**As of October 2018, the Poas Volcano National Park has reopened with certain restrictions and regulations including pre-purchasing entrance tickets. Read below to find out how to visit**
Poas Volcano National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica for several reasons. It has one of the biggest geyser craters in the world with an abundance of breathtaking nature and scenery. Sitting over 2000 meters in elevation, visitors get a chance to experience a volcano and cloud forest all in one day!
Poas Volcano is an excellent day trip from San Jose and great national park to visit for first timers to Costa Rica.
Here is our guide to visiting Poas Volcano National Park. Make sure to read carefully on purchasing tickets because visitors cannot just show up to the park anymore. This post has been updated October 15, 2019.
- About the Park
- Location and Directions
- How to buy park tickets (Important!)
- Things to know about the park
- Inside the Park
- Weather
- What to bring
- Day trips and tours
Poas Volcano National Park
Poas Volcano National Park was created in 1971 to protect the volcano and surrounding flora and fauna. The last eruption was registered on October 2013 without causing any major damage.
However, in 2017, Poas Volcano erupted several times, spewing rocks so big it damaged the roads and buildings in the park. These eruptions forced the national park to close its door for nearly 1 and a half years.
At the end of September 2018, the national park opened its doors again now that volcanic activity has decreased greatly. Officials deemed it safe for the general public and now visitors are able to admire the volcano’s impressive crater lake.
In October 2019, Poas Volcano had a couple small eruptions, prompting the park to close for a few days. It is currently open but it is important to check the conditions of this volcano to plan your trip accordingly.
Location
Poas Volcano National Park map
Itinerary planning tip: If you’re planning on going from San Jose – La Fortuna/Grecia/Sarchi/Bajos del Toro), you can stop by Poas Volcano National Park on the way.
How to Get to Poas Volcano National Park
If you rent a car in Costa Rica, the drive is very nice. You can find directions on Google Maps and Waze (just type in Poas Volcano National Park). The road to Poas Volcano National Park is completely paved, no 4×4 necessary.
Along the drive, you will have a great view of the valleys valley and pastures and you’ll pass by local stores that sell strawberries and souvenirs. We really enjoy driving there because the views up to the national park are just stunning.
Parking: There is a large parking lot at the national park. It costs 2000 colones per car and 1000 colones per motorcycle.
Bus: There is just 1 bus that departs daily from “Parque de la Merced” in San José at 8 am and the same bus passes by Alajuela around 9 am. Read more about taking public transportation in Costa Rica here.
The same bus will leave the park at 2:30 pm.
Entrance Fee, Park Tickets and Hours
Poas Volcano National Park is open everyday from 7 AM to 120 PM.
The Poas Volcano National Park entrance fee is $15 USD for foreign adults and $5 USD for children ages 2-12. Every visitor has to purchase entrance tickets beforehand in order to visit the park as they are only allowing a certain number of people in the park a day.
How to purchase Poas Volcano National Park tickets
Go to the SINAC website (they have an English option), create an account, register and purchase your tickets there. You have to print your ticket which is what you will show this to the park entrance office. Tickets are nonrefundable and no refunds for no shows.
If you are having trouble on their website, you can read the directions on their Facebook page to purchase tickets.The site is still working out some kinks but you can purchase your tickets on there.
Tip: If you are unable to print your tickets or already in Costa Rica, you can ask Poas Lodge (hotel near the national park) if they can purchase tickets for you. They charge $3.50 per ticket and also have a live webcam so you can see what the crater looks like before you go.
Things to Know About Visiting Poas Volcano National Park
- Visitors have to wear a helmet. Do not take it off in the park.
- The maximum amount of time allowed in the park is 20 minutes.
- All visitors have to watch a safety presentation.
- Pregnant women, people with high blood pressure and/or heart problems and those who recently underwent surgery are not recommended due to the high altitude and volcanic activity.
- This area is considered cloud forest so it gets cold, bring a sweater.
- All trails are closed except the path to the observation point.
- Only facilities are bathrooms at the entrance.
Poas Volcano National Park Observation Point
Once you’re inside the park, walk on the trail to the crater observation point. This is the only place visitors can go in the national park now, as the lake trails are closed.
The walk from the entrance to the crater lake view point is very short and all on nicely maintained, flat roads. It is also handicap friendly.
Once you are the view point, you can walk around the platform to see the crater.
Tips for seeing the crater
Since Poas Volcano is up in the cloud forest, it is not always a guarantee to see it completely clear. So don’t get disappointed if you arrive and see it covered in clouds though. Unfortunately that’s just how it is with the weather in high elevation!
However, for best possibilities to see the Poas Volcano, go during dry season. You’ll have less chances of rain and clouds and more chances of a clear sky.
We have visited Poas Volcano National Park 3 times from 2012-2019.
August 2012 (before park closed and volcano erupted)
When we went at the end of August, we were lucky to have a very beautiful and clear day so the crater was clear the whole time we were there. We went early in the morning, right when the park opened around 830 AM.
November 2016
The second time we went at the beginning of November, it was incredibly cloudy and we saw nothing but fog. The volcano hadn’t erupted yet and the park was operating like normal.
We also tried to visit once in July 2015. The park entrance office also has a webcam so we asked them what it’s like. It was raining at the crater and the webcam showed it was very foggy so we decided not to go.
October 2019 (volcano erupted, park had been closed for awhile)
We recently visited beginning of October 2019 and we didn’t see the volcano crater either. The volcano had actually erupted a couple times the very beginning of October, prompting the park to close for a few days. It also had a mini eruption the morning we went on October 11th but the park remained open.
Unfortunately, as October is the rainiest month for most of Costa Rica, it was very cloudy and we saw nothing but clouds again.
So what’s the most important thing to take away from our visits? Go in the dry season! February, March and April are the hottest and sunniest months with the best chances. As you can see, we were pretty unlucky visiting in November and October!
Weather
Poas Volcano sits at around 2700 meters (almost 9000 feet) in elevation so this area gets cold. The average temperature of Poas Volcano is 60s F (around 16 Celsius).
During dry season (end of December to end of April), it can get sunny with temperatures up to mid 70s F (~24 Celsius). In rainy season (beginning of May to mid December), it can get down to low 60s (16 C) or colder if it’s windy. However, because it’s in the cloud forest it can rain even during dry season.
What to Bring to the Park
We recommend you to bring a sweater or a jacket as it gets chilly. Wear closed toed shoes and long pants
If you are coming in rainy season, make sure to bring a waterproof backpacks to protect equipment. Also make sure to bring a waterproof rain jacket.
Poas Volcano Tours
If you’re in San Jose and would like to visit on a tour, you can take a Poas Volcano day tour from San Jose. We have a partnership with Expediciones Tropicales who operates tours to Poas Volcano and we have a small discount for the tours. Now that the park is open again, this is one of the best day trips from San Jose to see what Costa Rica is famous for!
They also do Poas Volcano and Doka Coffee, Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee and La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee and Grecia/Sarchi tours. Please click to get our San Jose day tours discount here!
Read about other national parks here!
Arenal Volcano National Park: Popular national park by La Fortuna with the Arenal Volcano, rainforest and lava trails. Great for hiking.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Popular national park in the Central Pacific coast with white sand beaches, hiking trails and lots of wildlife.
Marino Ballena National Park: National park in Uvita with beach and rainforest. One of the best places to see humpback whales.
Carara National Park: National park by Tarcoles and Jaco. Excellent for hiking and birdwatching, has the biggest colony of breeding Scarlet Macaws.
Turrialba Volcano National Park: Closed indefinitely due to the very active Turrialba Volcano but visitors can still drive up to the entrance for a close view.
Todd says
Went yesterday, 27 Dec. 2020. Although I live in CR, I don’t have my residency permit yet (slow process). I paid the non resident fee of $15. Had to buy tickets around 24 hours in advance on the SINAC website (https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr).
It was completely clouded in with a cold, misty updraft from the lake. It was a bummer not to see the crater-lake, but all in all, I had a pleasant stroll up to the viewing platform and back. The mist made it a bit awakening and the flora all around was interesting, colorful and had dew drops of water to add interest.
They had a slide show in an auditorium to view before leaving the visitor center, but no one to actually guide/explain things. Both the gift shop and cafe were open, but we didn’t eat there.
I had read that it was frequently cloud filled, so that didn’t upset me. It was a bummer, but all in all, I enjoyed the easy, fresh stroll.
Sammi says
Thank you for your feedback Todd! Last time we went it was cloudy too, as you can see in the post it is very common! Hopefully if you visit again you’ll be able to see it. That is unfortunate nobody was there in the auditorium to explain things as that would have enriched the experience a lot more, especially considering you paid $15. I’ll see if I can leave feedback to the park somewhere regarding that.
Cedric says
Just got back from there today, total waste of time and money. A parking area from where you walk 400m on a paved road to reach a small concrete platform where you can stay only 20minutes. As they say this viewpoint is most of the time completely covered with clouds so the only thing you can experience is the sound of the main fumarole heard from very far away, and the frustration of such a visit….
The worst is that there is no guide to explain what is this volcano, not even writings anywhere, nothing to give at least a few informations.
Yet some old ugly and useless concrete buildings are there…
There used to have some trails and different interesting viewpoints before but everything is closed now now except this paved road leading to the platform.
If the volcano is dangerous why dont they simply close it completely?
One more scandal on a very long list of wasted beautiful sites…..
Patrick says
Hi. On Sinac website, when I try to reserve tickets, they ask for full name and Identification. What does it mean? I don’t get it. Thanks
Sammi says
Usually that is for the ID Number (Costa Ricans each have an ID number) but as foreigner they usually ask for passport number.
Shelby says
Hey!
Just wondering if it would be possible to visit Poas on our way from La Fortuna to San Jose? Would there be enough time?
Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Shelby! You can definitely. Go early, as the park closes at 120 PM and opens at 7 AM and make sure to get your tickets beforehand.
Bob says
So now for a family of 4 you have to pay 40$ + parking just to see the crater ?
Sammi says
Hi Bob, yes for 4 adults, it is actually $60 for park tickets ($15 per adult, $5 per child under 12) and parking. Poas is the national park so they have to charge an entrance fee for maintenance, park rangers, infrastructure, etc.
Bob says
I understand that of course, spent time in a lot of national parks around the world. But 60$ for a 40mn maximum walk seems expensive compared to other big parks where you pay per car and you can hike whole day inside.
Sammi says
Oh yes, for sure! I totally agree. And the difference in price between citizens and foreigners is a bit extravagant. It’s around $2 for an adult citizen and $15 for an adult foreigner and they don’t give multi day passes, the tickets are only good for one day so you have to pay each time you want to go in. Costa Rica does do a good job protecting nature and wildlife but they’re also good at charging people to see it
Heather says
Do you know if you can purchase tickets at the park? We will be coming straight from the airport but are only going if it’s not to cloudy so we don’t want to purchase tickets ahead of time in case we don’t end up going plus we can’t be sure of time we would get there. I planned on purchasing the tickets through my phone on the drive there but I see it say you have to print them out and they don’t accept tickets off your phone. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Heather, they require tickets to be purchased beforehand since they only allow a certain number of people during certain hours of the day. You can do it on the SINAC website. Since it just reopened, they’re still trying to streamline the process but right now, you have to pre-book tickets, they don’t allow people to purchase them the day of.
Alison says
Hello. We are trying to purchase tickets for Nov. 18th around 9 am. The website isn’t letting us add tickets. Do you think it could be sold out?
Sammi says
Hi Alison, the website is not very good to be honest and I just tried it and it wouldn’t let me either. The SINAC just posted another way to purchase tickets, you can see it on their Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/cr.sinac/posts/1891487117602804
JayCampanozi says
Hello ! We are heading there on June 11th ! Is it still closed ? Thank you ! 🙂
Sammi says
Hi Jay, yes Poas is still closed and I don’t believe it will be open anytime soon 🙁
Kelly says
Hello, We are headed your way in February and wanted to know if the Poaz Volcanic park is still closed due to volcanic activity?
-Kelly
Sammi says
Hi Kelly, yes it is currently closed. Activity has been low for a bit so the SINAC is considering re-opening for a short period of time but no word if or when that will happen.
BRIAN says
Y’ALL HAVE AN AWESOME BLOG. FULL OF INFORMATION.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PAOS VOLCANO AREA IS CLOSED DUE TO ACTIVITY.
IS IT WORTH GOING UP THERE ?
Sammi says
Hi Brian, honestly since the national park is closed, I don’t recommend taking the time to go up there. It’s a beautiful drive up with nice views so you can still go if you want to see the small local towns of Poasito or visit the La Paz waterfalls.
Pam says
Hi there,
I was also planning to go up to Paos, but just learned it’s closed. Is the La Paz Waterfalls worth it, or could you suggest other waterfalls that might have other great things to see nearby. Will be staying in Cartago. Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Pam, La Paz waterfall gardens is kind of expensive but it is really nice if you want to see waterfalls since they have 5 in their park. It is also more accessible. There is a waterfall in Turrialba called Aquiares Waterfall that is nice too.
Jen says
Hello! Thank you for your article (your whole website is very useful actually!)
I’m planning my Costa Rica trip with a couple friends in november and I just want to make sure, is the park open 7/7 days? I tried googling it and it says contact&info MON-FRI. We would be visiting on a sunday
Sammi says
Hey Jen, I’m pretty sure it is since it’s the most popular national park in CR. You can ask your hotel just to doublecheck!
Patricia says
Thank you soooo much! I love your article! I’m going next week with my husband. Since we are staying 4 days in San Jose, I was wondering about places to visit while visiting my family. Poas is a great choice. Thanks for the tips. Hoping we can see the crater during our visit.
Sammi says
You’re very welcome! I hope you enjoy Poas and see the crater! 🙂
Neil | Joyfuljourneying says
Thanks for this great write up and the photos. We are renting a car tonight and driving to Poas tomorrow. We plan to leave early in the morning (we are currently staying at an AirBnB in Atenas, about 1.25 hours away) as we hear that earlier in the morning there is a better chance of a view of the crater. Guess we’ll find out!
Looking forward to it. We are also going to check out the La Paz Waterfall Garden, despite the expense.
Sammi says
I hope you guys were able to see the volcano! La Paz is beautiful too, the whole area is just so lovely. Hope you guys had a great time there!
Jeff Johns says
This is awesome! We’ve been trying to plan a trip to Costa Rica for ages, really hope to get there in 2014. Great pictures, great info, so excited to check this out! Cheers and happy travels!
Sammi says
Thanks Jeff! Hope you guys make it here sometime, it’s a great country to visit! So much to do and see. Feel free to ask us for any questions when you start making plans 🙂
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
These are beautiful shots! I’m fascinated with volcanoes especially ones you can get up close. Poas looks awesome. We’ve been trying to go to Costa Rica for ages. I’m so glad to have found you two for such a rich resource on Costa Rica. Botos Lake looks like a great hike.
Sammi says
Thanks Mary! We were so lucky it was a clear day. Poas is one of my favorite volcanoes since it’s pretty unique. I hope you and your family come to Costa Rica soon! It’s a wonderful place for families, Definitely let us know if you happen to pass by the neighborhood 🙂 Thank you so much for the compliment and comment!