Discovering Volcán Poás in Costa Rica
Towards the end of my trip in Costa Rica, there was one more destination I was eager to visit: Volcán Poás National Park. Located in the Alajuela province within the central valley, this national park was strategically planned as one of my final stops. To make the most of my visit, I chose to stay in a quiet little village just outside Alajuela, only a 20-minute drive from San José. On a sunny Monday morning, I headed out on my journey to the mountain.
Sitting at an elevation of 2,687 meters (8,848 ft), Volcán Poás is an active volcano that has experienced several eruptions in recent years. Due to safety concerns, it has been intermittently closed to the public. To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, you need to book a time slot in advance. Visitors are typically provided with hard hats, and there are concrete shelters available in case of eruption. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, as the higher altitude makes it easier to get sunburned or even suffer from sunstroke.
While some may claim that public transport is a convenient option, however I found it slightly challenging. It's true that a bus can take you from Alajuela to Poás, and then you can catch another bus from Poás to Poasito, which is near the entrance to the national park. Still, online forums often overlook the fact that there is an additional 10-kilometer stretch from Poasito to the actual volcano entrance. Taxis from the village can be unreliable, and I was fortunate to catch an Uber that happened to pass by Poasito, ensuring I arrived just in time for my scheduled entry. Missing your designated time slot may just cost you to be denied entry. Bus departure times can vary, so I recommend inquiring at the bus station and allowing an extra 2 hours for your journey. Typically, there is a bus to Poasito at 9 AM from Poás, making it advisable to book your entry to the National Park from 11 AM onwards. Based on my personal experience, I would suggest either renting a car for the day or joining an organized tour.
Volcán Poás consists of two craters: the active Poás crater and the dormant Laguna Botos crater. The latter, a volcanic lake surrounded by lush greenery, boasts a captivating greenish-blue hue on sunny days. The volcano continuously emits gases, noticeable in the air, while the color of the volcanic lake ranges from a brighter whitish-green to azure. Witnessing this spectacle is truly awe-inspiring, though luck plays a role as the craters can often be obscured by thick clouds, particularly during the rainy season. I was truly lucky to have visited the crater on a bright sunny day with clouds rolling in just as I was leaving.
After exploring the main active crater of Poás, you can continue along an approximately 800-meter trail to reach Laguna Botos. Don't be deceived by the short distance; if you're unaccustomed to hiking at higher elevations, reaching the second crater may become challenging. Pace yourself, take frequent breaks, and remember to reapply sunscreen often. The breathtaking views from both craters make the effort worthwhile.
Since the visit to the crater typically takes no more than an hour or hour and a half, consider exploring other nearby attractions. The National Park and its surroundings offer a wealth of beautiful sites, such as the La Paz Waterfall Gardens or the Doka Estate coffee plantation.
Visiting Volcán Poás is an adventure worth undertaking in Costa Rica, but it's important to be aware of the calculated risks involved. The volcano remains active, with eruptions as recent as 2020. Follow the safety instructions, stick to the designated routes, and avoid entering closed trails. Despite the hot climate in San José and the rest of Costa Rica, the temperature up there is considerably cooler, so bring some layers with you. Long-sleeved clothing provides added protection from the sun, but don't forget to wear a hat and apply sunscreen during your visit. Pre-arrange your taxi from Poasito to the crater or consider booking a tour to ensure a hassle-free trip.
