Costa Rica Vacations

Just outside of town, Poas Volcano National Park is easy to get to, and well worth a look.  The 2,708-meter volcano is quite active, although the last major erruption took place in 1954. 

This is probably Costa Rica’s most easily accessible volcano.  You can drive almost to the rim itself and walk the rest of the way on a paved pathway.  You can’t go around the crater more than a short way, but there is a nice observation platform, and there is almost always some bubbly action going on.

Poas is one of the few volcanic craters in the world you can get to without getting out of breath.  It is only a short walk on a nice smooth path from the car park to the crater rim.  You will probably see a few pizotes cadging handouts.  Don’t fall for their pitch:  just keep on walking and try not to let them catch your eye.  There is also a small crater lake you can see after a walk through the forest, but go for the walk itself-the lake is a mild attraction.

Be sure you schedule your trip to Poas for early in the morning, as clouds start to move in and obscure the view of the crater as early as 10am.  The visitor center is worth a look and you can, of course, get a nice cup of coffee.  Try the tamales.  They have the same toucan fridge magnets here they have anywhere, so you may as well get them. 

Info:  The Visitor Center is open 8am-4pm, and has a small cafeteria and souvenir shop.  Entrance fee $7.  Tel. 482-2165.

TIP:  Occassionally the park is closed due to too much bubbly action.  In 2006 Poas was going through a stage of mild activity, blorping out gobs of extremely hot mud and gases in the general direction of the viewing platform usually occupied by gawking tourists.  Call ahead to avoid disappointment or scalding.