Poas Volcano National Park
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Poas Volcano National Park
Poas Volcano National Park

Poas Volcano National Park

Free admission
Open daily
Highway 126, Poasito, 4050

The Basics

Poas Volcano makes for a thrilling day-trip destination from San Jose, as tours regularly depart from the city for the volcano and often combine a visit with other popular Costa Rica activities such as white-water rafting, coffee plantation tours, or a stop at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

There, admire the mile-long (1.6-kilometer-long) crater home to the deep, rain-fed Botos Lagoon and dotted with smoking fumaroles—a view most will find accessible via the paved trail. Two slightly longer hikes offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife like hummingbirds, wildflowers, and the elusive quetzal.

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Poas Volcano National Park Half day tour from San Jose
Poas Volcano National Park Half day tour from San Jose
star-4.5
USD110.00 per adult
Traveller Favourite
A memorable experience
It was a overcast day but clear enough to see everything when we visited. We went on a 1/2 day guided tour that picked us up from our hotel in San Jose and it was great.
Margie_P, Aug. 2022

Recent reviews from experiences in San Jose

star-5
I had a wonderful time ...
Valerie_C, Mar. 2023
Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Day Trip from San Jose
I had a wonderful time The tour guide made it a great experience I would recommend this tour and tour guide
star-5
So great! Ask for alejandro!
Constantina_P, Mar. 2023
Doka Coffee Tour & Poás Volcano Half Day Trip
This day was excellent. The guide we had was Alejandro. He was wonderful, so informative. The coffee tour was great, loads of info and so informative. The volcano was beautiful and really enjoyed his wise words and knowledge. Overall highly recommend. The guide was superb, speaks english perfectly and answered all questions! Wonderful, thank you
star-5
Incredible
Thang_N, Mar. 2023
Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience
Amazing trip. Olman, our tour guide was knowledgeable, and never rushed us while we enjoyed the locations. Lunch buffet was provided with good food.
star-5
Great tour!
April, Mar. 2023
Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience
Had a great time doing this tour guided by Olman. He did not rush us and made us enjoy every second of our time in each places from coffee plantation, Poas Volcano, and La Paz Gardens and Falls! Im happy I found this tour! I highly recommend it!
star-4
1/2 day tour
anthony_d, Feb. 2023
Poas Volcano National Park Half day tour from San Jose
I was super excited about this tour, I enjoyed the quick stop at the coffee plantation and enjoyed the included breakfast. But the weather was windy and misty at the volcano so wasn’t able to see the crater so that was a major bummer.
star-4
Great but could be Fantastic
CECILIA_Q, Feb. 2023
Poas Volcano National Park Half day tour from San Jose
It was a nice tour, they picked up on time and we have a nice trip to Poas VOLCANO. We stopped for breakfast but the waitress didn't speak English very well and he didn't understood when other tourists asked about other options for breakfast. I think they could do it much better. Unfortunately, the volcano area was very foggy but I enjoyed the walk.
star-4
Cloudy but happy!
pierre_c, Feb. 2023
Doka Coffee Tour & Poás Volcano Half Day Trip
A glimpse at the Poas crater in between 2 clouds, excellent information provided by the guide. Great group to be with!
star-5
Best Tour
Treree_B, Jan. 2023
Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Day Trip from San Jose
Hands down, the best tour. The transportation was prompt, the tour guide was excellent, and the tour was enjoyable.
star-5
Incredible Excursion!
jasperez2995, Jan. 2023
Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience
Without a doubt, this experience was the best thing we did on our Costa Rica vacation! Olman was so knowledgeable and kind, the shuttle was comfortable, and the three locations were absolutely beautiful!
star-5
Fantastic views and great coffee
Sangeetha_A, Jan. 2023
Doka Coffee Tour & Poás Volcano Half Day Trip
Well planned trip to view one of the largest Calderas and taste some great coffee along the way. The weather favored us and we got some fantastic views. Our guide Pedro was very enthusiastic and kept us informed about the sights along the way. His sense of humor made the trip more memorable.
star-5
Informative and Adventurous
Ashi_S, Jan. 2023
Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Day Trip from San Jose
Erik was an excellent tour guide. It was a fun-filled and jam packed experience. Even when the weather was quite foggy, We were able to see the Poas Volcano and enjoyed every bit of the hike. The coffee tour was great too. We learnt a lot about different types of coffees and what was the coffee picking process. The breakfast and lunch was fantastic so was the tour of the La Paz gardens and the waterfall.
star-5
Incredible tour with authentic and passionate guide
Hannah_F, Jan. 2023
Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience
I had the most incredible day led by Olman, our group only had 4 of us which meant we had so much time at each location and we were able to add in a spontaneous hike and then a stop for fresh strawberries! Despite doing tours for 30+ years, Olman is still so passionate about his work and he enjoys sharing his local knowledge on the tour. Not to mention- the actual tour locations are incredible, breathtakingly beautiful. I would 100% recommend this tour, you will not regret it!
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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Dress in layers and prepare for rain, as it can be cold and wet near the crater.

  • Visiting time is limited to 10 minutes at the crater.

  • The visitor center is wheelchair accessible.

  • On-site facilities include parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and a café with some food options.

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How to Get There

The easiest way to visit Poas Volcano is as part of a guided day tour. The park is also accessible via private transportation, but bus services to Alajuela are sparse.

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When to Get There

Get the best views when you visit early in the day during the dry season (December through April). Clouds typically roll in around noon, and many of the park’s facilities close by 3pm.

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Other Costa Rican Volcanoes

The Poas Volcano is far from Costa Rica's only volcanic attraction, and geothermically inclined visitors should make a note to visit the Irazú Volcano, also home to a crater lake, or the popular Arenal Volcano. Guided hiking, adventure, or sightseeing tours depart for Costa Rica's volcanic hotspots daily.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Poas Volcano National Park?
A:
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in San Jose?
A:
As well as visiting the Poas Volcano National Park, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: