Poás Volcano National Park Parque Nacional Volcán Poás

One of the oldest and best known national parks in Costa Rica, the Poás Volcano National Park sees about half a million visitors annually. Covering 5599ha/13830ac, the obvious attraction of the park is the Poás Volcano (2704m/8869ft) that is composed of composite basalt. Records show the volcano has been active since before 1828 and has shown three periods of major activity.

The bubbling, steaming crater can be viewed from the top, as current volcanic activity prevents descending any further. Occasionally there are geyser-like eruptions that have caused acid rain in the area and damaged local crops. The vast crater measures 300m/984ft and stretches across 1.5km/0.93mi.

Near the crater is an excellent example of dwarf cloud forest, including lichens, bromeliads and moss-covered twisted trees that grow in the volcanic soil. Several species of birds can be spotted, including some species that are often only found at high altitudes such as the red-throated hummingbird.

Other birds to look for are the sooty robin and the quetzal. There are various hiking trails in the park, and most of the trails that lead to the active crater are relatively easy. A steeper trail leads through the cloud forest to an extinct crater that has formed the Botos Lagoon.