Poas Volcano National Park

Rising above the Central Valley along the Central Volcanic Cordillera, the Poás Volcano ranks among the country's most active volcanoes, allowing visitors to directly observe its dynamic geothermal activity, including roaring fumaroles that continuously blast steam and sulfur gases into the air.

Located just 49 kilometers north of San José, Poás Volcano National Park offers exceptionally easy access for day-trips. The surrounding highland corridor has developed into a must travel destination packed with cafes, souvenir shops and coffee estates like the famous Doka Estate.

Just down the road sits La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica's premier privately owned sanctuary. Here, visitors can hike cloud forest trails past five cascading waterfalls and explore a wildlife refuge housing over 100 native species, including jaguars, pumas, monkeys, tree frogs, and Central America's largest butterfly observatory.

While large mammals are scarce at this high, chilly altitude, the surrounding cloud forest canopy thrives with birdlife. Avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can frequently spot Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Mountain Elaenia, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and the vibrant Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatcher.