Costa Rica National Park Volcano Poas

National Park Poas includes volcano Poas and it´s enchanting cloud forest on about 6000 feet above sea level. From San José you drive to Alajuela and see a sign behind the airport, which shows you the way. During your drive, always watch traffic signs, since there are too less. If you took the wrong way, ask for "Volcan Poas". Do not forget to fill up gasoline, because you will have a hard time to find one, after you leave Alajuela. There is one on the hill of Poas, but it is closed many times. Cars need more gasoline climbing up and more than one tourist had to return because of this. The street climbs up the hill for about 20 miles and offers some excellent views down to central valley. You pass coffee fields as well as ornamental plantations and you will see sales people at the street offering fresh strawberries and other delicacies.

When you reach the entrance, you will have to pay the fee of US$ 6 per person. The lady in the small cabin tells you at least, if the view down to the crater is possible or not. Then you decide if you still want to go in. You continue until the parking places. There is a guide showing you where to park. Follow his instructions and do not leave any values in your car, since the guide is absolutely no guarantee.

From the parking place, you walk to the first building. In the lower floor you find an exhibition about volcanoes and the restrooms and upstairs there is a Cafe and a souvenir shop and an insect exhibition.

Do not go too late. The earlier you start your trip, the more chances you have on an undisturbed view to the crater. Later on, it is often foggy and you will see nothing but white clouds. However, also the vegetation is very interesting. From the main crater, there is another trail leading to a smaller crater with a lagune. On your way back, choose the trail leading through the forest instead of the paved way and enjoy the awesome vegetation.