13 Oct. 2023 Costa Rica is blessed with spectacular mountain ranges (such as the Guanacaste Cordillera and the Central Cordillera) that are home to 116 volcanoes, craters, cones and the famous quetzal… From the Rincón de la Vieja volcano to Poás volcano, passing through the stratovolcanoes Arenal, Turrialba and Irazú… Discover the 5 most beautiful volcanoes in Costa Rica!

1. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Costa Rica's Volcanoes

Rincón de la Vieja is a stratovolcano that rises to an altitude of 1,895 meters. Around the volcanic site, you'll discover geysers, fumaroles and hot springs… Mineral-rich, these natural pools are renowned for their therapeutic properties! Within the eponymous park, you'll also have the chance to hear howler monkeys and spot tapirs or armadillos.

Practical Information

Location of the volcano: in the province of Guanacaste

Opening hours: every day (except Monday) from 8am to 4pm

2. Arenal Volcano Costa Rica's Volcanoes

Located within Arenal Volcano National Park, this stratovolcano last erupted in 1993. Since then, it erupts regularly. Considered one of the most active volcanoes in the country, its eruptions remain fairly minor and don't prevent visitors from exploring the volcanic site.

The volcano's activity also heats the Tabacón River. The result? Arenal's slopes are also home to several hot springs (some paid, some free). Finally, the volcano has three craters around which you can hike, discover lush tropical vegetation, admire a lake with turquoise waters and swim at the La Fortuna waterfall!

Practical Information

Location of the volcano: in the north-west of the country, in the province of Alajuela

Opening hours: every day from 8am to 4pm

3. Irazú Stratovolcano - One of Costa Rica's Must-See Volcanoes Costa Rica's Volcanoes

Rising to 3,432 meters altitude (within Irazú National Park), this volcano is the highest in Costa Rica. Awakened since 1723, it erupts periodically – the most spectacular eruption dates back to 1963, when the volcano spewed ash continuously for two years!

Appearing calm, its underground activity is evident today through fine lava flows and fumaroles escaping from the earth. The volcano has five excavations, including the Diego de la Haya crater, which contains a lake with emerald-green waters.

Due to the volcanic activity at the site, wildlife is fairly limited. However, you'll spot numerous birds, including robins and owls. A tip? When the sky is clear, the volcano's summit offers breathtaking panoramic views!

Practical Information

Location of the volcano: in the Cordillera Volcánica Central, in the province of Cartago

Opening hours: every day from 8am to 4pm

4. Turrialba Volcano Costa Rica's Volcanoes

Turrialba volcano rises to 3,340 meters altitude. Highly active since the 1980s, the volcanic site was closed to the public for a long time... While it is now accessible to visitors again, they must now be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Several trails allow you to explore the stratovolcano and discover its humid tropical forests – made up of orange blossom bushes and bamboo – as well as traverse its sugarcane and coffee fields.

During your trek, you'll also have the chance to see quetzals (one of Costa Rica's emblematic birds). On one of the volcano's slopes, you'll also find the Guayabo National Monument, the country's oldest pre-Hispanic archaeological site!

Practical Information

Location of the volcano: in the province of Cartago

Opening hours: every day from 8am to 4pm, but limited number of visitors. Booking through an agency to be accompanied by an English-speaking authorized guide from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC).

5. Poás Volcano Costa Rica's Volcanoes

Located at 2,704 meters altitude, Poás volcano is renowned for its 1.5 km-long crater (making it one of the largest in the world) and for its high level of activity! While this volcanic site was also closed for a long time, it has reopened partially…

Today, it's once again possible to take the trail leading to the stunning Botos lagoon. During your hike, you can spot several endemic birds, including the charming Emerald Toucanet!

Practical Information

Location of the volcano: in the province of Alajuela

Visit: 50 visitors max per day. Booking through an agency to be accompanied by an English-speaking authorized guide from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC).

Entrance fee: Approximately €15/adult and €5/child. Parking approximately €4 for a car and €7 for a small van (cash payment). It's possible to reach the site by bus from the town of Alajuela.

Audrey Denjean

Audrey DENJEAN SEO web writer, Audrey Denjean uses her writing to serve English-speaking travelers. Through her blog articles, she explores what makes a country's soul – its emblematic sites, its cuisine, its traditions, its history... Her goal? To convey far more than tourist information, but to describe an atmosphere, share anecdotes that make each country unique and inspire, after each read, a desire to explore the world.