7 Extraordinary Active Volcanoes in Costa Rica
The 100+ volcanoes in Costa Rica are just some of the many reasons to visit this beautiful country with abundant tropical rainforests and natural wonders.
All volcanoes in Costa Rica are located between two tectonic plates that push against each other. Just imagine the stunning views with the Caribbean Sea to the northeast of the volcanoes!
Only five Costa Rican volcanoes are officially active: Arenal, Poas, Irazu, Rincón de La Vieja, and Turrialba. The last two on the list are worth checking out for their national parks.
Keep reading to discover 7 volcanoes in Costa Rica that will blow you away!
7 Extraordinary Active Volcanoes in Costa Rica
All of these volcanoes are magnificent and offer different experiences. Check out these amazing facts about volcanoes in Costa Rica!
1. Arenal Volcano
Location: Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Altitude: 1.04 miles (1,670 m)
Type: Conical andesitic stratovolcano
Difficulty: Easy, due to a well-maintained flat path and short distance
Arenal is an active volcano in Costa Rica. It’s been dormant since 2010. Arenal’s iconic lava flow makes it one of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations.
Arenal is actually the most active volcano in Costa Rica, even though the lava isn’t currently flowing. Vapor spews from this magnificent volcano. Check out the hiking trails around the national park and nature reserves in the area.
Hot springs are near the volcano, along with a resort if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience.
Arenal is located 3 hours from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. It’s easy to access if you’re looking for a day trip.
See also: Explore the Heart of Central America: Costa Rica
2. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Altitude: 1.19 miles (1,920 m)
Type: Composite volcano
Difficulty: Easy; no steep inclines
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is one the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It’s in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. It is close to Tamarindo, and beautiful natural wonders surround it.
The route through Las Pailas is one of the best hikes in Costa Rica. At the park, enjoy an easy hike through mud pots, waterfalls, hot springs, and an acid lagoon.
The hike up the volcano is challenging. It takes a full day to hike up. Hire a local guide to take you.
3. Poás Volcano
Location: Central Costa Rica
Altitude: 1.68 miles (2,700 m)
Type: Stratovolcano
Difficulty: Moderate
Poás is one of the volcanoes in Costa Rica that is closest to San José. Poás has a crater that measures a mile in diameter, making it one of the biggest in the world!
The aquamarine lagoon in the crater and the short paved walk from a parking lot make it a tourist favorite! It’s the only volcano accessible to wheelchairs. Arrive early to catch the best view before the clouds roll in.
Stroll to a lovely picnic spot on the lake or relax at the café and explore the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and a small museum. Visiting on a weekday is ideal because it gets crowded on weekends.
4. Irazú Volcano
Location: Cordillera Central
Altitude: 2.13 miles (3,430 m)
Type: Complex Stratovolcano
Difficulty: Easy
Irazú volcano is another one of the volcanoes in Costa Rica that is active. You can find this one east of San José, close to the city of Cartago. This is a complex stratovolcano and extremely photogenic. It has a stunning green lake at its center and the tallest volcano in Costa Rica.
Irazú is an indigenous word that means earthquake and thunder. It has five craters and has been active for more than 500 years even though the last eruption was in the 1960s. John F. Kennedy was at this volcano during his visit to Costa Rica on March 19, 1963.
This volcano has high-altitude rainforest ecosystems, the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other; making the hike up an unforgettable experience with a unique view.
5. Turrialba Volcano
Location: Central Costa Rica
Altitude: 2.08 miles (3,340 meters)
Type: Large vegetated basaltic-to-dacitic stratovolcano
Difficulty: Moderate to high
Turrialba Volcano is another mesmerizing active volcano in Costa Rica. This volcano has had an increase of volcanic activity recently, which appeals to visitors wanting to see an eruption. Turrialba volcano has an access road with a gorgeous scenic view, coffee plantations, and winding rivers.
Turrialba is the second highest volcano in Costa Rica and is just two hours from San Jose. The volcano is located in a chilly cloud forest. (Make sure to pack layers.) Visit Turrialba Volcano National Park to enjoy the volcano’s beauty and a walk through nature.
Hand-picked for you: Top 10 Best Hikes in Costa Rica for Adventurous Travelers
6. Tenorio Volcano
Location: Provincia de Guanacaste, Guatuso
Altitude: 1.1 miles (1,762 meters)
Type: Stratovolcano
Difficulty: Easy
Tenorio is an inactive volcano in Costa Rica with one of the most stunning national parks. If you make it to the top, Tenorio’s two craters await.
Walk through the rainforest, savannah, and cloud forest until you reach Rio Celeste.
The volcanic earth produces thermal springs. Be prepared to run into wild animals such as pumas. Because this volcano and park are so popular, the park imposes limits on the number of visitors allowed, so make sure to check before you go.
7. Miravalles Volcano
Location: Bagaces and Bijagua
Altitude: 1.26 miles (2,028 meters)
Type: Andesitic stratovolcano
Difficulty: Challenging
This is another volcano in Costa Rica that is as much about the volcano as it is about the path to get there. It’s near a tropical dry forest in northern Costa Rica. Miravalles is the highest peak in Guanacaste.
It is now inactive but it formed millions of years ago. It used to have some of the most dramatic eruptions of all time! Several hot springs are available to soak in, and there’s even a waterpark if you’re looking for family fun.
Travel to Costa Rica and Practice Your Spanish
Costa Rica is worth the visit to not only explore these magnificent landmarks but also practice your Spanish with the locals! Traveling to Costa Rica isn’t complete unless you visit a volcano!
While it’s ideal to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish language by traveling to Latin America or Spain, Spanish also continues to grow in the U.S. In the United States, approximately 53 million people speak Spanish!
Sign up for a free trial class before your trip to Costa Rica to engage in conversation with our friendly, certified teachers at Homeschool Spanish Academy. Learners of all levels are welcome, including total beginners. Check out our programs, prices, and testimonials, and start today!
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