Poás Volcano National Park
Clouds, craters, and coffee above the green canopy."Parque Nacional Volcán Poás" in Costa Rica, home to one of the world's largest volcanic craters and a unique cloud forest ecosystem.
The location of one of the world's largest volcanic craters, this fascinating geological feature measures almost a mile in diameter.
There are actually two stratovolcanoes in the park, Poás and Barva. Poás volcano is one of the active ones in the region, with its last eruption in 2017, while Barva is dormant.
Poás Volcano, which stands at 8,885 feet, 2 708 meters, has two crater lakes near its summit. The northern lake, known as the Laguna Caliente ('Hot Lagoon'), is one of the world's most acidic lakes. The southern one, Botos, is an inactive crater filled with rainwater and is home to an ecosystem rich in unique bird species.
The main trail leads you to the volcano's viewing platform, from where you can observe the impressive crater and the surrounding cloud forest. The park is also known for its unique wildlife. There are more than 79 bird species found within the park, including the resplendent quetzal and several kinds of hummingbirds. Among the mammals, you could spot raccoons, coyotes, and various types of squirrels.
Poás Volcano National Park is usually cool and misty due to its high elevation. It's worth noting that visibility at the summit varies with the weather conditions, and sometimes the view of the crater can be obstructed by clouds. To get a best chance of a clear view of the crater, visit early in the morning.
