Poás Volcano, Active stratovolcano in Central Valley, Costa Rica.
Description
Poás Volcano is a stratovolcano in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, with a main crater roughly 1.6 km wide. The sulfuric acid lake inside releases hot vapor while several fumaroles remain active along the inner walls.
History
The first documented eruption occurred in the mid-1800s after local reports of earlier activity existed. In 2017, a major event forced temporary park closure and reinforcement of viewing platforms.
Culture
The name comes from "poas," meaning hot spring in an indigenous language once spoken in the region. Visitors today notice the strong sulfur smell carried by the wind and the bare terrain around the crater's edge.
Practical
Visitors should book reservations ahead and can reach the volcano between 7 AM and 2 PM. Access to the crater follows paved paths, with time near the rim limited to short intervals to reduce gas exposure.
Did you know?
Laguna Caliente inside the crater reaches depths around 900 meters and ranks among the most acidic natural bodies of water on Earth. Geysers occasionally form, shooting water up to 250 meters high and breaking through the steam for brief moments.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Costa Rica).
This collection brings together active volcanoes located on multiple continents, from Cotopaxi in the Ecuadorian Andes to Mount Fuji in Japan, including Vesuvius in Italy and Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Each site demonstrates different geological processes: stratovolcanoes like Mount Saint Helens and Etna...
Central Conservation Area
19.5 km
Poás Volcano National Park
1.3 km
La Selva Biological Station
34.4 km
Barva Volcano
15.4 km
Braulio Carrillo National Park
28.4 km
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
7.5 km
Parque de Diversiones
28.8 km
Fortín de Heredia
25.4 km
La Paz Waterfall
7.6 km
San José Central Market
33.5 km
Platanar
18.5 km
Torres Paseo Colón
33 km
Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture
33 km
Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture
33 km
Cerro Zurquí
26.9 km
San José Costa Rica Temple
24.1 km
Volcán Cacho Negro
20.2 km
Castillo del Moro
33.4 km
Volcán Congo
6.3 km
Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral, Alajuela
20.2 km
Iglesia de la Inmaculada
25.5 km
Bocaraca
28.8 km
Omar Mosque and Islamic Center of Costa Rica
32.7 km
Museo de Cultura Popular
23.7 km
Vistas de Nunciatura
31.5 km
Aguas Zarcas meteorite
12.1 km
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Costa Rica
30.8 km
Centro de Conservación de Santa Ana
29.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes