Volcanoes of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to many volcanoes. Arenal Volcano is the only volcano with strombolian eruptions, and it is by far the best known and most visited volcano in Costa Rica. However, many of the fascinating caldera volcanoes are also commonly visited sites.
Poas Volcano
Poas Volcano National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. Rising up to 8,885 ft (2,708 m), Poas remains one of Costa Rica's largest and most active volcanoes. At almost a mile in diameter (1.6 km), the crater's rain-fed sulfuric pool bubbles and emits smoke into the air. The Volcano remains steadily active, although the last major eruption was in 1910. Visitors can still see geysers explode into the air up to 820 ft (250 m) high.
Located about 1½ hours from San Jose, Poas is a very popular day trip. The 68 mile (108 km) round-trip journey navigates along never-ending fields of Coffee and flower farms, which line areas around the park. The best time to visit is during the morning hours from January to April. Weekends are usually crowded and clouds normally roll in around mid afternoon, making it difficult to enjoy the scenery. But on a clear day, it is possible to see both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is home to an intriguing combination of volcanic geological wonders and pristine tropical forests that span six life zones. Rincon de La Vieja is a cinder cone volcano, and it is part of nine contiguous craters that dot the Rincon de La Vieja National Park. Among the other craters, stands Santa Maria Volcano, having the highest peak at 6,385 feet (1916 m). The collection of volcanic peaks is most active in the Guanacaste Mountains, where major volcanic activity occurred during the latter half of the 1960's. Von Seebach crater is also currently active. It continually vents steam and an occasional volcanic hiccup.
The hike to the Von Seeback Crater is no "walk in the park," as it is a 10km hike covering over 5,000 vertical feet of mountainous tropical forest, eventually giving way to dwarf cloud forests. The hike's real kicker is the final 2 kilometers, which are very steep.
Irazu Volcano
Irazu Volcano is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. It is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica, reaching upward of 11,260 ft (3,432 m). The Irazu volcano has several active craters. The largest of these craters delves 900 feet (275 m) deep. It’s steam rises up into the air, giving visitors at nearby viewing stations an amazing sight to behold. The smaller crater, Diego de la Haya, dips below the surface 300 ft (91 m). Its mineral-rich lake can astonishingly transform color from emerald-green to crimson-red. On a clear day, the Pacific and Caribbean are visible.
The landscape of Irazu Volcano National Park flourishes on 5,705 acres (2,300 ha) of immaculate montane forest, mainly comprised of primary, secondary and cloud forest. From San Jose, you can head east 14 miles (23 km) to the nation's former capital, Cartago. From there it is 24 miles (39 km) to Irazu Volcano National Park. The roads are in good condition, and signs mark the route clearly.
Tenorio Volcano
Tenorio Volcano and Miravalles Protected Zone is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. The smooth cinder cone of Tenorio rises from its surrounding forest, achieving a maximum height of 6,286 feet (1,916 m). The symmetrical Tenorio Volcano area is characterized by an enchanting blend of forest and unique fauna, as well a distinct geology, such as boiling springs and geysers.
Virgin forest extends to Tenorio's summit, lining the banks of a crater lake that fills its caldera. The summit can be accessed via the Lago las Dantas Trail, which winds its way up from the park's base through the serene cloud forest.
Turrialba Volcano
Turrialba Volcano National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica and sits at 10,919 ft (3,328 m), along the southeast end of Central Volcanic Corridor. From the summit on a clear day, the picturesque view includes the Atlantic coast to the east and other volcanoes such as Barva, Poas and Irazu.
The last major eruptions occurred in 1866, however, fumarolic activity remains constant from the highest peak summit. There are three well-defined craters located at the top, the most profound of which measures 164 ft (50 m). The scene gives the impression of a lunar landscape similar to that of the Irazu Volcano.
