Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls: Coffee Farm Day Trip

Summary

San Jose to Poas Volcano waterfalls coffee farms in one day

You’ll ride out from San José through strawberry fields to Poás Volcano’s steaming rim, walk misty trails by La Paz Waterfall, and tour a working coffee farm where you can taste fresh brews and pick cherries yourself. Expect real Costa Rican food for lunch and friendly local guides who make everything easy — but what sticks with you is that mix of mountain air and laughter on the bus home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to smell strawberries before seeing steam rising from Poás Volcano — but that’s how the day started. Our driver, Carlos, pointed out little roadside stands selling bags of fresh berries as we wound up through the hills outside San José. The air got cooler, kind of sharp, and I kept rolling my window down even though it was drizzling. He laughed when I tried to say “fresas” like a local. Not sure I nailed it.

Standing at the edge of the crater, you feel tiny — not in a bad way, just sort of in awe. The main keyword here is “Poas Volcano tour”, but honestly, it’s more about the sound: wind whipping past your ears and the low hum of people whispering in Spanish behind you. Our guide said sometimes you can see blue-green water at the bottom if the clouds part. We got lucky for maybe two minutes. After that, it was back in the van for coffee (thank god) and lunch at Mi Cafecito. Rice, beans, chicken — nothing fancy but exactly what you want after walking around a volcano.

The coffee farm part surprised me. I thought it’d be all Starbucks branding but actually, there were old wooden beams and muddy boots by the door. They let us try picking cherries right off the branch — sticky red juice on my fingers — and then showed us how they roast beans in these big metal drums. If you’re into coffee at all, this is kind of a dream day trip from San José.

La Paz Waterfall is loud enough that you feel it in your chest before you see it. Mist everywhere; my hair was soaked in seconds. There were kids splashing each other and someone’s abuela scolding them gently in Spanish (I caught “¡cuidado!”). We stopped for a photo but mostly just stood there watching water crash down into green pools below. On the way back, I kept thinking about how every stop felt different — like four mini trips packed into one long day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Poas Volcano, waterfalls, and coffee tour

• Pick up from San Jose lodging
• Visit Poás Volcano viewpoint
• Stop at La Paz Waterfall
• Enjoy typical lunch at Mi Cafecito
• Take coffee tour at Mi Cafecito
• Visit El Congo Waterfall and viewpoint
• Visit Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm

Top questions

How long is the Poas Volcano waterfalls & coffee tour from San Jose?

This is a full-day tour starting with morning pickup in San José and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included anywhere in San José city.

Do we visit an actual working coffee farm?

Yes, you'll visit Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm plus Mi Cafecito for a hands-on coffee experience.

What kind of lunch is served on this tour?

A traditional Costa Rican lunch is included; you can choose dishes based on your preference at Mi Cafecito.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entry fees for attractions like Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Will we have time to take photos at each stop?

Yes, there’s time set aside at each location for photos or just soaking up the view.

What should I bring for this Costa Rica day trip?

A light rain jacket (it gets misty), comfortable shoes, camera or phone for pictures, maybe some cash for snacks along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in San José, all entry fees to Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall, guided visits at both coffee farms with tastings, bottled water throughout the trip, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch before heading back home together that evening.