Must-Visit Costa Rica Volcanoes
One of your first thoughts upon imagining Costa Rica should be volcanoes. The country contains over 60 which are considered extinct or dormant, plus six that are still active. There is an array of activities all centered around their impressive heights. The heat from magma that has risen close to the surface has resulted in hot springs whose mineral water is a draw for spa enthusiasts. The slight changes in altitude create a hotbed of biodiversity seen nowhere else in the world, drawing tourists and scientists alike.
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and need to see a volcano, don’t miss our list of the top Costa Rica volcanoes to visit for the ultimate thrill.
Arenal Volcano
Without a doubt, however, the most popular of Costa Rica’s volcanic giants is Arenal. Located in the northern part of the country, it towers over the surrounding fertile landscape, surrounded by plantations producing the best coffee in the world. The symmetrical cone-shaped Arenal Volcano erupted in the past an average of 41 times a day. While it currently slumbers, Arenal and the surrounding area are a great base for adventure touring.
Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano is one of the most popular destinations in the Central Valley. It is one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, with sulfuric emissions, active fumaroles, and two crater lakes. The northern lake, called the Laguna Caliente (hot lagoon) is one of the world’s most acidic lakes, in direct contrast to Lake Botos, the southern, which is cold, clear, and surrounded by the beauty of the cloud forest. Poas Volcano closed back in April 2017 as the result of volcano eruptions but has since reopened.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
The largest and arguably most temperamental volcano in the Guanacaste region is the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Her temper trickles into the surrounding national park in a series of volcanic hot springs, waterfalls, and bubbling mud pools. Legend has it that a wise old medicine woman lived on the slopes of the mighty volcano until her death. Her presence was so strong in the region that the volcano now bears her name, literally translating to “the corner of the old lady.”
Costa Rica Volcano FAQs:
How many volcanoes are there in Costa Rica?
There are over 200 volcanic formations in Costa Rica – some active, dormant, and extinct.
Which volcanoes in Costa Rica are active?
There are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica: Turrialba Volcano, Poas Volcano, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and Irazu Volcano. To be categorized as active, volcanoes must have erupted in the last 10,000 years.
Why does Costa Rica have so many volcanoes?
The volcanoes of the country run along a chain in the middle of the country as a result of the northeast subduction of the Pacific tectonic plate underneath the Caribbean tectonic plate.
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