Costa Cruises

Poas Volcano National Park

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 14th, 2009

Poas Volcano, gave its name to the National Park, which surrounds its environs, is considered the world’s largest active volcano. Its age is impressive – according to the research, its activity began 11 million years ago. However, you will not be able to see the rushing streams of lava and ash here.

Poas is now a geyser, rhythmically emitting jets of hot steam and muddy water.

In 1828 Poas Volcano erupted 39 times. The last terrible eruption happened in 1910, when the volcano emitted to the surrounding area of about one million tons of ash and incandescent rocks. The last time the National Park was closed because of the release of toxic sulfur gases in 1989, but now it is open to tourists.

The best time to visit the volcano is in early morning. If you have time to arrive here before clouds gather here, then you will see all the details of volcanic activity.

Volcano and the National Park have great popularity and attendance. There are numerous hiking trails around the crater and on slopes, where excursions are organized. The most popular is Crater Overlook Trail with a length of 750 meters, allows having a glimpse of the crater itself and observing its activities.

Also, interesting for its spectacular scenery is the trail leading to the lagoons of Botos Lake, which gives a complete idea of the variety of wildlife, presented in the unique ecosystem of the Park. Coyotes, skunks, long-tailed weasel, a wide variety of birds – and this is not all that you can seen here. The Poas National Park is home to the famous green-yellow squirrel, which can be found only in those places.

Flora of the volcano is peculiar and exotic. Because of acid rain, regularly coming here, many trees and shrubs are not able to grow to its normal size, and are presented here as a dwarf species, reminiscent of Japanese bonsai.

Also, if you managed to get into the Poas National Park, do not miss the opportunity to visit the waterfall of La Paz, the most recognizable waterfall in Costa Rica. It is just twenty minutes away from the park.