Vacationing at Poas Volcano in Costa Rica
Written by Mark Mcewan   
Tuesday, 05 October 2010 05:28
Costa Rica has much to offer tourists, especially those who are interested in nature and adventure activities. Costa Rica is situated in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama and is easily accessible because of its close proximity to the USA and Canada. Often it is just a short flight away.
One of the major attractions in Costa Rica is Poás Volcano. Situated just an hour from downtown San José, it is easily accessible on good roads.

Poás Volcano is an active stratovolcano. Poás has erupted 39 times since 1828. There are two crater lakes near its summit.

The northern lake is known as the Laguna Caliente. It is one of the world's most acidic lakes, with a pH of almost 0, and as a consequence supports little or no aquatic life. Lake Botos, the southern lake, fills an inactive crater, which last erupted 7500BP. It is cold and clear, and is surrounded by a cloud forest located within the Poás Volcano National Park.

Poás is well known for often being clouded over and as a result the craters may often be invisible. Because of this it is best to visit the volcano early in the day, that way you have the best chance of seeing the main crater.

Poás Volcano National Park opens at 8am daily and if you stay in the area, it is easy to be there as the park opens.

There are many accommodation choices in the area. The lodge closest to Poás, Lagunias Lodge is not accessible unless you have a powerful 4 wheel drive vehicle. Lo Que Tu Quieras Lodge is only 4.5 kilometres from the entrance, but is in serious need of an upgrade and tends to be unkept.

My favourite is Poás Lodge and Restaurant. It is just 4.7 kilometres from the entrance to the national park and is the best value for money in the area and also enjoys an unparalleled view of the central valley.

Eating in the area does present much choice since most of the restaurants in the area tend to serve the same style of dishes. Colbert’s near Vara Blanca has lovely French food, but lacks ambience.

I have eaten at Poas Lodge and Restaurant whenever I have been there and have found their menu to be more varied than the other eateries in the area. Their prices are good and the service has been excellent, with many of the staff members speaking English.

The Poás area is a must for any visitor to Costa Rica, because of its elevation, Poás enjoys cooler weather without humidity and it is a nice change from the crowded beaches of the popular beach towns.