Poás Volcano
One of the largest active craters in the world, surrounded by strawberry farms and cloud forest.
Look into an active volcano
Poás Volcano has one of the most impressive active craters in the Americas: a huge bowl of rock with an acidic lake that changes color and steaming fumaroles. It is just over an hour from the airport, which makes it an ideal outing for the first or last day of your trip.
Before you go (important)
Poás is an active volcano and went through several eruptive periods in 2025 and 2026. In late October 2026 the park was open, but with stricter rules:
- Tickets online only, on the official SINAC platform, by time slot and with a daily cap.
- Helmets are mandatory on the open trails and time at the crater viewpoint is limited.
- The park may close without notice if activity increases. Check its status the day before.
Things to do
- Crater viewpoint: arrive early; clouds often cover the crater by mid-morning.
- Strawberry and dairy farms: the road to the volcano is lined with stands selling strawberries, cheese and fudge.
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens: waterfalls, a butterfly garden and wildlife rescue, a short drive away.
- Coffee and viewpoints around Poasito and Vara Blanca.
Tips
- Bring a jacket: it is cold at the top, often windy and foggy.
- If the park is closed, the area is still worth it for the gardens, waterfalls and food.
- Pair the visit with a night in San José or at the mountain hotels nearby.
Getting there
Poás is in Alajuela, just over an hour by road from Juan Santamaría airport and San José. It pairs well with Sarapiquí or with the drive to La Fortuna.
Where to stay in Poás Volcano
Things to do in Poás Volcano
- National park entrance (booking required) from $15 pp
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens from $50 pp
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Plan your trip
from $50 per night
Choose hotel, nights and activities; prices follow the season.
Best time to visit
December to April, early in the morning; check first that the park is open