Poás Volcano National Park
Take a moment to escape the beaten track and embrace the beauty of Costa Rica’s rich and somewhat daunting eco-beauty! Beneath the misty skies you will have your breath taken away as you discover the wonder of the bubbling, green lake and the spectacular charm of the national park which surrounds it. Costa Rica’s formation story is one of awe and exhilaration, so take a closer look at the geothermal forces at work and simply fall in love with the beautiful Poás Volcano.
The story behind the Poás Volcano
The Poás Volcano is considered an active volcano, but don’t expect to see any fiery, red lava bubbling below or any eruptions. The last eruption took place in 1910 and showed the devastating effects of over a million tons of ash being ejected from the volcano along with a billowing column of steam and smoke. This period of volcanic activity ended in the mid 1950’s, but the sights are still tremendous and truly breath-taking.
The lake below the volcano is a rain fed lake and showcases a mystical wonder with the overlay of misty cloud and the enchanting, bubbling, green waters. The water from the lake has been known to seep into cracks of the hot rocks and create huge pockets of steam, when the pressure of the steam builds up geysers are formed, which can rocket up to 250 metres into mid-air. As the crater is a whopping 320 meters deep, visitors don’t need to worry about these geysers causing a splash but a spectacular sight is guaranteed, nonetheless.
Accomodation near the Poás Volcano National Park
There are unfortunately no accommodation options in the park however many guests stay in San Jose and travel through to the Park for a day visit. In San Jose and the other surrounding regions, you will be spoilt for choice with a variety of hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and even homestay options available for visitors from all over the world. Costa Rican’s are known for their hospitality and their arms wide open attitude, so rest assured the locals will make you feel right at home, from the moment you arrive.
What to do in and around the Poás Volcano National Park?
The Poás Volcano National Park boasts a variety of walking and hiking trails for the avid nature lovers. These trails lead through the awe-inspiring cloud forests and offer you the perfect opportunity to catch glimpses of some of Costa Rica’s famous birdlife, including the magnificent quetzal. The trail leading to the visitor’s observation deck is a mere 500 metres along a paved pathway, making it ideal for visitors of all fitness levels. For the more energetic tourists, there is a trail which branches off of the paved path and ascends to the lake, as well as a true cloud forest trail which takes hikers deeper into the forest with greater bird viewing prospects.
After these physical exertions you will have ample opportunity to enjoy a soothing, hot beverage - perfect to warm your hands and your lips after a somewhat chilly experience. Once your appetite and thirst has been satisfied at the quaint café, you will be happy to know that all of your questions can be answered at the geothermal and ecological museum alongside the visitors’ centre.
With an attraction guaranteed to reward your eyes, perhaps you might like to tantalise your other senses as well? The Doka Coffee Tour is a popular choice amongst tourists from all over the world so let the scintillating scents surround you as you taste a variety of incredible coffee brews.
Tours to experience this highlight
