side. Also the fact that everyother activity you wish to do weather a trail or visit a river it will cost you extra in these national parks. 2. Parking. 6 dollars. Again extra expense ontop of your entry to the park. I find this insulting. And this is everywhere in all parks. Extra costs. 3 Lack of information. Know where on the official website, the booking page and at payment. Also at the actual entrance to the park at the kiosk do they give any warning that the trails are closed. This is totally unacceptable. I payed 21 dollars to see the park and enjoy the walking and yet iam only allowed 20 minutes of viewing time up a short 10 min walk to the viewing platform. Then ordered to vacate the area for the next group to come along. Message to everyone. A lesson learned.....Double check your information at the gates. Ask questions. Costa Rica is more Costa Costly. My trip to this country has been plaged by endless entry fees to parks....trails.....rivers......and for a mid budget traveller has become very expensive and forced me to skip alot of planned trails. Just walking costs you money! No apology from staff. The only reason given was because a heightened activity from the volcano. The feeling of being treated like hurded cattle wasn't a nice experience.