RAC

We hear consistently that we should try to get up to the summit of Poas before 10:00 am. How early should we leave from the Orquideas Inn to make it up there? Breakfast starts at 8:00 at Orquideas--would we have enough time to grab breakfast before heading up?

nina

bumping because I'm wondering the same thing...is a 10:00 arrival too late in February, or will the fog have rolled in by then?

TheBigCasado

it really depends on the day. I have been to poas a few times. One time I arrive early at 8am (leaving Alajuela at 6:25am) and have had very little visibility beyond the crater. I have been there at 11:30 am and again had very little visibility besides the crater. Despite my misfortune of not seeing the panoramic views I absolutely think the earlier the better. Nothing is a guarantee in Costa Rica especially weather however I am certain there have been days where visibility has been outstanding well into the afternoon.

Even if you do not get the clear view to the Caribbean or of the valley you will see the crater if you are patient, the fog/clouds clears and covers the crater throughout the day.

volcanogirl

Are you going to try to go to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens while you're near Poas? We loved it there.

RAC

Yes. Our plan is to do a.m. Poas and then head to La Paz for waterfalls, butterflies, etc plus lunch.

Would leaving 8:15-8:30 get us to Poas in time to see everything before the clouds roll in?

volcanogirl

I don't think it's really that predictable - you can get there early and still be socked in by fog. It was really misty/cloudy when we were in the area, even early in the a.m. I agree with BC, the earlier the better though. I would see if Orquideas could pack a breakfast for you to go and just take it with you on the road; Peace Lodge did that for us one morning and gave us hot breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, and fresh fruit. I hope you're able to see it. To give you an idea of timing, it took us an hour to go from SJO to the Peace Lodge; Poas is a little further away.

ShellD

I agree, it's really not that predictable. We got there pretty early - I'd say by 9 am and it was looking at a white wall. You could barely see your hand in front of your face! We then hiked up to the lake crater, which was also totally covered in fog, but while we stood there, the lake fog cleared out and we were able to see the coastline of the lake. We went back down to the other crater, but it was still totally fogged in. From what I could tell it from the people at the gift shop it was fogged in basically all morning. But it was still a nice hike! I think you just have to take your chances! I would also agree about asking for a packed breakfast.

tully

I'm not positive but I remember nreakfast at Orquideas earlier than 8am, could've been 6, definitely by 7am I believe. Poas is so unpredictable but always the earlier the better.

shillmac

We've visited Poas 4 times. Twice taking family and friends to see it. We got lucky the first 2 times when it was just us; bombed out the last 2 times when we were trying to entertain! Guess you could say Poas is like a small child--they do the cutest things, but rarely on cue!