Poas Volcano: Day Trips and Tours from San José

Just a stone’s throw from the skyscrapers and noisy streets of San José lies one of Central America’s most impressive mounts — Poás Volcano.

With its active history, awe-inspiring slopes and glistening crater lake, this is one natural phenomenon you can’t miss when in Costa Rica.

On a day trip to Poás Volcano from San José, you’ll discover the multitude of eruptions that have happened across the span of 200 years and view the country’s diverse rainforests, and coffee plantations from a staggering height.

Here's all you need to know about Poás Volcano, one of the most exciting day trips from San José.

How to get to Poás Volcano from San José?

Poás Volcano is located in the Alajuela region of Costa Rica, approximately 50 kilometers from San José.

From San José to Poás Volcano by car

The journey to Poás Volcano by car takes around an hour and follows Route 1 northwest of San José. You’ll merge onto Route 146, continuing on to Route 120 to reach the mount.

From San José to Poás Volcano by bus

You can also make the jaunt to Poás Volcano via public transport by taking a bus from San José to Alajuela. From there, you’ll board a local bus, which will take you to the national park. The entire journey takes just over 2 hours.

Guided tour to Poás Volcano from San José

Another option is to book a guided excursion to Poás Volcano. These range in duration, from 2 to 12 hours, depending on the activity you choose and usually include a hotel pickup service before 8 AM.

How much does the entrance ticket to Poás Volcano cost?

The prices of the entrance tickets to Poás Volcano are:

• Adults: US$15
• Children (aged 2-12): US$5
• Children under 2: Free

What is the typical itinerary?

Each Poás Volcano day tour has its own unique itinerary, which varies according to its duration or the activities it offers.

However, most begin by driving the short distance to the national park that the volcano sits in and journeying up to its summit in a comfortable vehicle.

Alternatively, some tours travel to a nearby coffee plantation first to see the production process of the world-class beans.

Upon reaching the top of Poás Volcano, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its crater lake and discover its history.

If there’s time in your itinerary, you may be able to engage in a guided walk through the wilderness that surrounds the mount.

From here, many Poás Volcano day trips continue on a whirlwind tour of the highlights of Alajuela, including La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Poás Volcano?

There are a range of Poás Volcano day tours available to choose from, depending on the time you have to spare and your travel style.

Half-day guided tour to Poás Volcano from San José

On a half-day trip to Poás Volcano, you’ll travel up to the summit of the mount and admire its dazzling turquoise crater lakes. From this vantage point, you’ll gain astounding views of the Alajuela region, which is famed for its coffee plantations.

Learn how this volcano was formed over 600,000 years ago and about its most recent eruptions before returning to the city.

Day trip to Poás Volcano plus La Paz Waterfall from San José

If you have ample time, opt for a full-day tour of Poás Volcano instead. First, you’ll travel to a coffee plantation to see how the beans are grown, harvested and roasted before being distributed across the world.

Move on to Poás Volcano National Park to ascend its summit and participate in an invigorating hike to a nearby lagoon. Lastly, wander along the tropical trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Helicopter tour to Poás Volcano from San José

Another way to explore the area is from the sky in a helicopter tour of Poás Volcano surroundings. You’ll fly over its craters, learning about the history of this impressive geological formation as you go.

As you move quickly through the landscape, you’ll witness roaring waterfalls and coffee plantations from a bird’s eye view.

How much does a day trip to Poás Volcano from San José cost?

Half-day trips to Poás Volcano are the most budget-friendly option and cost between US$100, and US$110 per person. This includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide and breakfast.

You’ll each pay between US$140 and US$170 for a day tour of Poás Volcano, and La Paz Waterfall.

Helicopter tours over Poás Volcano cost approximately US$930 per person and last around an hour.

What will you see and do?

Poás Volcano first formed over 600,000 years ago and stands at a staggering 2,700 meters high. It is an active stratovolcano, which has exploded 40 times since 1828.

Its last eruption happened in 2017 and caused the national park to close to visitors for over a year in the name of safety.

While the mount is still active, it is closely monitored for seismic activity and tourists can safely ascend its slopes to discover the two crater lakes on top.

What are the opening times?

Poás Volcano National Park is open from 7 AM to 2 PM every day. However, last entrance to the site is at 1:20 PM.

When is the best time to visit Poás Volcano?

The best time to plan a day trip to Poás Volcano is between December and April when the weather is the most reliable, and the climate is dry.

Because of the mount’s elevation, temperatures here are lower than in other parts of Costa Rica, ranging from 8 to 21 degrees Celsius.

Travel tips

• Poás Volcano is often covered completely by clouds by midday, which is why you should visit the site as early in the morning as possible.
• Day trips to Poás Volcano usually include a fair amount of walking. Ensure you’re wearing sturdy and comfortable shoes for your excursion.