Poás & Irazú Volcanoes

★★★ Volcán Poás

The Poás is Costa Rica's most accessible active volcano — it's only 300 meters from the parking lot to the crater rim. The main crater has a diameter of 1.3 km and is one of the largest active craters in the world. When the clouds clear (most likely in the morning!), you can see a acidic yellow-green crater lake with sulfurous steam rising from it.

Since the 2017 eruption, access is regulated: Maximum 20 minutes at the crater rim, tickets must be booked online in advance through the SINAC system. Gas masks are available for emergencies.

37 km north of Alajuela. Entrance: 15 USD (foreigners). Daily 8:00–14:00. Online reservation required! Drive from San José approx. 1.5h.

★★ Volcán Irazú

At 3,432 meters, the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. On clear days (rare, but possible — best before 10 AM), you can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean from the summit. The crater lake shimmers in an unreal green. The last major eruption was in 1963 — during the visit of US President Kennedy, of all times.

The drive to the summit leads through surreal lunar landscapes. At the top, it's cold (5–10°C) and often foggy — warm clothing is a must!

31 km north of Cartago. Entrance: 15 USD. Daily 8:00–15:30. Drive from San José approx. 1.5h.