Poás is one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes, and from the viewpoint you look straight down into its crater and acid lake. I plan your visit as early as possible, because clouds often roll in later in the morning.
On the way down, a tour of Doka Estate follows coffee from cherry to cup and ends with a tasting. After lunch you walk the trail at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, past several waterfalls and through its hummingbird garden.
Highlights
- The crater and acid lake of Poás from the viewpoint
- Coffee from cherry to cup at Doka Estate, with a tasting
- Several waterfalls along the trail at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- The hummingbird garden at La Paz
Know before you go
- Poás tickets are sold online only, and visits to the viewpoint run in timed turns. I book your turn together with the rest of the day.
- Helmets are mandatory at the crater and lent at the gate.
- Poás is an active volcano. The park closed from March to July 2025 after eruptions, and since late August 2026 it has run at reduced capacity after a new alert.
- The park can close at short notice. If it does, I plan a backup with more time at the gardens and the coffee farm.
- Clouds can cover the crater at any hour, and early turns give the best chance of a clear view.
How the day goes
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Pickup in San José or near the airport
The drive heads up the mountain to reach Poás early, before the clouds.
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Poás Volcano crater
A walk to the viewpoint, where you look into the crater during your timed turn.
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Doka Estate coffee tour
See how coffee goes from cherry to cup on a working farm, then taste it.
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Lunch and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
After lunch, walk the trail past the waterfalls and through the hummingbird garden, then ride back to your hotel in the afternoon.
Included
- Round-trip transport from San José or the airport area
- Poás Volcano National Park ticket
- Doka Estate coffee tour and tasting
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens entry
- Lunch
Not included
- Tips
What to bring
- A warm layer: it is cold and windy at the crater
- Rain jacket
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Passport (needed for the park ticket)