Welcome to the Costa Rica Visitor Center - Volcanoes
Part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle, Costa Rica has over 200 volcanic formations that are readily identifiable. These formations date back over 85 million years. Today, about a hundred engage in volcanic activity. Only five are classified as active volcanoes. Natural beauty and fertility given, the volcanoes of Costa Rica are also fabulous recreational grounds for hiking, white water rafting, sport-fishing, surfing, boating, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, mountain biking & exploration.
Volcanoes
Considered to be among Costa Rica’s top tourist attractions as they captivate the attention of both tourists and scientists from all over the world, these volcanoes are a key part of this country’s spectacular natural diversity. This is because they have played an important role in how the lush landscape of this region has come into being. Due to the many eruptions over the past millennia, the soil in Costa Rica is rich in many minerals and is very fertile. This fertility in turn has contributed to dense verdant forestation, which supports not only a myriad of bird & wildlife species, but is also home to numerous tropical and exotic plants and trees as well. The volcanoes of Costa Rica are divided into 3 volcanic range systems although The Talamanca Range is home to only one volcano, El Viejo. The Guanacaste
Which volcano is the best volcano to visit in Costa Rica?
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Range hosts the Miravalles Volcano, Ricon de la Vieja, Orosi Volcano, Tenorio Volcano & Arenal Volcano, while the Central Volcanic Range is made up of the Poas Volcano, Barva Volcano, Irazu Volcano, & Turrialba Volcano. Of all these volcanoes the Arenal, Poas, Ricon de la Vieja, Orosi & Irazu are the only ones that are active.
The Arenal is far and away the most famous of Costa Rica’s volcanoes. This is because it is the most active volcano in the country. It consistently spews hot gases and steam. Scientists value its perfect volcanic cone. The Arenal volcano is a magnificent sight to see as it towers over the surrounding highlands that make up Arenal National Park. The Poas Volcano is an ideal tourist destination as it is easily accessible. Poas sits in the national park named after its volcano. This volcano has one large active crater with two others that are dormant. The active crater has a boiling acid lake in its crevice. One of the inactive craters has a cool water lake which flows down the side of the volcano to form th river, Rio Sarapiqui. For some of the most stunning and panoramic views visit the Irazu Volcano which last erupted less than fifty years ago. On a clear day you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the volcano’s summit. As is typical, the soil on this volcano is extremely fertile, its slopes are lush and green with plenty of forestation and highland pasture for farmers and their herds. The trails leading up to the summit are also stunning and are home to numerous exotic and beautiful birds.
