A guide to Costa Rica volcanoes
There’s nothing better than seeing a volcano erupt before your very eyes. You may have come across volcanoes in movies or history books, but a cruise to Costa Rica might be your best chance to catch this once-in-a-lifetime event in real time. If the very idea of volcanoes gets you excited, find out which volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica.
How many volcanoes are in Costa Rica?
There are currently 5 active volcanoes in Costa Rica (62 are extinct or dormant):
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Arenal Volcano
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Poás Volcano
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Irazú Volcano
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Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
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Tenorio Volcano
Arenal Volcano
The crown jewels of the Costa Rica volcano map. Located near San Jose, Arenal has been Costa Rica’s largest and most active volcano for the past 50 years. Although its last major eruption was in 2010, this cone-shaped beauty still attracts visitors with its incredible scale - a towering 5,437 feet - and beautiful surrounding rainforest. Put simply, it’s a volcano you won’t want to miss.
Poás Volcano
Poas Volcano stands out with its bright turquoise appearance, but there is much more going on here. Poas Volcano National Park is great for visitors who want to take a hike and learn more about one of the largest craters in the world. It hasn’t seen a major eruption since 1910, but it is still possible to see geysers and smoke spouted into the air.
Irazú Volcano
The sleeping giant, Irazu is the tallest volcano on the list - a mind-blowing 11,260 feet! Irazu has two main craters, with lake water that regularly changes color from green to red. This volcano is easily visible from the capital city San Jose, which has a road that leads right up to the summit. Believe us, the view is well worth the journey!
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
This volcano’s name translates to “the corner of the old lady”, based on a legend about a wise woman who lived on the volcano slopes until her death. Unsurprisingly, getting up and down this 6,385 feet beast is no mean feat. However, the views of the countryside more than make up for it. Located a few miles away from the town of Liberia, this is the best volcano for visitors looking for something a bit different - whether its mud pots, hot springs or horseback riding.
Tenorio Volcano
Don't go chasing waterfalls. Or do, we won’t judge! Rio Celeste waterfall is the centerpiece of Tenorio Volcano National Park, with its striking blue color and breathtaking sights. Tenorio Volcano is unlikely to erupt, but with a tropical rainforest and plenty of wildlife, your visit should be truly memorable.
Make your trip to Costa Rica unforgettable by visiting one of its famous volcanoes. A Hurtigruten cruise will take you to the heart of hotspots like the Arenal Volcano, the most popular volcano in Costa Rica. Who knows, you might even see an eruption!