Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

A young Arenal Volcano

Considered one of the youngest of its kind, with only 7.000 years of age, Arenal Volcano is an active volcano located in the northwest of Costa Rica. This colossal giant measures at least 5,300 ft (over 1.600meters) and it is It is conically shaped with a crater spanning 460 ft (around 140 meters). After spending hundreds of years dormant, in 1968 it erupted and partially destroyed the town of Tabacon. Since it’s eruption, Arenal was named as a National Park It has been active ever since and it is now classified as one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world.

At a safe distance

All of the volcano’s activity can be seen almost daily and is constantly giving visitors an awesome experience that includes eruptions of ash, lava and rock avalanches. Lava eruptions have been known to travel down the slopes of the volcano at over 65 miles per hour and can reach very high temperatures. All if this, otherwise dangerous displays of an active crater can all be enjoyed with “front row seats” from an already established safe perimeter around it for constructions, hotels and visitors. If all of this just wasn’t enough for you, the Arenal Volcano will make frequent rumbling sounds to remind both locals and visitors of its presence.

What the Volcano can do for you

Having an active volcano as a neighbor also means that the area around it is a prime location for thermal springs, and there are different alternatives for spa activities to enjoy these enriched waters. This area also has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica such as La Fortuna Waterfall, making it a great place to go trekking into the many different trails that exist all over the Arenal Volcano National Park. Tours and activities that include exploring the trails, visiting waterfalls, walking over the hanging bridges, and enjoying the thermal springs are available to all visitors.

Other activities around the Arenal Volcano

The area around the Arenal volcano is also home to some of the countries most amazing flora and fauna, making one of the best location for viewing many different species of plants and animals. As part of this must see experience, a visit to this location includes other alternatives for travelers that want to enjoy things like horse back riding, or a visit to the man made Arenal lake, where wind surfing and sport fishing are the main attractions.