Poás Volcano

A Symbol of Costa Rican Natural Beauty

Poás Volcano is one of Costa Rica's most iconic and frequently visited volcanic sites. Situated in the Central Valley, within the Alajuela province, Poás is famous for its massive crater and active geothermal features. As part of the Poás Volcano National Park, it attracts both local and international visitors eager to experience its stunning volcanic landscape, diverse ecosystems, and its convenient location near San José, the country’s capital.

Location

Poás Volcano is situated approximately 50 km (31 miles) north of San José, Costa Rica's capital, and around 25 km (16 miles) from Alajuela, the country's second-largest city. The paved roads leading to the park are well-maintained, offering easy access to the volcano's summit. The drive from San José takes about one hour.

The main entrance to Poás Volcano National Park is located at an elevation of around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. Given the high altitude, the weather at the summit can be cool and unpredictable, so visitors are encouraged to bring warm clothing, even on sunny days.

History

Poás Volcano is an active stratovolcano and one of the most notable in Costa Rica’s Central Volcanic Mountain Range. With a height of 2,708 meters (8,884 feet) above sea level, it is the tallest active volcano in the country. Estimated to be around 700,000 years old, Poás has had numerous significant eruptions throughout its long history.

A defining feature of Poás is its enormous main crater, which is one of the largest in the world, spanning 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) across and reaching depths of approximately 300 meters (984 feet). At the bottom of the crater lies an acidic lagoon with striking emerald-green water, a result of ongoing geothermal activity. This lagoon is a clear sign of the volcanic forces at work beneath the surface, with fumaroles, gases, and steam regularly emanating from the crater.

Poás is classified as a caldera volcano, meaning that it has experienced multiple collapses due to massive eruptions over time, forming a large depression in the landscape. Although still one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, Poás’ eruptions tend to be less explosive compared to other regional volcanoes.

Biodiversity

Poás Volcano National Park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, which thrive at the park's high altitude. The park's cloud and mountain forests provide an ideal environment for species that rely on the cool and humid climate of the region. The plant life varies by elevation, with prominent species including mosses, ferns, orchids, epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), and trees from the laurel family.

Flora

With over 1,000 plant species, the park showcases a remarkable variety of flora. Common plants include orchids, ferns, and mosses, along with oak trees that flourish in the cooler, moist conditions of the cloud forest. The park is particularly rich in epiphytic plants, like ferns and bromeliads, which thrive in the damp, shaded environment typical of the region.

Fauna

The park also supports a wide array of wildlife. Mammals such as the puma, howler monkeys, coatis, and various rodents can be found in the park. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the quetzal, trogon, woodpecker, and numerous hummingbirds frequently spotted.

Reptiles and amphibians are common, including the green frog, iguanas, and several species of snakes, such as the boa constrictor.

For more information about Poás Volcano National Park, visit the SINAC website.: Read more