This Central American Country is home to some of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica and one of the most impressive biodiversity in the world, offering a mix of breathtaking landscapes, adventure, and geothermal wonders. If you’ve ever wondered, Are there active volcanoes in Costa Rica?—the answer is a resounding yes! In this guide, we’ll explore the five most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, their history, and why they are must-visit destinations.
Are There Active Volcanoes in Costa Rica?
Absolutely! Costa Rica sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it a hotspot for volcanic activity. The country has over 200 volcanic formations, with five currently active volcanoes that continue to shape its landscape.
1. Poás Volcano: The Most Accessible Active Volcano in Costa Rica
Why Visit Poás Volcano National Park?
Poás Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible and impressive active volcanoes, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Located in Poás Volcano National Park, this stratovolcano features a massive crater, bubbling fumaroles, and an acidic lake.
Key Highlights:
- Enormous Crater: With a diameter of 1,320 meters and a depth of 300 meters, Poás has one of the largest craters in the world.
- Recent Eruptions: Poás has erupted multiple times, with a notable eruption in 1910 sending ash clouds up to 8,000 meters high.
- Botos Lagoon: A 400-meter-wide volcanic lagoon surrounded by lush cloud forest.
- Easy Access: Unlike other active volcanoes in Costa Rica, Poás is only a short drive from San José, making it a great day-trip destination. From the Castle of Oz is about 2.5 hours drive.

2. Irazú Volcano: The Highest Active Volcano in Costa Rica
Why Visit Irazú Volcano?
Irazú Volcano is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica, rising to 3,432 meters (11,260 feet) above sea level. Located just 31 km from Cartago, it is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in Costa Rica, making it a popular destination for travelers.
On clear days, visitors can witness a breathtaking dual-ocean view, seeing both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the summit. However, the area is often covered in mist and clouds, adding a mysterious and dramatic touch to the landscape.
Key Highlights
- Impressive Craters: Irazú has five distinct craters, each showcasing unique volcanic formations.
- Cold and Humid Climate: Temperatures range between 5°C and 9°C (41°F – 48°F), so be prepared for chilly conditions.
- Hiking in Prusia Forest: This area offers 16 km of scenic trails, perfect for runners and nature lovers seeking an immersive experience.
- Strategic Location: Due to its height, Irazú serves as a major telecommunications hub in Costa Rica. A great and one of the many costa rican natural resources.
A Natural Water Source
The volcano plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s ecosystem, as it gives birth to multiple rivers, including the Reventazón, Sarapiquí, Sucio, and Toro Amarillo, which are essential for the country’s freshwater supply.
Irazú is an unmissable destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers looking to capture one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes.

3. Turrialba Volcano: The Most Volatile Active Volcano in Costa Rica
Why Visit Turrialba Volcano?
Turrialba Volcano is one of the most active and unpredictable volcanoes in Costa Rica, with major eruptions recorded as recently as 2016. Located in Cartago province, about 24 km from the town of Turrialba, it stands as the second highest volcano in Costa Rica at 3,340 meters (10,958 feet).
This massive stratovolcano is surrounded by the Turrialba Volcano National Park, offering an adventurous and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to its more famous neighbor, Irazú Volcano.
Key Highlights
- Recent Eruptions: The latest eruption cycle began in 2014, with its strongest explosion in September 2016, sending ash plumes over 3,000 meters into the sky.
- Breathtaking Views: On clear days, visitors can see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the summit.
- Monumento Nacional Guayabo: The volcano’s foothills are home to Costa Rica’s most important archaeological site, a pre-Columbian ceremonial city dating back over 10,000 years.
- Rich Agricultural Land: The volcanic soil supports coffee plantations, vegetable farms, and dairy production, making Turrialba a key region for Costa Rica’s agriculture.
A Natural and Cultural Treasure
Turrialba is more than just an active volcano in Costa Rica—it’s a historical, geological, and ecological wonder. Whether you’re drawn to volcanic landscapes, cultural heritage, or adventure tourism, this volcano offers an experience unlike any other.

Rincón de la Vieja: The Adventure Seeker’s Active Volcano in Costa Rica
Why Visit Rincón de la Vieja Volcano?
Rincón de la Vieja is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, featuring boiling mud pools, fumaroles, steaming lagoons, and volcanic vents. This massive volcanic complex, located in Guanacaste Province, is a haven for adventure lovers, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs.
With frequent eruptions and geothermal activity, it provides a raw and powerful display of nature’s energy. However, its volatile nature means visitors should always check safety conditions before exploring.
Top Attractions at Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Las Pailas Trail (The Cauldrons Loop): A 3 km circular trail that takes you through bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and boiling water lagoons. The hike offers a transition from dry forest to humid rainforest with stunning volcanic scenery.
- Waterfall Trails: Two main waterfalls, La Cangreja and Escondida, are accessible via scenic hiking routes. La Cangreja, also called Laguna Azul, is famous for its bright turquoise waters.
- Hot Springs and Thermal Rivers: Relax in natural thermal pools warmed by the volcano’s geothermal activity.
- Wildlife Spotting: The park is home to 3 of the species of monkeys in Costa Rica, toucans, tapirs, and even jaguars in the deeper forests.
The Most Dynamic and Powerful Volcano in Guanacaste
Rincón de la Vieja is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re hiking through its volcanic landscapes, bathing in hot springs, or marveling at its steaming fumaroles, this active volcano in Costa Rica is an experience like no other.

Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica’s Most Iconic Active Volcano
Why Visit Arenal Volcano?
Arenal is one of the most famous volcanoes in Costa Rica, known for its perfect cone shape, lush surroundings, and adventure-filled landscape. Although it has been in a resting phase since 2010, Arenal is still geothermally active, fueling the region’s hot springs and volcanic terrain.
Located in La Fortuna, Alajuela, Arenal’s last major eruption in 1968 reshaped the landscape, creating an otherworldly mix of lava fields, dense rainforest, and mineral-rich rivers.
Top Attractions at Arenal Volcano
- Arenal Volcano National Park: Home to lava fields, hiking trails, and breathtaking panoramic views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.
- Hot Springs: Natural geothermal pools heated by underground volcanic activity, perfect for relaxation after a day of adventure.
- Adventure Activities: Zip-lining, hiking, horseback riding, and waterfall rappelling make Arenal a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
- Wildlife Spotting: The rainforest surrounding Arenal is teeming with monkeys, sloths, toucans, and exotic reptiles.
A Volcano That Defined Costa Rica’s Landscape
Arenal dominated the region’s skyline with eruptions for over 40 years, making it one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica before its dormancy. While lava no longer flows down its slopes, the surrounding thermal waters, lush rainforest, and adventure-packed activities make Arenal a top destination for travelers looking to explore Costa Rica’s volcanic wonders.

What Happened in 1968 with Arenal Volcano?
On July 29, 1968, Arenal Volcano erupted in one of the most devastating volcanic events in Costa Rican history. The eruption destroyed the villages of Tabacón and Pueblo Nuevo, killing 87 people and drastically altering the surrounding landscape.
The explosion created three new craters, sending massive lava flows, ash clouds, and volcanic rocks into the air. Some rocks were launched over 5 km away, reaching speeds of 1,350 km/h. The intense heat, estimated at over 400°C, turned the affected areas into an ash-covered wasteland, reshaping Arenal into the towering, conical volcano it is today.
This event marked the beginning of Arenal’s most active period, with continuous eruptions lasting until 2010, making it one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica for over four decades. Today, though dormant, Arenal still fascinates visitors with its dramatic history, lush landscapes, and geothermal activity.
Experience Costa Rica’s Volcanoes with Ease
Costa Rica’s active volcanoes are not just breathtaking natural wonders—they are gateways to adventure, history, and unforgettable landscapes. Whether you want to hike through steaming craters, soak in volcanic hot springs, or witness the power of geothermal activity, these volcanoes offer experiences unlike any other.
Staying at The Castle of Oz in Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas? We make exploring these iconic volcanoes effortless. Our luxury villa is the perfect retreat after a day of adventure, and we can arrange personalized tours to all of Costa Rica’s top volcanoes, including Poás, Irazú, Turrialba, Rincón de la Vieja, and Arenal.
Come for the luxury, stay for the adventure. Let us take care of the details while you explore Costa Rica’s volcanic wonders. Book your stay at The Castle of Oz today!