Volcanoes

Volcanoes in Costa Rica are a dime a dozen - there are nine active volcanoes and more than 200 volcanic formations. Most are surrounded by heavenly hiking trails through verdant valleys with fertile, mineral rich soils and prolific wildlife. Natural thermal rivers that flow from the volcanoes are also renowned for their healing powers and have become a major natural attraction all their own.

The most popular volcanoes in Costa Rica to visit include:

Arenal Volcano
The most active volcano in Costa Rica, Arenal, was originally considered to be a mountain until a significant eruption in 1968 killed almost 100 people and hundreds of livestock. Since then, the volcano has become a symbol of Costa Rica thanks to its near perfect conical shape, lush rainforest, and predictable lava spurts that occur every 47 minutes. The volcano is situated beside Lake Arenal, an artificial body of water surrounded by a winding road that offers some of the most fantastic views in the entire country. At night, when the clouds part, is possible to see lava spewing from Arenal’s crater – followed by the boulders that tumble down the mountainside in its wake. Numerous hotels like Tabacon and The Springs make use of natural thermal waters that spring from the volcano to create beautiful pools of varied temperatures for visitors to bathe in.

Poas Volcano
The Poas Volcano has one of the largest craters at two kilometers in diameter and 1000 meters deep. The volcano is easily accessible on a day trip from San Jose. A bus leaves from the Alajuela terminal in downtown San Jose around 8 a.m. And returns around 4 p.m. The park offers paved paths to a viewing area over the main crater as well as a more windy trail to an inactive crater that is now home to teal-colored lake Botos. While in the area, be sure to pick up some fresh strawberries and visit the nearby La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge, where you can view several waterfalls, a butterfly garden, aviary, wild cats and monkeys.

Turrialba Volcano
The Turrialba Volcano, located near Cartago, has seen a significant increase in fumarolic activity over the past year, putting on a show for locals and visitors alike. The volcano is set amid a vast park of primary and secondary forests that offers great wildlife and bird spotting opportunities. Guests may choose to do a day trip from San Jose, or stay in Cartago or Turrialba and spend a couple of days getting to know the region.

Irazu Volcano
Known for the green lake in its crater, the Irazu volcano is also the tallest in Costa Rica at 3,400 meters above sea level. Its last eruption took place in 1963 during a visit to the country by U.S. President John F. Kennedy in which 20 people were killed. On a clear day you can see both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts from the top of the volcano. Try to come early to avoid the thick cloud cover that is quite common at this altitude, and dress in layers as it can get quite cold.

Rincon de la Vieja
Set about an hour northwest of Liberia, the Rincon de la Vieja volcano saw its last real eruption in 1983. The volcano is over one million years old and sits amid a national park of the same name that is also home to 30 some rivers, 6 volcanic formations and 14,000 hectares of forest. Miles and miles of phenomenal hiking trails abound through tough and varied terrain including stark prairie, verdant rainforest and picturesque waterfalls. Several hotels like the Borinquen Resort sit on the flanks of the volcano and offer thermal hot springs, access to bubbling mud pots, geysers, as well as various adventure tours.

Miravalles Volcano
Probably the least visited volcano in Costa Rica, Miravalles is about 30 minutes outside Bagaces, Guanacaste. The volcano has seen little activity in recent time, but sits on a large geothermal field that fuels several thermal rivers in the area. Costa Ricans are the most common tourists to the region and visit hot springs properties like Thermomania and Yoko. The volcano is also fuels several geothermal energy plants.

No matter which volcanic formation you choose to visit, you’ll find peace and tranquility in the raw grace and power embodied by these natural wonders.