The Volcanoes of Costa Rica
There are many volcanoes in Costa Rica, the only volcano with strombolian eruptions at this time is Arenal Volcano, by far the best known and most visited volcano in Costa Rica. The other better known Caldera Volcanoes in Costa Rica that are commonly visited are detailed below.
Poas Volcano
Poas Volcano National Park is located in the Central Highlands region 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 that line the area around the park. The best time to visit is during the morning hours from January to April. Weekends are normally 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 and 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 part of nine contiguous craters that dot the Rincon de La Vieja National Park. Among the craters is the Santa Maria Volcano, the highest peak at 6,385 feet (1916 m). This collection of volcanic peaks are the most active in the Guanacaste Mountains, where major volcanic activity occurred during the latter half of the 1960's. The Von Seebach crater is still currently active, continually venting steam and the occasional volcanic hiccup.
The hike to the Von Seeback Crater is no walk in the park it is a 10km hike covering over 5,000 vertical feet through montane tropical forest, eventually giving way to dwarf cloud forests, however the real kicker is the final 2km which are very steep.
Irazu Volcano
Irazu Volcano is located in the Central Highlands region of Costa Rica and is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica, reaching upward of 11,260 ft (3,432 m). The Irazu volcano has several craters, the largerest of the active craters delves 900 feet (275 m) deep, as 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) as its mineral-rich lake astonishingly transforms its 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, 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 the 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 Hot Springs and geysers.
The virgin forest extends to Tenorio's summit, lining the banks of the crater lake that fills its caldera. The summit can be accessed via the Lago las Dantas Trail, which winds its way from the park's base through the serene cloud forest.
Turrialba Volcano
Turrialba Volcano National Park is located in the Central Highlands region of Costa Rica and sits at 10,919 ft (3,328 m) along the southeast end of the 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 summit of the highest peak. There are three well-defined craters located at the top, the most profound of which measures 164 ft (50 m), giving the impression of a lunar landscape similar to that of the Irazu Volcano.
