Best Costa Rica national parks to visit

Over a quarter of Costa Rica's landmass is National Park, which means you're more than likely to come across at least one on your visit. Covering rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests, and more, for many people, exploring the biodiversity of this small but beautifully formed country is a major reason to visit in the first place. With that in mind, here are some of the most beautiful Costa Rica national parks and why you should visit them.

#1 Arenal Volcano National Park

With its picture-perfect cone-shaped volcano (that often has smoke drifting from the top), a trip to Arenal Volcano often features on best-of lists, and for good reason. Although it is currently 'resting,' the volcano last erupted in 2010, and seismic activity suggests that another eruption is possible in the near future. 

The area around Arenal is home to many attractions, including the popular Tabacon hot springs and a sizable lake where you can paddleboard or swim. Not to mention there are seemingly endless miles of forest trails. The one thing you can't do, however, is climb the volcano itself—as we mentioned, it's still very active!

Most people access the park through the town of La Fortuna, where you'll find hotels, restaurants, and, of course, many places offering zip lining and other adventure tours. Despite the fact that tourism is the major industry here, the town remains quite charming, and you're just as likely to see Ticos going about their day as rucksack-toting tourists.

How to get to Arenal Volcano National Park

La Fortuna is the main starting point for exploring Arenal. From San José, it's a scenic 3-4 hour drive along well-maintained highways. You can also catch shuttle buses from major tourist spots.

Once you're in La Fortuna, local taxis and tour operators will take you to the park entrances. Some hotels even offer free shuttles, and if you want more flexibility, renting a car is a great option. See more in our guide to the best Arenal Volcano tours.

When to visit Arenal Volcano National Park

The dry season, from December to April, is your best bet for clear views of Arenal's iconic cone. If you're after fewer crowds and lusher landscapes, consider visiting during the green season, from May to October. You might get some afternoon rain, but it's still a beautiful time to visit. For a balance of good weather and fewer tourists, November can be great. If you're looking for the clearest views, try to get out early in the morning before the clouds gather around the peak. If you're not sure where to head out first, see our guide to the best hikes around Arenal Volcano.

#2 Manuel Antonio National Park

A trip to Costa Rica is not complete without a few days lazing on its pristine beaches, and you'll find some of the best beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific coast. The beaches are no secret—so be prepared to share the space—but there's little development, and the commitment to protecting the surroundings makes this one of the most beautiful Costa Rica national parks.

There are four beaches in the park (technically, the fourth is just outside the entrance), and while all are beautiful, our pick goes to Playa Tres. Confusingly, the beach has two names—the other is Playa Manuel Antonio. Here you can swim and snorkel thanks to a rocky outcrop called Punta Catédral that protects the bay.

The best snorkeling is at the end of the beach towards the rocks. As with many beaches in the country, locals head down in their numbers at the weekend to enjoy the sands with cool boxes packed to the brim, so if you're able to visit during the week, you'll have more chance of peace and quiet. 

How to get to Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is about a 3-hour drive from San José. You can take a rental car along the scenic coastal highway or hop on a public bus from San José's Tracopa Terminal to Quepos, which connects to the park entrance. For a unique twist, consider taking a water taxi from Quepos for stunning views of the coastline. There are plenty of accommodations in nearby Quepos or resorts close to the park.

When to visit Manuel Antonio National Park

The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time for visiting most of the best beaches in Costa Rica. This is a good time for sunny days. If you want to avoid crowds, visit on weekdays. The green season (May-November) is quieter, with fewer tourists and more active wildlife, though you might get some rain. 

#3 Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The central highlands of Costa Rica show nature at its most unspoiled. Great swathes of forest cover the area, which is one of the few places in the world to find cloud forests. Shrouded in a near-constant layer of mist and fog, these ancient places force you to slow down and just gaze in wonder at the world around you. A list of the most beautiful Costa Rica national parks would be sorely incomplete without Monteverde.

In Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, you'll see tree trunks festooned with vines and moss, thundering waterfalls, and huge orchids providing vivid shots of pink and yellow amid the green. Among the varied wildlife that lives in the forest, you might possibly see the elusive red-breasted quetzal.

You could easily plan a one-week Costa Rica itinerary here alone, with a variety of marked trails winding through the lush park—some even crossing atmospheric rope bridges. Once you've paid the entrance fee, it's fairly easy to explore, but make sure to wear suitable footwear and light, quick-drying clothing since the misty air is part of the adventure. The drive up to the park can be tricky, with steep, winding roads, but trust us — it's well worth the effort. 

How to get to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

To get to Monteverde from San José, you'll drive or take a shuttle bus on a scenic but bumpy 3-4 hour journey. The last part is on unpaved roads, adding a little extra adventure. Shared shuttles from places like La Fortuna can include a lake crossing, which helps save some time. Once you arrive in Santa Elena, taxis and local buses are easy to find to take you to the reserve entrance. If you're visiting during the rainy season, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.

When to visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

For the most comfortable hiking, the dry season (January-May) is ideal, though the cloud forests are always misty, giving them a magical vibe year-round. The green season (May-December) brings a lush, atmospheric experience with fewer crowds. If you're a birder, try visiting from February to April to catch the quetzal mating season. No matter when you go, early mornings are your best shot for wildlife sightings and that mystical mist you're after.

#4 Corcovado National Park

A protected reserve on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is home to some of the oldest wet-growth forests in Central America. It's also notable for its wealth of wildlife-spotting opportunities (the park is home to 2.5% of the world's biodiversity). From coatis to jaguars, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchins, scarlet macaws, and tree frogs, the list goes on.
And that's before we've even mentioned the three-toed sloth, perhaps Costa Rica's most famous resident. While the bigger cats are notoriously shy and sloths notoriously hard to spot, you're almost guaranteed to see a tribe of chattering monkeys.

Since 2014 all visitors to Corcovado must visit with a guide. In practical terms, it works out better for you, as experienced local guides have the best chance at spotting some of the park's more elusive residents. A local guide will know the best trails to take and help you make out animals hidden in the dense foliage.

Corcovado is not easy to get to, and you'll need to purchase a permit to visit, but you'll be glad you made the effort. The weather is another factor to consider. Dry season (November to April) is the safest bet, as heavy rains can make the roads to the park (and the park itself) very difficult to navigate. Learn more about preparing for the weather in our roundup of the best Costa Rica travel tips for first-timers.

How to get to Corcovado National Park

The easiest way in is through Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay, both on the Osa Peninsula. From either spot, you'll need to take a boat to reach one of the ranger stations—these are the usual entry points. There are short flights from San José to both towns, which save you a long day of travel. You'll need a guide and a permit to enter the park, but most local tour companies take care of all that for you, including the transportation. Sometimes getting around Costa Rica can be a hassle, but it's almost always worth it.

When to visit Corcovado National Park

Dry season (December to April) is your best bet. Trails stay dry, and animals are easier to spot since they gather near water sources. January through March is the sweet spot—little rain and everything's accessible. If you go in May or June, the park is greener and still manageable. Avoid September and October—rains are heavy, trails can flood, and some parts of the park shut down entirely.

#5 Santa Rosa National Park

Established in 1971 to protect a stretch of increasingly rare, dry tropical forest, Santa Rosa National Park (also known as the Santa Rosa sector) is the oldest among Costa Rica national parks. Today it's also one of the most popular Costa Rica national parks, thanks to its good trails, great surfing (though poor swimming), and prolific Costa Rica wildlife viewing opportunities, in particular turtle hatching.

It's also, given a few official restrictions, a great destination for campers, with a site on the beach. Santa Rosa has an amazingly diverse topography for its size, ranging from mangrove swamps to deciduous forests and savannahs. Home to 115 species of mammal, 250 species of bird, and 100 amphibians and reptiles, Santa Rosa is a rich biological repository, attracting researchers from all over the world. 

How to get to Santa Rosa National Park

You'll find Santa Rosa in Guanacaste, around 22 miles (35 km) north of Liberia, just off the Pan-American Highway. Renting a car is the most flexible option, but public buses from Liberia also get you close—just keep in mind there's a 4.3-mile (7 km) walk from the main road to the entrance. If you'd rather skip the logistics, several tour companies in Liberia run day trips. Heading to Playa Naranjo? That road can get rough in the rainy season—you'll need a 4WD.

When to visit Santa Rosa National Park

The appearance of the park changes drastically between the dry season, when the many streams and small lakes dry up, trees lose their leaves, and thirsty animals can be seen at known water holes. The wet months, which are greener, afford fewer animal-viewing opportunities.

From July to November, you may be able to witness hundreds of olive ridley turtles (tortugas lloras) dragging themselves out of the surf and nesting on Playa Nancite by moonlight. September and October are the months in which you are most likely to see them.

#6 Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is utterly dominated by its massive and majestic namesake volcano, a perfectly proportioned conical peak and one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes. In the park's eastern sector, the crater of Volcán Santa María is impressive in its own right, even if it's not quite as visually arresting.

The beautifully dry landscape encompasses terrains varying from rock-strewn savannah to patches of tropical dry forest, and it's undeniably an enchanting place, with quite simply the best hiking and horseback riding in the country. A variety of elevations and habitats reveals hot springs, sulfur pools, bubbling mud pots, and fields of guaria morada, plus a great smoking volcano at the top to reward you for your efforts.

Animals in the area include all the big cats (just don't expect to see them), the shy tapir, red deer, collared peccary, two-toed sloth, and howler, white-faced, and spider monkeys. There's a good chance you will see a brilliant flash of fluttering blue—this is the Blue Morpho butterfly, famous for its electric colors.

Birders will enjoy the profusion of over two hundred species in residence and may spot the weird-looking three-wattled bellbird, the Montezuma oropendola, the trogon, and the spectacled owl, among others. This is where you'll find some of the best hikes in Costa Rica.

How to get to Rincón de la Vieja National Park

This one's about 16 miles (25 km) northeast of Liberia. During the dry season, any rental car will do. In the rainy season, a 4WD is safer. There are a few buses from Liberia to Curubandé or Buenos Aires, but you'll need to grab a taxi from there to the Las Pailas entrance. A lot of travelers stay in nearby lodges that handle transport and can set you up with guided hikes.

When to visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Dry season (December to April) is ideal, especially if you want to hike to the crater (when it's open). Just be aware that the park sometimes closes trails if it's too dry or too wet, so it's worth checking ahead. May and November tend to be quieter, with fewer people and manageable weather. The geothermal spots—mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs—are great year-round, but if you're chasing waterfalls (some of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica can be found here), they really shine during the rainy months.

#7 Tortuguero National Park

Most people visiting the Tortuguero National Park come for the desove, or egg-laying, of endangered marine turtles. Few are disappointed, with the majority of tours during laying seasons resulting in sightings of the surreal procession of the reptiles from the sea to make their egg nests in the sand.

While turtles have been known to lay in the daylight, it is far more common for them to come ashore in the relative safety of night. Nesting can take place turtle-by-turtle; you can watch a single mother come ashore and scramble up the beach just south of the village. Or, more strikingly, in groups, when dozens emerge from the sea at the same time to form a colony, marching up the sands to their chosen spot.

Each turtle digs a hole in which she lays eighty or more eggs; the collective whirring noise of sand being dug away is extraordinary. Having filled the hole with sand to cover the eggs, the turtles begin their course back to the sea, leaving the eggs to hatch some weeks later. When the hatchlings emerge they instinctively follow the light of the moon on the water, scuttling to safety in the ocean. This is easily one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. 

How to get to Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero's tucked away on Costa Rica's northeastern coast, so getting there is part of the adventure. You'll most likely take a bus-boat combo from San José, which takes about 5–6 hours total.

Buses head to La Pavona or Moín, where you'll hop on a boat for the final stretch through winding jungle canals—keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, crocs, and birds along the way. You can also fly in from San José to the tiny Tortuguero airstrip. Most lodges will sort out transportation for you if you book a package, which is a good option if you're exploring Costa Rica with kids. Either way, the journey's a scenic one and a big part of the experience.

When to visit Tortuguero National Park

If you're hoping to see green turtles nest, plan your visit between July and October—August and September are the busiest months for turtle activity. Leatherbacks show up from February to April, and hawksbills from June to October.

For hiking, the drier months—February to March and September to October—make the trails easier to explore. But rain is a constant here, so bring good gear no matter when you come.

#8 Irazu Volcano National Park

The blasted lunar landscape of Irazu Volcano National Park reaches its highest point at 11,260 feet (3,432 m) and, on clear days, offers fantastic views all the way to the Caribbean coast. Famous for having had the gall to erupt on the day President John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica on March 19, 1963, Irazú has been more or less calm ever since.

But while its main crater is far less active, in terms of bubblings and rumblings, than that of Volcán Poás, its deep depression creates an undeniably dramatic sight, even though the strange algae-green lake occasionally dries up.

The volcano makes for a long and entirely uphill but scenic trip from Cartago, especially in the early morning before the inevitable clouds roll in. Be aware that the volcano's altitude is just high enough that some people might feel the first effects of altitude sickness. If you are one of those, then descend immediately (be sure to read our entire Costa Rica travel health tips before you go).

While the main crater draws the crowds, it's worth noting that the shallow bowl to its right, the flat-bottomed and largely unimpressive Diego de la Haya crater, is the remnant of Irazú's first and largest eruption. When it blew in 1723, the eruption lasted ten months and showered San José in ash.

How to get to Irazu Volcano National Park

Irazú is one of the easiest volcanoes in Costa Rica to visit, just 19 miles (31 km) from Cartago. You can take a day trip from San José in about 1.5 hours on a paved road that climbs through farms and cloud forest. There are also daily tours from the city if you'd rather not drive. Buses run from Cartago in the morning and get you right to the entrance. Whichever way you go, try to arrive before 9 am—clouds tend to roll in mid-morning and cover the view.

When to visit Irazu Volcano National Park

The clearest views usually come in the dry season, especially in January and February. But no matter when you visit, aim for early morning to avoid the clouds. It's way less crowded on weekdays, too. At 11,260 feet (3,432 meters), it gets chilly up there, so bring layers—even on sunny days. The landscape is wild and surreal year-round, so it's worth the trip no matter the season.

#9 Cahuita National Park

One of the smallest Costa Rica national parks, the 4.1-square-mile (10.7-square-kilometer) Cahuita National Park covers a wedge-shaped piece of land that encompasses the area between Punta Cahuita and the main highway and, most importantly, the coral reef about 547 yards (500 m) offshore.

On land, Cahuita protects the coastal rainforest, a lowland habitat of semi-mangroves and tall canopy cover that backs the gently curving white-sand beaches of Playa Vargas to the south and

Playa Blanca to the north. Resident birds include ibis and kingfisher, along with white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, and snakes, but the only animals you're likely to see are howler monkeys and, perhaps, coatis.

The park's one trail begins at the Kelly Creek entrance and continues on to the Puerto Vargas ranger station 4.3 miles (7 km) away. It skirts Playa Blanca for most of its length, with a gentle path so wide it feels like a road, covered with leaves and other brush and marked by segments of the boardwalk. There is also a disabled access boardwalk to this beach. Stick to the trail, as snakes abound here.

Note that snorkeling here is not permitted on your own; you must make arrangements with a guide or go on a tour.

How to get to Cahuita National Park

Cahuita is super easy to reach if you're staying in the town of the same name on the Caribbean coast. Buses from San José take about 3–4 hours, and once you're in town, the main park entrance is usually within walking distance. There's another entrance at Puerto Vargas that's just a short taxi ride away. If you're driving, the road from Limón is scenic and straightforward. You can even hike one way through the park and catch a water taxi back—no need to retrace your steps. This is a great place to sneak into an itinerary, especially if you're still deciding how many days in Costa Rica you need.  

When to visit Cahuita National Park

The Caribbean side doesn't follow the same weather patterns as the rest of the country. Your best bet for dry trails and good beach time is March to April or September to October. Snorkeling is clearest in February and March, when the water is calmest. May through August can be pretty rainy, so try to avoid those months if you can. Weekday visits are quieter, especially if you want a peaceful hike or beach day.

#10 Tenorio Volcano National Park

An active volcano, although so far without spectacular eruptive displays, Tenorio was designated a national park in 1995. Though most people come to the park to glimpse the surreal turquoise waters of the Río Celeste Waterfall, wildlife also thrives within the park's borders.

A trail (3.7 miles /6 km and 4 hours round trip) departs from the ranger station at the park entrance and enters the forest, where it eventually splits into a few well-marked loops. Don't wander from the trails, for the area is geothermically active. There are fumaroles (little columns of hot vapor escaping from the ground) and mud pots—one false move and you could step into skin-stripping superheated volcanic soil.

The main trail climbs steadily and opens up to a spectacular view of Volcán Miravalles before eventually leading to a striking Río Celeste waterfall where you can take a dip. The highlights of the park, though, are a stunningly blue lagoon, the Laguna Azul, and similarly colored (bright blue) sections of the river that flow alongside the trail.
The park—and, indeed, much of this part of Guanacaste—was hit hard by Hurricane Otto in late 2016, although the damage to flora and fauna is no longer visible, and the park's infrastructure has been rebuilt. 

How to get to Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio sits up in northern Costa Rica, and most people get there through the small town of Bijagua. It's about a two-hour drive from either La Fortuna or Liberia. The roads are good for the most part, but the last stretch to the entrance is gravel—manageable, but a bit rough, especially if it's been raining. Public transport isn't reliable out here, so you're better off renting a car or joining a tour. If it's the rainy season, a 4WD will make things a lot easier. Bijagua is a convenient base, and you'll find plenty of local guides there if you want help exploring the park.

When to visit Tenorio Volcano National Park

Dry season runs from December to April, which makes for easier hikes since the trails stay relatively dry. But here's the trade-off: Río Celeste—what most people come to see—actually turns its brightest blue just after a bit of rain followed by sunshine. That's why the shoulder months like May and November can be a sweet spot. If you can, go on a weekday to skip the weekend crowds at the waterfall. The park only allows a certain number of visitors per day, so showing up early—especially in high season—is your best bet.

#11 Marino Ballena National Park

Created in 1989, the Marino Ballena National Park protects a large area of ocean and coastline south of Uvita that contains one of the biggest chunks of coral reef left on the Pacific coast. It's also the habitat of humpback whales, who come here from the Arctic and Antarctica to breed. This is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica for whale watching.

On land, the sandy and rocky beaches fronting the ocean are also protected, as is Punta Uvita—a former island connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar. At low tide, you can walk for 0.6 miles (1 km) over the gently shelving sand to the rocks, tide pools, and reefs at the end, which stretches out into the sea and resembles a whale's tail.

At certain times of the year (usually May–Oct), olive ridley and hawksbill turtles may come ashore to nest, but in nowhere near the same numbers as at other turtle nesting grounds in the country. Other than spotting nesting turtles or dolphins and whales frolicking from the shore, the best way to take in the park's abundant marine life is either snorkeling, on a boat, or in a kayak.

How to get to Marino Ballena National Park

This park is right next to the beach town of Uvita, about 3.5 hours from San José. Buses run between the capital and Uvita, but having a rental car gives you more freedom, especially since there are multiple entrances to the park. The main one is near the "Whale Tail"—a sandbar that literally looks like a whale's tail at low tide. If you're into marine life, boat tours from Uvita Beach are a great way to spot whales and get a view of the coastline from the water. 

When to visit Marino Ballena National Park

There are two whale seasons here: July to October for southern humpbacks and December to March for the northern group. The peak tends to be August and September, when you've got the best shot at sightings. For the famous Whale Tail walk, you'll need to time it with low tide—definitely check a tide chart before you go. December to April is also the dry season, which usually means clearer water if you're snorkeling. 

#12 Piedras Blancas National Park

Stretching inland from the Golfo Dulce and abutting the village of La Gamba, Piedras Blancas National Park comprises land that was formerly part of Parque Nacional Corcovado. Almost 58 square miles (150 square kilometers) of mountainous rainforest, beaches, and portions of the Piedras Blancas and Esquinas rivers are protected.

This area is teeming with tropical flora and some of Costa Rica's signature mammals, including jaguars, pumas, two-toed sloths, kinkajous, and squirrel and capuchin monkeys. The most prevalent mammals, though, are bats: over fifty species have been observed here, among them the vampire bat.

The park is also one of the top spots in the country for birdwatching, mainly due to it being a favored stopover for migrating birds. Poaching was a significant problem when the park was formed over two decades ago, though efforts throughout the previous decade have been successful in greatly reducing illegal hunting.

How to get to Piedras Blancas National Park

This one's a bit off the radar, which is part of its charm. You'll get there through La Gamba, a small town about 15 minutes from Golfito. From San José, it's a long drive—five to six hours—or you can fly into Golfito and grab a short taxi ride. If you're staying at the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge near La Gamba, you'll have direct access to the park trails. There's not much in the way of public transit, so a rental car gives you more options. You can also arrange guided hikes through the lodge, which is a good idea given how remote and wild this park is.

When to visit Piedras Blancas National Park

It's a rainforest, so expect it to be wet—but January through April and again in September and October tend to be drier. If you're into birdwatching, aim for January to March, when migratory birds pass through. Because this park doesn't get a ton of visitors, you've got a good shot at seeing wildlife year-round. 

#13 Carara National Park

Ecologically vital Carara National Park occupies a transition area between the hot tropical lowlands of the north and the humid, more verdant climate of the southern Pacific coast. Consequently, the park teems with wildlife, and this is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica for seeing wildlife from monkeys to margays and motmots to manakins.

Carara's well-maintained trails are split between the heavily canopied area near the park's ranger station and visitor center. The more open terrain around Laguna Meándrica, an oxbow lake, is home to crocodiles and is often smothered in water lilies and other aquatic plants.

The visitor center is clearly marked, 1.6 miles (2.5 km) south of Río Tárcoles Bridge. From here the fully accessible and paved Sendero Universal loop (0.75 miles; 1.2 km) links up with two rougher loop trails, the Sendero Quebrada Bonita (0.9 miles; 1.5 km) and Sendero Las Aráceas (0.75 miles; 1.2 km), with the latter also accessible from the main highway 2.2 miles (3.5 km) south of the visitor center.

Both trails take in primary and transitionary forests and are reliable places to spot agouti and other small rodents. You can also often see great tinamous on the paths here and sometimes even catch the spectacular leks of orange-collared manikins. Birdwatching is perhaps even better along the rivers and in the clearings on the Sendero Laguna Meándrica, where the wide range of avifauna includes boat-billed herons. 

How to get to Carara National Park

Carara is one of the easiest national parks to reach from San José—just hop on the highway to Jacó, and you'll be there in about 1.5 hours. Buses between San José and Jacó pass right by the park entrance, and the driver will stop if you ask. If you're driving, having a rental car makes things easier, especially if you want to explore beyond the main entrance and check out the Meándrica trails. Don't miss the crocodile bridge over the Tárcoles River just north of the park—it's a classic stop and a great way to kick off your visit. 

When to visit Carara National Park

Thanks to its location in a transition zone between dry and wet forest, Carara stays pretty green all year. Dry season (December to April) makes for easier walking, but the rainy months bring out lush greenery and more active wildlife. If you're into birdwatching, January through April is ideal—migratory species show up, and scarlet macaws are especially active. Aim for early mornings when animals are out and it's not too hot. In the rainy season, plan shorter hikes or morning visits to avoid the afternoon downpours.

#14 Poás Volcano National Park

Poás Volcano National Park is home to one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, with a history of eruptions dating back eleven million years. Poás's last gigantic blowout was in 1910, when it dumped 705 tons (640,000 tonnes) of ash on the surrounding area, and from time to time you may find the volcano off-limits due to sulfurous gas emissions and other seismic activities.

Though measuring just 25 square miles (65 square kilometers), Poás packs a punch: it's a strange, otherworldly landscape, dotted with smoking fumaroles and tough ferns and trees valiantly surviving regular scaldings with sulfurous gases. The battle-scarred sombrilla de pobre, or poor man's umbrella, looks the most woebegone.

The volcano itself has blasted out three craters in its lifetime, and due to the more-or-less constant activity, the appearance of the main crater changes regularly. It's currently around 5,250 feet (1,600 m) wide and filled with milky turquoise water from which sulfurous gases waft and bubble (with a pH value of 0.8, this is reputedly the most acidic lake on earth). This is easily one of the best national parks in Costa Rica.

How to get to Poás Volcano National Park

Poás is just 23 miles (37 km) from San José, so it's a super manageable day trip. From Alajuela, it's about a 45-minute drive on a paved road that's in great shape. You can get there by rental car or catch one of the regular public buses. There are also plenty of tours from San José if you don't feel like planning the logistics. Just make sure to book your park entry online ahead of time—visits are scheduled in timed slots, and they won't let you in without a reservation. It's a good idea to arrive about 20 minutes early to check in.

When to visit Poás Volcano National Park

No matter the season, your best bet for a clear view of the crater is first thing in the morning—clouds tend to roll in fast. Dry season (December to April) usually has better visibility overall, but it's always a bit of a gamble. The park does close from time to time due to volcanic gas or activity, so it's worth checking the status before you go.