Situation et moyens d'accès

Poas Volcano National Park is situated in the Central Valley (Valle Central) of Costa Rica, approximately 1.5 hours from San José and 30 minutes from the town of Sarchí. The park's entrance is well-signposted along Route 120, which winds through coffee plantations and cloud forests.

• By Car: From San José, take Route 1 to Alajuela, then follow signs to Poasito and the volcano. Parking is available near the visitor center.
• By Public Transport: Buses depart from San José's Terminal TUASA (Av. 2, Calle 12) to Alajuela, where you can transfer to a bus bound for Poas Volcano. Schedules are limited; early departure is advised.
• Guided Tours: Many operators in San José or Sarchí offer day trips, including transportation and park entry.

Heures d'ouverture et billets

The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with the last entry at 2:00 PM. Hours may vary during holidays or adverse weather conditions.

• Entrance Fees: $15 for non-resident adults, $5 for children (ages 2–12). Costa Rican residents and citizens pay reduced rates.
• Tickets: Purchase at the park entrance or online via the SINAC website (recommended during peak seasons).

Meilleur moment pour visiter

Mornings are ideal for clearer views of the crater, as clouds often roll in by midday. The dry season (December–April) offers the most reliable visibility, though the lush greenery of the rainy season (May–November) has its own charm.

Durée de la visite et activités

Plan for 1.5–2 hours to explore the main trails and viewpoints. Key experiences include:

• Viewing the active crater (one of the largest in the world) from the designated overlook.
• Walking the short but scenic trails through dwarf cloud forest, such as the Escalonia and Botos Lagoon paths.
• Learning about the volcano's geology and ecology at the visitor center.

Installations

• Restrooms near the visitor center.
• A small gift shop selling souvenirs and snacks.
• Limited accessibility: The main viewpoint is wheelchair-friendly, but trails are uneven.
• Parking is available (free but fills quickly on weekends).

Ce qu'il faut apporter et porter

• Warm layers (temperatures can drop sharply at this elevation).
• Rain gear (weather changes rapidly).
• Sturdy walking shoes for trails.
• Sun protection and a reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting (hummingbirds and toucans are common).

Règles et règlements

• Stay on marked trails; venturing beyond barriers is prohibited due to volcanic activity.
• No pets allowed.
• Drones require prior authorization.
• Pack out all trash; the park has strict conservation policies.

Informations sur le contact

For updates on volcanic activity or closures, check the SINAC website or call the park office at +506 2482-2165.