Costa Rica is a place with pristine beaches, blue water, warm, sunny days, abundant fish life, and welcoming people.  Interestingly, many people are not aware that Costa Rica is also home to 200 plus volcanic formations, dating back 65 million years!  Of these, seven are active, which is related to the fertile soil. 

Over the years, eruptions from these seven volcanoes have left massive destruction.  Irazu is the highest volcano in Costa Rica while Poas is the second widest, which measures almost one mile in diameter, and Arenal is the most active.  In 1963, Irazu erupted, spewing ash over San Jose and other areas for two years.  The amount of ash that fell was so significant rooftops were covered with five inches while people had to walk around with a cloth to their face in order to breathe. 

That one eruption alone covered approximately 62 square miles, leaving the land completely devastated.  The last time a volcano erupted in Costa Rica was in the summer of 2000 when Arenal killed one person, injured many others, and caused more than 600 people to be evacuated from their homes.  Although volcanic eruptions can wipe out entire communities, they are also a key contributor to the landscape seen and enjoyed in Costa Rica. 

For example, the volcanic slopes are rich with minerals.  That coupled with the abundant rainfall and the result is amazing, green agriculture.  Additionally, Costa Rica features mesmerizing waterfalls and beautiful, flowing rivers.  The volcanic soil supports the dense and diverse forests, which in turn creates a protective home for all types of wildlife. 

Volcanoes in Costa Rica also provide recreation for humans.  With dozens of rivers and lakes, you will find that swimming, fishing, and boating are all popular activities.  The land being so diverse also offers hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking. With this, you have thriving businesses in the form of guided tours, horse stables, campsites, boat rental companies, and more. 

As mentioned, Arenal is the most active volcano in Costa Rica, making it a popular destination.  For this reason, there are wonderful places to explore around the volcano to include Arenal Lake, which is a great spot for fishing, boating, and windsurfing, Fortuna Waterfall offers a winding trail that comes to end on a small, beautiful beach, and Venado Caves offer a great opportunity for adventure as you make your way through various caverns. 

Around the volcanoes are other places to visit such as the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.  There, you will enjoy a 2,000-acre seasonal lake overflowing with all types of waterfowl to include spoonbills, anhingas, wood storks, and jabiru storks.  This area is also inhabited by many rare and endangered species such as pumas, caymans, and tapirs. 

Another volcanic formation in Costa Rica is called Turrialba.  In addition to being a volcano, this is also a national park.  This particular volcano has not erupted in more than 130 years but still stands at 10,000 feet, making it the second tallest of all the formations.  All around this volcano is farmland and green slopes.  The nice aspect of Turrialba is that you can climb down to the central floor of the crater, although getting to the craters is a challenge, requiring a four-wheel drive. 

Not far from the city of Turrialba is the Guayabo National Monument, which is a large archaeological site that was once occupied between 1000 BC and 1400 AD.  The 2,000 inhabitants that lived there were hard workers, creating walls, cisterns, petroglyphs, and many other types of structures.  Catie is another area near Turrialba that is a tropical agriculture research center offering guided tours that will take you through incredible collections of tropical plants. 

Barva is yet another volcano in Costa Rica, standing 9,534 feet.  This formation is accessible on a nearby road, also requiring a four-wheel drive. However, if you want to hike to the first crater, you can although it will take you about three to four hours.  Then, there is the volcano called Rincon de la Vieja, which stands at 6,217 feet.  This area is great for taking hikes and offers nice camping.  Without doubt, the volcanoes of Costa Rica are an important part of this country’s history that lives on today.