- Costa Rica Volcanoes
Listed below is a list of popular Costa Rica Volcanoes:
Arenal Volcano:
Known as the youngest of the Costa Rica Volcanoes, Arenal Volcano is supposed to be one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It was Arenal Volcano that recorded the latest volcanic eruption in Costa Rica in the year 2000 causing one person’s death and severely injuring two. Located at a height of 1, 657 meter above the eastern shores of Lake Arenal, Arenal Volcano was constructed towards the northwest of the older Chato volcano.
Irazu Volcano:
Rising as high as 3, 432 meters towards the east of San Jose, Irazu Volcano is known as the highest Costa Rica Volcano.
The most serious volcanic series eruption that took place in Costa Rica was that of Irazu Volcano in the year 1963, with ashes flowing for over two years and smoke clouds blowing all over San Jose and other major parts of Costa Rica.
Poas Volcano:
Do watch the Poas Volcano during your Tours to Costa Rica. Situated near the southeastern end of the Central American arc, Poas Volcano comprises of three craters out of them only one is active, which is considered as the second widest crater of the world. Poas Volcano has recorded more than 40 eruptions since 1828. Miquel Alforo was the first one to visit Poas Costa Rica Volcano in 1828.
Rincon de la Vieja:
Known, as the largest volcano in northwest Costa Rica, Rincon de la Vieja comprises of 9 craters. The name “Rincon de la Vieja” means “the corner of old lady”. Located at the eastern end of a smaller crater, Santa Maria Volcano is the highest peak of the Rincon complex.
Other Costa Rica Volcanoes include Turrialba, Orosi, Kakao, Porvenir, El Viejo, Platanar, Barva, Tenorio and Miravalles, Volcan Turrialba, Volcan El Viejo, Volcan Platanar,Volcan Poas, Volcan Porvenir, Volcan Barva, Volcan Kakao, Volcan Tenorio, Volcan Miravalles, Volcan Rincon de la Vieja and Volcan Orosi
Contrary to popular belief, Irazu Volcano is actually the largest volcano in Costa Rica and not Arenal Volcano. Arenal happens to be a more visited volcano due to its frequent lava eruptions that tourists can see from their hotel rooms at the plethora of resorts near by. Costa Rica has 10 or 14 volcanoes depending on who you ask. The 10 “official” volcanoes of Costa Rica are Turrialba Volcano, Tenorio Volano, Ricon de La Vieja, Poas Volcano, Platanar Volcano, Orosi Volcano, Miravalles Volcano, Irazu Volcano, B arva Volcano, and Arenal Volcano. The four volcanoes that are in question are Agua Zarcas, Cerro Anunciacion, Cerro Tilaran, and Laguna Poco Sol. In 2008, a new volcano named Cerro El Porvenir was added to the official list of volcanoes in Costa Rica making the new number 11. Only seven of Costa Rica’s volcanoes are active. The seven active volcanoes of Costa Rica are Poás, Irazú, Miravalles, Orosí, Arenal, and Turrialba.
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is located between the city of La Fortuna (The Fortune) and Lake Arenal in the province of Alejuela. The volcano sits roughly 5479 feet above sea level, just a little above one mile. The last known eruption was in 2007 as of the time of this writing and the last major eruption was in 2003. Arenal has been recognized as a volano since around the 19th century. Arenal was considered extinct by scientists until July 1968 when “Cerro Arenal” or Mount Arenal became, “Volcan Arenal” or Arenal Volcano. Prior to the 1968 major eruption, Arenal was dorment for nearly 400 years. Arenal Volcano is a strato-volcano which has several layers of hardened lava in the shape of a cone. From time to time the volcano does erupt, but it is considered a strombolian volcano which is a type of volcano that has relatively low level eruptions not significant enough to cause worry. These low level eruptions produce what are called, Lava Bombs, which are globs of lava that shoot into the air a few hundred meters and than roll down the side of the volcano. It is important to note Arenal is the youngest and most active of all the volcanoes in Costa Rica which explains why eruptions are more common and the volcano itself is a great tourist attraction for Costa Rica.
Cerro Chato Volcano
Also known as “Cerro Chato” is a volcano located in San Carlos/La Fortuna Area. The volcano has not erupted in thousands of years and has a 500 foot crater in the center that has a lagoon.
Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano is located on the Cordillera Central Mountain Range of Costa Rica. Poas volcano sits roughly 8,824 feet above sea level. Poás last erupted in 2008, but no significant eruptions (major eruptions) have been recorded to date. Poas is considered to have the largest known active crater in the world. For tourists it is wise to arrive before mid-day if at all possible. Volcan Poás is close to San Jose, so the drive is not that far. Thick fog typically blocks the view of Poas in the early afternoon to late afternoon hence why arriving early in the morning is recommended.
Irazú Volcano
Volcan Irazú is an active stratovolcano in Costa Rica located near the city of Cartago in The Cordillera Mountain Range. The last known eruption of Irazú was in 1965 which was a two year span of eruptions. Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. Irazú sits a little over 11,000 feet above sea level.
Rincón de la Vieja
A volcano located in Guanacaste in The Cordillera de Guanacaste Mountain Range. Rincón de la Vieja is a complex volcano that sits 6,286 feet above sea level. Rincón de la Vieja’s Last known eruption was in 1998. Around Rincón de la Vieja is wonderful natural hot springs, not suitable to bath in but an amazing site to see as pictured above.
Cerro El Porvenir Volcano
Porvenir Volcano is the latest edition to the Costa Rican family of volcanoes. Initially not identified as a volcano by scientists, it now is classified as a volcano as of 2008. Cerro El Porvenir sits on the Cordillera Central Mountain Range in Costa Rica.
Barva Volcano
Barva Volcano is located roughly three kilometers north of Heredia and 30 minutes outside of San José. Barva Volcano is 9534 feet above sea level and has remained dormant for nearly 9000 years.
Miravalles Volcano
Miravalles Volcano is located in the province of Guanacaste in the Cordillera de Guanacaste Mountain Range. Miravalles Volcano is considered a dormant volcano with a last known eruption in 1946.
Orosí Volcano
Orosí Volcano is a stratovolcano located in the province of Guanacaste off the Cordillera de Guanacaste Mountain Range near the Nicaraguan border. Orosí Volcano is an extinct volcano that site roughly 5,443 feet above sea level. The last presumed eruption of Orosí Volcano was over 3500 years ago.
Turrialba Volcano
Turrialba Volcano is a stratovolcano located in the Cordillera Central Mountain Range of Costa Rica and sits adjacent to Irazu Volcano. Turrialba Volcano sits 10,958 feet above sea level. The last known major eruption for Turrialba Volcano was in 1856, that allows Turrialba to be a volcano that tourists can descend into one of the three craters to get a better view. There is a cloud forest located below the summit of Turrialba which accentuates the tourist experience when visiting Turrialba.
Do try to have a look at some of these Costa Rica Volcanoes during your Costa Rica Travel.
Arenal is one of the most exciting and sought after destinations for the ultimate Costa Rica vacation. Arenal and the nearby town of La Fortuna offer a wide range of hotels and activities that rival any top vacation destination. It is impossible to ignore the allure and majesty of the Arenal Volcano itself. The volcano and its abundant natural hot springs, provide the stunning backdrop that makes this natural wonder an absolute must-visit in Costa Rica. Considered extinct in modern times, this sleeping giant awoke with a vengeance on July 29, 1968 with a large eruption which destroyed three villages and killed 87 people. The current eruption period in the 7,000 year history of this picture-perfect conical volcano now produces daily displays of red-hot lava tumbling down the slopes with the signature rumblings and ash columns towering above. It is the youngest and most active of Costa Rica’s volcanoes, and is said to be one of the tenth most active in the world.
Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake is a beautiful complement to the southwest slope, not only for its natural beauty, but for the array of activities it offers as well. Additionally, the post 1968 effect tripled the area of the lake which provides hydroelectric power for Costa Ricans. Sources site between 40% and 70% of all power produced in Costa Rica comes from Lake Arenal hydroelectric.
Activities for the region are many and varied, including hiking, canopy zip-lines, white water rafting, scenic river floats, horseback riding, ATV tours, hanging bridges tours, sky-trek, sky-tram, bungee jumping, canyoning/rapelling, mountain biking, fishing, bird watching, naturalist tours, butterfly gardens, botanical gardens, Cano Negro National Park, hot springs, windsurfing, and kayaking. The shores north of Tilaran are world class windsurfing territory, and the lake boasts great rainbow and brown bass fishing, as well as kayaking and boat tours. The level of adventure can be from mild to extreme and anything in between. After a day of exhilarating fun you can return to your hotel ready for pampering. My favorite hotels offer spas that bliss you into relaxation leaving you refreshed for whatever is in store for the evening or the following day.
Top on my list is the Arenal Kioro. This lovely hotel really has a beautifully complete experience for clients with particular focus on excellent service, all the while reducing environmental impact as much as possible. The landscaping and views are wonderful, with ample trails with plant species marked enabling you to explore a bit on your own without even leaving the property. The spa services are lovely and professional, complimenting the private elegant hot springs flowing from Titoku, which means ‘Water of the Gods’. The wonderful advantage here is the intimacy with the hot springs being on site and enjoyed only by hotel guests. Some of the other hot springs in the area are nice but you feel at times like one in a herd of so many. The cuisine at the Kioro restaurant ‘Heliconias’ is excellent, which is especially important as cuisine and service are still evolving in Costa Rica. It is so nice to have the option to explore more rustic cuisine in the area, but know you can have a great meal right at your hotel, especially after a day full of activities. All rooms are considered suites because they are truly expansive and boast super panoramic volcano and mountain views. You have views from everywhere: each suite, the pool and bar as well as the restaurant. The comments again and again from guests revolve around the attentiveness of the staff. Staying at the Kioro is a truly lovely experience all the way around.
Another wonderful place to stay, very intimate and charming with a Balinese feel is Arenal Nayara. With only 26 ‘casitas’ you have a wonderful private feel. Each casita has a balcony with Jacuzzi for two and lovely views. The swim up pool bar is surrounded by views and lush landscaping, with the Altamira restaurant above providing indoor/outdoor dining with views to die for. Again as with Kioro, the comments are always so nice about the staff, and the overall feeling is cozy and romantic. The décor is very inviting with warm earth tones, and rounded Indonesian style beds and chairs to snuggle into. For a boutique feel, with views, nice restaurant, friendly attentive service, lovely pool and spa services you can’t go wrong.
Getting to Arenal….
Whether you arrive by air or ground, the scenery will take your breath away. The distance from San Jose is 191 km, which by ground takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The trek is lovely, but very twisty and prone to occasional blockages due to any number of things. In Costa Rica the roads and bridges are much less than spectacular, with many potholes and narrow one way bridges, and no shoulders. If you have plenty of time, it is scenic and adventurous, but since most of us appreciate maximizing time in our destinations, flying is the superior way to travel. I certainly savor it! Arriving on Nature Air will give you the gorgeous bird’s eye view of the area and save three to three and a half hours of travel time. The flight time from San Jose is 25 minutes, and as you descend you feel almost a part of the lush landscape. The airstrip is just outside of la Fortuna and is known by locals as ‘El Tanque’ which is named for the large water storage tank nearby. Most hotels will arrange pick up for you, whisking you away to your Arenal hotel in 10 to 15 minutes on average. If you are thinking of a visit to Costa Rica, or a return visit, Arenal is a must!
