Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano is one of the most active statovolcanoes in the Cordilleras, located in Costa Rica and rising to an altitude of 2,708 meters. Three volcanic craters are combined to form the Poas Volcano National Park, which is very popular with tourists. Since 1828, when regular observations began to be made here, the volcano has been active 40 times, with the last major eruption occurring in April 2017.
.Video: Poas Volcano
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The main crater of Poas gave its name to the entire volcanic massif. For years, travelers came to it to admire the turquoise acid lake. However, in the summer of 2017, the picturesque body of water evaporated, and today a small geyser can be seen inside the crater. When poisonous gases are released in the active crater, Poas volcano is closed to tourists.
.The other two craters, Botos and Von Franzuis, are dormant volcanoes that stopped erupting 7,500 years ago. Botos crater is overgrown with lush vegetation and filled with a lake of green water that is 370 meters in diameter and 14 meters deep. The temperature of the lake water keeps in the area of +13…+14 °С. This water is highly acidic, so no one bathes here.
.Nowadays, the Poas volcano has become a popular tourist center. In addition, Costa Rican authorities are developing plans to create high-tech geothermal plants and hydroelectric power plants so that underground energy can serve people.
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Poas Volcano National Park
The conservation area was established by a decision of the national government in 1971. Today, the territory of the park covers 65 km². The fertile volcanic soils determine the richness of the local flora. Magnolias and several species of orchids grow in the protected area.
>The rainforests are home to many exotic birds – Gray’s thrushes, brightly colored quetzals, toucans, flycatchers and hummingbirds. Rare species of squirrels, coyotes, sockeye, skunks and armadillos can be found in the national park. Among the natural attractions near Poas is the scenic La Paz Falls..How to get there
Poas Volcano is located in the province of Alajuela, near the Pacific coast, 37 kilometers from the city of San Jose. From the capital of Costa Rica to the volcano is about two hours drive. Most tourists get here as part of sightseeing tours. In addition, the national park can be reached by cab or by bus, making a change in the city of Alajuela.
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