Poás Volcano

Volcano · Alajuela ·

Poás Volcano

Volcano · Alajuela ·

Active volcano with crater lakes and scenic outlooks

Information

Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

This Is the Most Budget-friendly Spring Break Destination

"A nearby volcanic national park popular as a short day trip for visitors who want to see an active crater and cloud-forest surroundings." - Taryn White Taryn White Taryn White is a D.C.-based travel writer who covers a wide range of topics, including family travel, hotels, food, aviation, beaches, historical and cultural topics, and wellness travel. She can often be spotted around the world with her husband and two travel-loving kids. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/san-jose-costa-rica-budget-friendly-spring-break-11691112

Poás Volcano

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Poás Volcano National Park Known by indigenous peoples as Sibú Mountain—a sacred name that means “Creator of Life and Wisdom”—Poás Volcano, which soars to 8,885 feet, cannot fail to impress. The active volcano is a perennial favorite with locals and foreigners alike, an easy 34-mile drive from San José. In addition to the majestic peak (the crater of which is among the world’s largest), you’ll find enchanting jade-green lagoons and some of the best scenic outlooks anywhere in Central America. The park offers great access to visitors of all ages all the way to the summit, including travelers with disabilities. By Travesías"

The Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Photo by Héctor Calderón

Poás Volcano

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

9 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2025

"A perfect day trip from San José, Poás Volcano is an active stratovolcano with twin calderas filled with vivid sulfur lakes; it last erupted in 2019 and has erupted around 40 times since 1828, and the lakes are so still they look painted — arrive early to avoid clouds, explore the small surrounding trails, or take a tour (around $199 USD with Destiny Travel) that also visits the La Paz Waterfall Garden and a local coffee plantation." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/my-favorite-destinations-in-costa-rica/

Poás Volcano

Karen A.

Google

Amazing and awe-inspiring views. Only a short walk from the car park. Worth waiting as when the clouds clear, the view is stunning. A lovely coffee shop, perfect for a stop off to warm up after and also a fifty shop. There is a really great museum under the coffee shop too. Very interesting.

Aijia G

Google

Spectacular view🌋 It was rainy and foggy when I visited, but I got really lucky that the sky cleared up after waiting for a while :) I see comments complaining about waiting at the entrance, tickets not available, or not being able to see the volcano due to the weather. I understand the disappointment after a long way to get here but please do some research before visiting! It’s a very touristy national park, of course it’s crowded, so highly recommended to book tickets beforehand. The local climate is just very rainy, and no one can precisely predict the weather. So please check the weather in advance and be patient if nothing’s visible at first. Best of luck to everyone who's going to visit!

Akshay N.

Google

Spectacular crater views!! Very easy trail with kids and stroller friendly. Must visit being so close from San Jose.

Amanda M.

Google

Cannot review based on the volcano, as it was closed. I wish there would’ve been warning closer to the bottom instead of just at the top. However, the drive up is long and windy but the views are absolutely breathtaking. Much cooler at the top, make sure you bring a sweater.

Google

Such a beautiful place to visit. Make sure you bring a long sleeve because it gets windy there.

B - G.

Google

This was a stunning visit… At the beginning we could not see the volcano at all, because it was too cloudy. We waited about 20min and could then see the vulcano perfectly. It was a fantastic and impressive view. Never seen something like this before. Also the walk from the parking area up to the platform was quite easy. It took us about 15min. Highly recommend experience!

Everything_gina_b _

Google

An hour and a half from SJ, depending on traffic and rain. Cannot enter unless you book online $15-20, parking fee is about $5-6, It is a short walk to the viewing area, however you won't see anything when it's a cloudy day. I took an extended hike and it is very steep and dangerous when it's raining. I was glad to make it out without getting hurt. Park closes at 4 pm, stops allowing anyone after 2 pm.

Janelle

Google

Amazing experience!! It's a very short trip from San José and there's a beautiful waterfall on the way there. Someone said the journey is scary and that's just a bit extreme lol. The roads are fine. It seems to rain a lot though and it's chilly so bring a poncho and jacket. Try to order your tickets online as it makes life easier when you get there. The last entry is around 2PM. If there's cloud cover when you arrive, wait a bit and it will clear even if just for a moment because that's what happened with us. Got there and it was just clouds but after about 10 or so minutes it cleared nicely. When leaving, you're going to see some trails, be careful because we ended up on one that was very long and very far and very difficult with lots of stairs and there's hardly any signs to guide you. By time we got to the end we were beat. Overall I'd definitely recommend this experience!