A Summary of the Active Volcanoes

Arenal Volcano:

Arenal is one of Costa Rica's most popular attractions, and for good reason. On clear nights lava flows can be spectacular, especially when viewed while soaking in a naturally-heated hot spring at one of the nearby thermal resorts. Volcano aficionados have declared Arenal the third most perfect volcanic cone in the world. It is also the youngest and most active volcano in Costa Rica, and one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world.

Arenal is a stratovolcano, similar to Japan's Mt. Fuji. The volcano was silent for more than 400 years until suddenly, in 1968, it erupted with such force that it blew off the whole western side of the mountain, creating three new craters. The volcano has been consistently active since 1968 and now has small, daily eruptions (known as strombolian activity), with major eruptions less frequently.  Learn more about Arenal Volcano

Irazu Volcano:

Irazu Volcano 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 Jose via paved roads. Irazu is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica at 11,260 feet. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be viewed from the top on a clear day.

Poas Volcano:

The accessibility, spectacular views and otherworldly craters of Poas Volcano make it one of the country’s most popular national parks with more than 250,000 visitors each year. Just over a two hour drive from San Jose or Alajuela, Poas Volcano National Park is wheelchair accessible, has paved roads and a sensational view of the second-widest crater (9/10th of a mile) in the world. Poas is one of Costa Rica’s five active volcanoes and has erupted several times over the past century, sending huge ash clouds into the air.  Read more about Poas Volcano

Rincon de la Vieja:

Rincon de la Vieja, the third most active volcano in Costa Rica is located in the national park of the same name in the northern province of Guanacaste, near Liberia. Rincon de La Vieja National Park offers a rustic environment with plenty of hiking trails, a crystal blue lagoon, lots of wildlife and bubbling mud pits, all for the more adventurous traveler. Learn more on Rincon de la Vieja

Turrialba Volcano:

Turrialba Volcano is the Siamese twin of Irazu. It is just a hair shorter at 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.