Congratulations! You’ve planned your visit and are about to have an unforgettable experience. Since reopening on July 30th, 2025, the Poás Volcano National Park awaits you with landscapes that will leave you breathless.
In this second part of our guide, we’ll take you on a tour through every corner of the park, so you know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of your adventure at this majestic colossus.
The Starting Point: Visitor Center and Services
Once you show your digital ticket and park your vehicle, your first stop will be the Visitor Center area. Here, you’ll find all the amenities to start your tour comfortably:
- Cafeteria and Souvenir Shop: Great news! Both are fully operational. They are the perfect spot to grab a local coffee before your hike or to pick up a souvenir at the end of your visit.
- Restrooms: You will find well-maintained and accessible restrooms conveniently located near the start of the trails.
The Crown Jewel: The Main Crater Viewpoint
From the Visitor Center, an easy and accessible walk of about 800 meters (approximately 10 minutes) will take you to the edge of the main attraction. You will stand before a hot, acidic lagoon of a striking color that varies between blue and gray. At 1.7 km in diameter, it’s recognized as the world’s largest geyser-type crater.
Thanks to new visiting conditions, the experience is now much more flexible. Unlike previous periods with higher volcanic activity, currently:
- Helmets are no longer required.
- There is no strict time limit to stay at the viewpoint.
This allows you to admire the crater at your own pace. You will see signs indicating that you are in a high-risk area and several safety shelters, which are reminders that, although calm, Poás is still an active volcano under constant monitoring.
The Adventure Continues: The Botos Lagoon Trail
Beyond the main crater, a magical hike awaits. The Botos Lagoon Trail is open and is a must-see. This 800-meter trail (about a 30-minute walk) immerses you in a fascinating cloud forest teeming with lush vegetation.
The destination is a former crater that has transformed into a cold, crystal-clear lake of emerald-green water. The contrast between the rugged landscape of the main crater and the peacefulness of this lagoon is simply spectacular.
A Safe Tour
Although the experience is more flexible, safety remains the top priority. The park is under a Yellow Alert, which means there is constant monitoring by entities like OVSICORI and CNE. Always follow the instructions of the park rangers and respect the signs.
Experiencing Poás is unforgettable! Now that you know the tour, all that’s left is to prepare with the right gear and some expert tips.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tour inside Poás Volcano
What can I see and do inside Poás Volcano National Park? The main tour includes a visit to the Main Crater Viewpoint, a breathtaking experience with a safety-limited time of 20 minutes. Additionally, you can walk the Botos Lagoon Trail, a beautiful 800-meter path through the cloud forest that leads you to an ancient crater now filled with water.
Is the Botos Lagoon trail open? Is it a difficult hike? Yes, the trail to Botos Lagoon is one of the main attractions and is open to visitors. The hike is considered easy to moderate, well-marked, and accessible to most people, offering a complete immersion into the park’s nature.
Besides the viewpoints and trails, what other services are available? The park has a Visitor Center that includes a cafeteria, where you can enjoy a hot drink or a snack, a souvenir shop, and restroom facilities. There is also an exhibition hall where you can learn more about the geology and ecology of the area.
Is it safe to visit an active volcano like Poás? Yes, it is very safe. The park follows strict safety protocols monitored by experts. Gas levels and seismic activity are constantly measured. The 20-minute limit at the viewpoint and the presence of safety shelters are part of the measures to ensure a risk-free visit.
After a day of hiking and fresh mountain air, your body will crave a well-deserved rest.
At Oasis Mountain, we offer that perfect refuge to recharge your batteries. Relax in our comfortable facilities, enjoy the tranquility of the mountains, and get ready for the next stage of your journey.
Don’t just visit the attractions—live the essence of the mountains with us.
👉 Check availability at Oasis Mountain and relax after your adventure!
And don’t miss the final article in our series, where we’ll share all the safety tips, what to pack, and how to have the perfect visit!