Hotels in Poas Volcano / Alajuela Surroundings

Alajuela is one of the largest provinces in Costa Rica. In the province of Alajuela you can find portions of the Central, Tilarán and Guanacaste Mountain Ranges. Altitudes vary from 900 to 90 meters above sea level; you will also notice drastic changes in flora and fauna over relatively short distances.

Many visitors prefer to use Alajuela as their base in Costa Rica, because of its proximity to the International Airport and to a diversity of natural attractions, among many others the Poás Volcano, an active volcano with some of the most beautiful scenery in Costa Rica located about 2,700 meters above sea level. Being only an hour and half drive from Downtown San Jose it is a popular day trip from the city. The main crater of Poás Volcano is about 2 km in diameter and over 1000 meters deep. Next to the crater is a beautiful blue-green crater lake as well many forests. There is a visitor’s center overlooking the crater lake and it is a sight not to be missed, especially if you have a couple of days to kill in San Jose.

The road to Poás Volcano National Park is also very beautiful, as you start ascending the mountain you will pass many coffee plantations that are varying in colors of green. Just after the coffee plantations the landscape changes into a cloud forest that is truly amazing.