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A Summary of the Active Volcanoes of Costa Rica |
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Places To See -
Volcanoes
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Arenal Volcano:
Volcán Arenal is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world
and it is the most active in Costa Rica. It was dormant for more than
400 years until 1968, when it violently erupted, literally blowing off
the western side of the volcano. It is now regularly active with small
eruptions daily and, thankfully, major eruptions less frequently.
Volcano aficionados have declared Arenal the third most perfect
volcanic cone in the world, rising to 1633m (5358 ft.). Arenal, located
in Arenal National Park, is one of the most visited volcanoes in Costa
Rica. It requires at least an overnight stay in the La Fortuna area
because Arenal is best viewed at night. There are plenty of lodges
catering to spectators hoping to see the awesome lava flow present
every night, though not always visible if too many clouds are nearby.
Read More about Arenal Volcano...
Irazú Volcano:
Irazú is still considered active though it has not erupted since 1963
when John F. Kennedy was in Costa Rica for a visit. It is also one of
the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, located just an hour and
a half from San José also via paved road. Irazú is the tallest volcano
in Costa Rica at 3432m (11,260 ft.) The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can
be viewed from the top on a clear day.
Read More about Irazú...
Poás Volcano:
Poás Volcano, another of the most active in Costa Rica, has the second
widest crater in the world, and it contains at its bottom, the largest
active boiling lagoon in the world (350 m (1,148 feet) wide). Poás
National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica
as it is an easy day trip from San José. It is one of a few accessible
active volcanoes in the Americas; there is a paved road and tourist
facilities at the top near the crater.
Read More about Poás...
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Rincón de la Vieja:
Rincón de la Vieja, the third most active volcano in Costa Rica is
located in the National Park of the same name in the northern part of
Costa Rica near Liberia. This National Park offers a more rustic
environment with oodles of hiking trails, a crystal blue lagoon, a
profusion of wildlife and bubbling mud pits, all for the more
adventurous traveler.
Read More about Rincón de la Vieja ...
Turrialba Volcano:
The Turrialba Volcano is the Siamese twin of Irazú. It is just a hair
shorter at 3340m (10,959 ft.), rising out of the same base. Because
there are no paved roads to the top it receives relatively few
visitors, but horseback tours are available.
Read More about Turrialba Volcano...
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Other Volcanoes:
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