One of the largest and most accessible active volcanic craters in the world, with a turquoise acid lake inside it
Area
65 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1971
Declared in 1971, it protects one of the largest and easiest to reach active volcanic craters in the world — the viewpoint is barely a few minutes' walk from the car park — with a lake of extremely acid, turquoise water that visibly bubbles from the geothermal activity beneath. Sudden phreatic eruptions have forced temporary closures of the park several times over the past decade, most recently in 2025.
Location
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4 dive sites within 300 km are also shown.
Poás Volcano: 32 documented species
Mammals16Birds11Reptiles3Amphibians
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in Costa Rica, where Poás Volcano lies.
Tropical rainforestMarine / coastal
Experiences in this park
Diving and snorkellingBirdwatching
Nearby dive sites
Where can I dive near here?
170 km away
237 km away
254 km away
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in Costa Rica?
Now is a good time: Olive ridley arribada at Ostional (July to November (largest arribadas; smaller ones occur year-round))
Now is a good time: Sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica (July to October at Tortuguero (peak in August and September); March to July for leatherbacks)
Now is a good time: Sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica (July to October at Tortuguero (peak in August and September); March to July for leatherbacks)
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: Costa Rica
Same country: Costa Rica
Same country: Costa Rica
Same country: Costa Rica
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
Costa Rica
