Poás Volcano

Poás has one of the largest active craters in the world. The paved road climbs through coffee and strawberry farms. Tickets must be booked online and the park may close during increased volcanic activity — always check the current status.

Visiting the crater

Poás Volcano has one of the largest active craters in the world. On clear days you can see its acidic turquoise lake from a viewing platform at about 2,700 m. Access is controlled because the volcano is active: you must buy a timed ticket online in advance on the official SINAC site, and the visit to the platform is limited in time. During periods of increased activity the park can close at short notice.

What it costs and when to go

• Entrance is around US$15–20 per foreign adult; book your time slot ahead.
• Clouds usually roll in by late morning, so book the earliest slot you can for the best chance of seeing the crater.
• The dry season (December–April) gives the clearest views, but mornings can be clear in any month.

Making a day of it

• Strawberry farms and roadside stands selling cheese, fresh strawberries and coffee line the road up through Poasito.
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens is about 30–40 minutes away, an easy combination.
• Coffee farm tours in the Alajuela and Heredia hills make a good afternoon.

Practical tips

• It’s cold at the top, often 10–15 °C with wind and drizzle. Bring a jacket.
• The road is paved but steep and winding; drive carefully in fog.
• Poás is about an hour from SJO, a good way to fill your first or last day.

Top things to do in Poás Volcano

• Main crater viewpointArrive early before clouds roll in.
• Strawberry farmsRoadside stands on the way up.
• La Paz Waterfall GardensNearby attraction with waterfalls and wildlife.

Driving, parking & safety notes

• Steep and curvy near the top.
• Cold and wet at the summit — bring a jacket.