Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall & Coffee Tour from San José — Day Trip
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average health; involves short, easy hikes (0.5–1.5 km segments) at high elevation so expect heavier breathing.
Overview
A one-day loop from San José that pairs Poás Volcano’s dramatic crater and Botos Lagoon with the roar of La Paz Waterfall and a hands-on coffee farm visit. Expect short hikes, volcanic vistas, and a local guide — all in one long, satisfying day.
Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall & Coffee Tour from San José — Day Trip
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Clouds break like a curtain as the minivan climbs into the highlands, and the world tightens into basalt and green. At Poás Volcano the wind has a way of announcing itself: it whips sulfur-scented steam across the viewing platform, buffeting cameras and jackets while revealing a crater that still feels alive. Down the road, La Paz Waterfall throws a column of water into a fern-lined gorge so crisp you can hear it before you see it. Between those two, a small coffee finca opens its terraces for tasting — the soil here remembers fire, and the beans remember altitude.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for wind and rain
The crater rim is exposed and chilly; pack a lightweight rain shell and a warm midlayer even on sunny mornings.
Charge batteries and bring a spare
Cold, wind, and humidity drain camera batteries quickly — carry a spare or a power bank.
Watch for park closures
Poás crater access can close with little notice due to emissions; check with your operator the morning of departure.
Stick to marked paths
Boardwalks at La Paz and trails around Botos Lagoon are designed to protect fragile soils — stay on them to avoid fines and erosion.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hummingbirds
- Toucans
History
Poás and the Central Valley were shaped by repeated volcanic activity; the region’s volcanic soils helped spur Costa Rica’s coffee boom in the 19th century.
Conservation
Poás and La Paz Gardens operate with limits on visitor access to protect fragile crater environments and river corridors; stay on trails and support local coffee farms that use shade-grown methods.
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Adventure Hotspots in San José
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Wind and sudden rain are common at the crater; a lightweight shell keeps you comfortable.
Sturdy walking shoes
Paved and dirt trails can be wet and slippery around the falls and lagoon.
Warm midlayer
Temperatures at Poás can be 10–15°C cooler than San José — a fleece or insulated jacket helps.
fall specific
Binoculars or zoom lens
Use for birdwatching (hummingbirds, toucans) and closeups of crater details and waterfalls.
spring specific