Costa Rica Poás Volcano Facts

Although Poas volcano is not currently part of our Caravan Costa Rica tour, this post explores a few Poas Volcano facts plus information about sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.

Surrounded by lush tropical rainforests, Poás Volcano in Costa Rica is not only one of this country’s most important protected areas but historically, it has also been one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions.

Poás Volcano actually has two craters and has also become a very popular attraction for international visitors and tourists. Poás Volcano National Park is also just a short scenic drive (within an hour) from the capital, San Jose. Its close proximity attracts a lot of locals as well, who visit the area to escape the city on weekends.

Quick Poás Volcano Facts

  • The peak of Poás volcano rises to more than 8,000 feet above sea level.
  • Its two craters are bordered by lush tropical rainforests.
  • The large crater has a large very acidic lake called Laguna Caliente.
  • The larger crater is almost a mile across and over 900 feet deep with continuous geyser-like eruptions of sulphuric gas and steam. This has earned it the reputation as the largest geyser in the world.
  • The second Poás Volcano crater is called Botos Lagoon and is much smaller.
  • The smaller crater is inactive and holds a body of cold fresh water that feeds into two Costa Rica rivers.
  • Poás Volcano is believed to be about 11 million years old.
  • Poás had about a half a dozen eruptions over the past one hundred years including 1910, several between 1952 and 1954, 1989, 2009, 2017, and 2019.

Biodiversity of Poás Volcano National Park

The mountain, volcano activity, and lagoons may be enough to draw many visitors, but Poás National Park offers travelers much more to see and enjoy.

Here are some Poas Volcano facts regarding the area’s biodiversity, which can be witnessed within the park’s four distinct natural habitats including:

  1. An area of little plant growth.
  2. The world famous “stunted” forest (or dwarf forest) – a result of acid rain caused by the volcano.
  3. An area dominated by Arrayans, a type of shrub or small tree similar to evergreens.
  4. Escallonia Cloud Forest region, which is a lush tropical rainforest area that receives very little rain but experiences very high humidity because of the low lying clouds, fog, and mists.

The best time to experience Poás Volcano and Poás Volcano National Park is early in the day before the clouds roll in and obscure the amazing views of this world famous tourist attraction.

Due to recent volcanic activity, Caravan’s visit to Poás Volcano tours has been temporarily discontinued until further notice. It is not currently part of our Costa Rica itinerary.

Sustainable Tourism for Poás Volcano

Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity and for its commitment to sustainable Costa Rica Tourism. Poás Volcano National Park is an excellent example of how Costa Rica has embraced tourism with minimal intrusion of its many natural parks, wildlife refuges and biological reserves.

Costa Rica All Inclusive Tours – Includes Poás Volcano Tour

Thank you for exploring our Poas Volcano facts page.

Our all inclusive Natural Paradise Costa Rica Package Tours are fully escorted 8-day packages. The tour is exceptionally priced, considering all hotels, meals, activities, land transportation, and gratuities are included.

Visit Caravan’s Costa Rica tour reviews page to read what others have said about this all inclusive tour of Costa Rica.

Call toll-free at 1-800-Caravan (227-2826)

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