Poas

Poás Volcano, or Volcán Poás, is an active stratovolcano in central Costa Rica. It is located in Alajuela Province within Poás Volcano National Park and is one of the country’s most visited and active volcanic features, drawing visitors with dramatic crater views and geothermal activity.

Geographically, the summit rises to about 2,700 meters above sea level. The volcano features a large, active summit crater that contains a hot, acidic crater lake commonly referred to as Laguna Caliente. A separate crater to the west shelters Lago Botos, a crater lake inside a collapsed crater. The crater area emits gases and steam plumes, and fumarolic activity is a regular feature of the landscape.

Activity and hazards have varied over time, with Poás producing phreatic eruptions and gas emissions that have led to temporary closures of the viewing area and surrounding park facilities. Because of the volcanic nature of the site, access to the crater is subject to change on short notice in response to seismic signals, gas observability, or other safety concerns. Visitors are advised to follow park authorities and signage.

Ecologically, the area encompasses high-elevation cloud forest habitats with notable biodiversity, including various bird species and endemic plant communities. The national park protects both the volcanic landscape and the surrounding forest, offering scenic viewpoints and short interpretive trails.

Human use centers on tourism and research. Poás Volcano National Park provides visitor centers, designated trails, and regulated crater viewing areas. The park was established to preserve the volcanic landscape and its associated ecosystems, while allowing people to learn about and experience the region’s geologic and natural significance.