Poas Volcano National Park

Poas Volcano National Park

The Poás Volcano National Park in Costa Rica covers an area of about 65 square kilometers, with a maximum altitude of 2,700 meters. The park has often been closed to visitors over the years due to precautionary measures against the release of water vapor and sulfuric acid gases. This volcano is situated in the Central Conservation Area of the province of Alajuela, near the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, which includes the area around the Poás Volcano. The main crater is 290 m in width and quite active, with frequent minor geyser and lava bursts, but the last major eruptions were in 1952-54. Two other craters form part of the park, the extinct Von Frantzuis crater and the Botos crater. Lake Botos is a beautiful crater lake with cold, green water, 370 meters in width. The Botos crater has not been active for about 7500 years. The two inactive craters can be reached by well-marked trails, if conditions allow. The park is home to many species of wild flora and fauna, including Poas magnolia bird species such as the Clay-Colored Robin, Black Guan, Resplendent Quetzal and varieties of hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers and toucans. Mammals in the park include coyotes, rabbits and marmots.