Costa Rica is a favorite destination for many reasons and continues to have a "Welcome to Costa Rica" border policy since it reopened in August 2020. With its incredible beaches, abundant tropical forests, impressive mountain ranges, and diverse wildlife and vegetable, why not add some live volcanoes to the mix? All this in a small country that is located in the middle of the Americas. Let's explore 5 fabulous volcanoes in Costa Rica and see what they have to offer!

Costa Rica has two volcanic mountain ranges that are part of the magnificent continental divide that runs through the Americas. The Costa Rican section of this divide is like a backbone as it separates the Pacific Ocean coast from the Caribbean Sea coast. It is also where the innumerable amount of virgin rivers that meander towards the coasts are born. Some are favorites for whitewater rafting!

Let's start our road trip exploring 5 fabulous volcanoes in Costa Rica!

1. Arenal Volcano

Perhaps the main landmark of Costa Rica, an icon that perfectly represents Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano is an independent cone-shaped volcano that is located at the end of the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range. It is also the youngest living volcano in Costa Rica and, boy, has it made its presence felt.

While currently asleep, not too long ago, he was shooting red-hot rocks and lava throughout the day giving his viewers a nightly fireworks display. To this day, it continues to have a hypnotic effect thanks to its beauty and significant presence. This sleeping giant is a constant companion during your stay in the Arenal area.

The Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of a world of adventure and activities in nature. Rafting, hiking, canyoning, river floats, zip lining, and walking on hanging bridges in the rainforest are just some of the experiences you can have in Arenal. It is also a hub for avid bird watchers and of course a multitude of animals make their home in this natural paradise.

The Arenal Volcano is also the reason why the area is full of hot springs that could well be the favorite activity of visitors. Rich in minerals, warm to hot, and highly inviting, hot springs are everywhere and are a must-see during your visit.

2. Irazu Volcano

A day trip to the Irazú Volcano from San José or the Central Valley is full of colors and beautiful landscapes. Located at the eastern end of the Central Valley, the Irazú Volcano is the highest in Costa Rica, reaching an impressive height of 11,260 feet. On a clear day, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts can be seen.

The Irazú Volcano has a moon-like feel as you walk towards the rim of the crater. In fact, you can look down into the crater. To reach this impressive volcano, you will pass through the city of Cartago and climb to the rich agricultural land that covers the foothills of the Irazú volcano.

3. Poas Volcano

The Poas Volcano is also located in the Central Valley and is a day's drive away. This active volcano is very impressive and has one of the largest craters of any volcano in the world. It has also just gone through a period of activity which meant the national park it is in was closed to visitors for a long time.

It is now reopened and receives countless visitors daily and with strict security protocols. Observation decks allow you to directly view the majestic crater that stretches nearly a mile across. This is an impressive volcano that can be seen in all its splendor on a clear day.

The trip to the Poás Volcano is also very beautiful. This is coffee country, so enjoy the scenes of many coffee plantations, strawberry fields, quaint rural towns, and fantastic views towards the Central Valley.

4. Rincón de la Vieja

The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is in the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range and is where all the adventure and action is! Its slopes are filled with adrenaline-pumping experiences ranging from zip lining to tubing down a narrow river. It also offers soothing hot springs that are a cozy time to unwind after rappelling or horseback riding through the mountains of Guanacaste.

This very popular volcano can be visited and explored for fumaroles, boiling mud pools and waterfalls. This active volcano likes to remind us of its presence from time to time, but it remains the destination  not a favorite of many adventurers.

5. Tenorio Volcano

Last but definitely not least is the lesser known Tenorio Volcano. With this fabulous volcano, it is more about the amazing blue river that rises from its slopes than the volcano itself.

The Tenorio Volcano can be seen in the distance as you walk along the path that borders the Rio Celeste or Rio Azul. This beautiful blue optical illusion comes from the sun's rays hitting the mineral rich riverbed creating this amazing turquoise blue river.