10 Things to Do in Parque Nacional Volcán Poás, Heredia Costa Rica
Parque Nacional Volcán Poás (Poás Volcano National Park) is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, in the province of Heredia. It is the second most visited national park in the country and is home to two of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, Volcán Poás and Volcán Barva. The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is home to a variety of attractions and activities. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Parque Nacional Volcán Poás.
1. Hike the Poás Volcano Crater Trail: This popular trail offers stunning views of the crater and surrounding area. The trail is an easy 1.5 km loop and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The trail is well marked and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
2. Visit the Laguna Botos: Located within the park, Laguna Botos is a beautiful crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy the scenery.
3. Explore the La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Located just outside the park, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens are a popular attraction. The gardens are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, and a reptile exhibit.
4. Take a Trek to the Barva Volcano: The Barva Volcano is the second active volcano in the park. It is located about 6 km from the Poás Volcano and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The trek is steep and can take up to 4 hours to complete.
5. Visit the Botos Volcano Observatory: The Botos Volcano Observatory is located within the park and offers visitors a chance to observe the volcano from an elevated platform. The observatory is open from 9am to 5pm and offers stunning views of the volcano and surrounding area.
6. Stop at the La Paz Waterfall: The La Paz Waterfall is located just outside the park and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The waterfall is 80 meters high and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can take a boat tour of the waterfall and enjoy the scenery.
7. Relax at the Poás Volcano Hot Springs: Located just outside the park, the Poás Volcano Hot Springs are a popular destination for visitors. The hot springs offer stunning views of the surrounding area and provide a relaxing experience.
8. Enjoy a Picnic at the Laguna Botos: Laguna Botos is a popular spot for picnics. Visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding area.
9. Spot Wildlife at the Poás Volcano National Park: The Poás Volcano National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park to spot the wildlife and learn more about the local ecosystem.
10. Take a Night Hike: The Poás Volcano National Park offers night hikes for visitors. The night hikes are a great way to experience the park after dark and spot nocturnal wildlife.
Parque Nacional Volcán Poás is a stunning park with a variety of attractions and activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in nature or an adventure, the park offers something for everyone. So, don’t miss out on the chance to explore this unique destination.