Despite rumors, access to Poás Volcano is normal for all tourists

The administration of Poás Volcano National Park said that access remains normal, and park administrators have taken steps to ensure that visitors are not affected by smoke or gases, should a change in wind direction move to the park’s visitation areas.

Rumors and comments spread on social media networks in recent days, claiming it is dangerous to visit the volcano, but park administrator Catalina Quesada said Poás is open to general public during normal hours.

Last month, due to a change in wind direction, various columns of gas and smoke that naturally spew from the volcano deviated from the usual location, but “it’s important to tell all visitors that they are not dangerous or harmful to them,” Quesada said.

Poás, which towers over the Central Valley northwest of San José, is the second most visited national park in Costa Rica behind Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is open from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with an entrance fee of ₡1,000 ($2) for nationals and $10 for foreigners.