Poas Volcano, 2,708 meters high, is one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the country. Poas' crater is an enormous, gaping hole one kilometer in diameter and 314 meters deep. At the bottom, there is a circular hot lake. The long-extinct von Frantzius composite cone-the oldest eruptive center on the massif, is at the north of the active crater. Another cone named Botos is to the southwest. It was the active center until 7,500 years ago and now contains an astonishingly beautiful cold water lake some 400 meters in diameter.
Poas National Park presents four major habitats: an area of arrayans, a stunted forest, a cloud forest and areas with little or no vegetation. Small animal life is scarce, although birds abound. Some of the 79 species observed include the sotty robin, black guan, resplendent quetzal, green toucan and flame-throated warbler. In addition, this park protects various types of forests containing abundant epiphytes and parasitic plants, which grow on the tree trunks.
Special Considerations
At certain times throughout the year, particularly
during the rainy season, both Irazu and Poas
Volcanoes tend to cloud significantly by midmorning,
often remaining covered in clouds for the
remainder of the afternoon. For this reason,
we recommend that you choose a tour operator
who departs no later than 8:00 a.m. from San
Jose. This will provide you with your best
chances of seeing the volcanoes before any
cloud cover arrives. Also, due to their heights
and barrenness, temperatures are normally
quite cold, but vary significantly. Dress
appropriately!!!
How To Get There
Poas Volcano, approximately one and a quarter
to one and a half hours from San Jose, is far less accessable than Irazu Volcano. Depart San Jose as if you were going to
the International Airport, however, continue
to the right and follow the sign for San Ramon;
this leads towards Puntarenas. This exit is
approximately 9 miles ( 14.4km ) from San
Jose. Continue straight on the main highway
and continue throught the town of Alajuela.
At the end of town there is a sign which reads
"Poas Volcano 31 km". From this point there
are several signs which lead you directly
to the volcano.
The climb is impressive with the road twisting and turning most of the way. Several small eateries are located along the way, and there is one gas station located not long before the volcano entrance. The road is gernerally in good condition, however, pot holes are frequent. From the entrance gate the road continues 1 mile ( 1.6 km ) to where you have to pay to view the volcano.
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