Poas Volcano National Park: the most visited park in Costa Rica
Area | Approx. 16,000 acres |
Location | Alajuela Province, 40 miles N of San Jose |
Max. Elevation | 8,900' above sea level |
Precipitation | 140 inches annual average |
Temperature | 45ºF - 70ºF |
Date of Creation | January, 1971 |
Poas is an active volcano with frequent small geyser and lava eruptions. The last major eruptions at Poas Volcano were from 1952-54. The visitors' center right at the entrance of the park has interactive educational presentations and activities. This visitors' center is open from 8am to 4 pm. It has a cafeteria, souvenir shop, and auditorium.
Although its activity is considerably different from Arenal Volcano, Poas is another of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes. The colorful summit craters comprise a popular attraction, and are accessible by vehicle, and a short, easy walking.
The 2,708-meter stratovolcano lies within two vast calderas. The southernmost of two summit crater lakes, Botos, is cold and clear, and last erupted about 7,500 years ago. The other is warm and acidic and has been the site of frequent eruptions since the first one reported in 1828. Eruptions often feature geyser like ejections of lake water.
