Volcan Poas (2704m) is the centerpiece of the 5599-hectare Parque Nacional Volcan Poas located approximately 37km north of Alajuela in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. The volcano has been active before records started in 1828 and continues to be so. It was briefly closed in 1989 after a minor eruption in May of that year sent volcanic ash over a kilometer into the air. Lesser activity intermittently closed the park in 1995. As a precaution, all cars in the parking lot are required to back into their spaces (I assume for a quick getaway in case of activity). At present time the crater is a bubbling and steaming cauldron, but it doesn't pose an imminent threat, but this activity has resulted in acid rain that has damaged the coffee and berry crops of the area. Anuual precipitation at the volcano is 4,000mm. The mountain is composed of composite basalt. The crater is 1.5-km across and 300-m deep. This was my third attempt to see the volcano, the park was closed on the previous two visits due to poor visibility. On this trip we were assured that the caldera would be visible. This view was a 10 or 15 second glance when the clouds, moving in from the east (Carribbean Sea) broke and allowed me to take this picture. The small white cloud in the center of the crater is a geyser-type eruption of toxic sulforic acid. Near the crater is an example of a dwarf cloud forest that can be seen by using walkways throughout. During the dry season, especially in April, it is sometimes possible in the early morning before he clouds roll in, to see both coasts, the Carribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This picture was taken on 8 December 2004. Thank you for viewing and commenting on my recent uploads, and a special 'Thank you' to those that may have added some of these uploads to their favorites, Sig...