Costa Rica is a natural paradise and a jewel in the crown of Planet Earth. One of the greenest countries in the world in terms of percentage of protected areas, it offers stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. There are lots of beautiful beaches and places to see, but it’s the Costa Rica volcanoes that really stand out. Majestic and imposing, each has its own national park, allowing you to visit them in their element. Among the tours and excursions in Guanacaste, San Jose, Puntarenas and Monteverde, a volcano tour is a must-do.
How Many Costa Rica Volcanoes Can You Find?
There are more than 200 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, some of which have seen more than 65 million years of history. Six of them are classified as active volcanoes, many of which are within the Guanacaste Volcanic Range. The others are in the Central Volcanic Range. In terms of ease of access and quantity of volcanoes, the Guanacaste Volcanic Range is a sure winner.
What are the best volcanoes in Costa Rica?
Want to take a volcano tour in Costa Rica? Here are our 6 suggestions you should definitely consider.
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
Rincon de la Vieja is one of the most famous Costa Rica volcanoes in the Guanacaste range. It is situated in the eponymous 55-square mile national park, about 15 miles from Liberia. A million years old, the volcano’s names from a local legend, which tells of a young woman whose father threw her lover into the volcano’s crater, hence the “Old Woman’s Corner.”
A great way to explore the national park and its volcano is with the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Hiking Tour. This fabulous day trip takes you exploring different volcanic features, including bubbling mud pits and fumaroles (outlets for volcanic vapors). You’ll even see a breathtaking waterfall! Make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes on, as you’ll be hiking all day! Admire your surroundings and a wild variety of plants and wildlife during a memorable day out.
Arenal Volcano
Another very popular attraction in the Guanacaste region is the Arenal Volcano Excursion, as is the lake that surrounds it. The tour that takes you here starts off with a boat ride on the largest lake in the country. You’ll be able to see the volcano from different viewpoints, from land and on the water.
During your time exploring this 790 square-mile national park, you’ll head into the rainforest, and into the canopy of hanging bridges. The views throughout are awe-inspiring, and complemented by an impressive array of flora and fauna. The tour winds down with some well-earned relaxation in a hot spring. A perfect way to end an unforgettable day!
Poas Volcano
Stepping away from the Guanacaste range, you can also visit Poas Volcano. It is one of the best volcanoes in Costa Rica. This natural wonder was closed for most of 2017 and part of 2018 due to strong eruptions and ash clouds that endangered the public. However, it is open once more (at the time of this writing), and you can book your trip by contacting Amstar’s 24/7 traveler support. This incredible place has the world’s second-widest crater and its largest volcanic lagoon, so it’s well worth a visit!
Tenorio Volcano
Another active volcano in Costa Rica you can visit during your vacation is Tenorio Volcano, known for the famous baby-blue Celestial River and waterfalls in the eponymous national park. It has lots of strategic viewpoints and thermal hot springs for you to enjoy. Even more, if you’re an adrenaline junkie visiting the area, make sure to try out the Tenorio River Whitewater Rafting tour!
Irazu Volcano
Above all the other Costa Rica volcanoes stands Irazu Volcano. — literally. At 11260 feet (3,432 meters), Irazu is the tallest active volcano in Central America’s paradise. While its distance is only 34 miles from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, getting to Irazu involves taking curvy roads. But the trip is worth it, as you’ll be able to see both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans from the summit on a clear day. And its colorful crater lake is a unique sight that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world. Make sure to contact Amstar about the availability of excursions to this magnificent volcano.
Miravalles Volcano
Finally, Miravalles Volcano is less popular and not as developed, making for an almost untouched, completely authentic Costa Rica volcano experience. It’s the tallest volcano in the Guanacaste mountain range, making it worth checking out during your time here.
Come Explore the Volcanoes of Costa Rica!
There are just so many Costa Rica volcanoes to visit; you have to plan your time well to see them all. Each has its own features and charm and is a major attraction in its own right. Admire the spectacular views and fabulous flora and fauna during an unforgettable vacation in one of the greenest countries on earth!
Finally, remember to pre-book your transportation from Liberia Airport to your Guanacaste hotel. It’s the best way to ensure an efficient, hassle-free start to your Costa Rica vacation. Peace of mind well worth it before taking your favorite Costa Rica volcanoes tours!
