Poas

Poas Volcano National Park (5,600 hectares) is one of Costa Rica's most popular parks. Its two craters are the big attractions and, like the crater at IrazŁ, they are virtually drive-in. The first crater, over 1.5kms wide, is filled with geysers and active fumaroles. A hot sulfurous lake sits, bubbling at the bottom, 300 meters below. The vegetation is stunted and twisted and sparse because of acid rain and the constant emission of gasses. A second crater, Botos, is filled with deep blue water and surrounded by damp cloud forest vegetation. There are plenty of birds here, including the resplendent quetzal and hummingbirds. If visiting in the rainy season, arrive as early as possible as the crater is often hidden by cloud. The park is occasionally closed due to increased volcanic activity. Distance from San Jose 55 km.