Costa Rica Volcanoes

Country Region

Located in the active “Pacific Ring of Fire,“ Costa Rica possesses some of the world’s most active volcanoes.  Presently, there are 7 volcanoes experiencing some form of activity in Costa Rica: Irazu, Poas, Turrialba, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Miravalles and Tenorio.  Unlike volcanoes found elsewhere in Central America, most of Costa Rica’s volcanoes are not cones, but are complex structures that include other minor eruptive focuses.  As a result, the cones range from just a few dozen meters to over 3400 meters, or 11,200 feet.

Between 1723 and present, the country has experienced destructive eruptions by Rincon de la Vieja, Arenal, Poas, Irazu and Turrialba.  Today, many of the country’s volcanoes are national parks, surrounded by lush vegetation and forming an integral area where energy flows from the depths of the Earth.  (Source: Volcanes de Costa Rica, Fundacion Neotropica)

Please see the list of activities exploring Costa Rica Volcanoes below. 

Note: many other exciting tours around Volcanoes can be found under the Adventure and Ecotourism sections