Does the fact that we are the second country in the world with most volcanic formations amaze you, wait until you are witness next to us the different manifestations from our volcanoes; you will hear, see and smell them, as you realize how different they can be amongst them.
An expert in geology will be your main gate to Costa Rica, he will explain to you details concerning the different highlights of your trip, amongst them you will see:
- A complex stratovolcano located at 11300 feet above sea level that has an irregular sub-conic shape, the Irazu, the mountain of earthquake and thunder, translated from indigenous dialect. It is the highest volcano in Costa Rica and southern Central America, and one of the five craters in the whole continent you can drive to. This is the volcano that welcomed Mr. John F Kennedy on March 18 th, 1963 as Costa Rica doesn’t have an army, he displayed natural fireworks!!
- The one volcano that decided recently to wake up since 1866, the Turrialba a stratovolcano located at 11000 ft above sea level. Pyyroxenic andesites, basaltic andesites and basalts are the lavas that petrographically are found here. Luckily enough a Quetzal might distract while approaching this volcano. The Spaniards called it the “Torre Alba”, white tower as early as 1563.
- Another giant that has been showing an interesting activity is really close to our capital, its summit is at 9000 feet above sea level and you can also drive to its crater, this is the Poas Volcano. Another stratovolcano of sub-conic irregular shape that holds in its main crater a most beautiful lagoon, that has been changing colors from its famous turquoise to a grayish tone, obviously related to its activity. It seems unreal how this lush forest hides such an impressive crater.
- We will visit the Rio Celeste area in order to visit this magnificent formation as well as the Tenorio Volcano, whose structure holds five volcanic cones and reaches a maximum height of 6300 feet above sea level, petrographically speaking it consists of andesites, basaltic andesites and basalts. Astonishing virgin forests surround this massif, therefore you must keep your eyes open, take advantage of the fact that very few visitors get to see this forest, not to be selfish but you will have this trails to yourself. So even though this volcano doesn’t show any volcanic activity since colonial times, it’s worth visiting it for its topography and unspoiled scenery.
- This crater represents a 5 miles hike and some 4000 feet higher than the ranger’s station, where your journey will begin, you will be in the only place in the world where there is an immediate transition between Tropical Dry Forest and Cloud Forest, this is the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. The nine eruptive cones in this complex are pyroclastic cones with incidental lava flows; this volcano was referred by British sailors in the 19 th century as a “natural lighthouse”.
We will also have a close look at its fumaroles, and later on enjoy a volcanic mud treatment.
- We were saving the best for last, the Arenal Volcano, no need to describe much about this world famous volcano, we will hike in recent lava flows, swim in the impressive Fortuna waterfall and finally get rid of any stress left in the natural thermal pools!!
Nature has never let you get this close before to its heart