Serendipity’s staff have a very healthy respect for all volcanoes’ power. There are a few volcanoes in different parts of Costa Rica that we can visit to learn more about volcanology.
Visiting Arenal Volcano
Arenal is the newest in the chain of active volcanoes forming the main spine of Costa Rica. Arenal was constructed by successive eruptions of the older Chato volcano, which now has a beautiful lake filling its calderas (the cone at the top of an extinct volcano). This is a popular, albeit very rugged, hiking place, with great views of active Arenal nearby.
No lava has been seen from Arenal since October 2010 and there is no prediction on when or if lava will start to flow again. The earliest eruptions of Arenal took place about 7,000 years ago, with a cyclic period of eruption and dormancy. Arenal’s current eruptive period began with major explosive eruption in 1968 which took everyone by surprise.
How to travel to the Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano is about equal distance (approximately 3 hours) from the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near the capital of San José and Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR). The town of La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano, offers a multitude of hotel options from 5-star luxury resorts to hostel style accommodations. Serendipity works with you to recommend the best style of accommodation based on your preferences, budget, and group size.
What to do in the Arenal Volcano area
Not only is this area known for the volcano and surrounding hot springs, but it is also the adventure capital of Costa Rica. We offer many private activities here away from the crowds including hiking experiences along the lava trails of the Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges, and La Fortuna Waterfall. Serendipity also operates nature floats on Rio Peñas Blancas and Caño Negro, rafting trips to Sarapiquí, treeclimbing in a private nature reserve, and ATVs/Horseback riding from our ranch.
Visiting Turrialba Volcano
The Turrialba volcano has been more active since 2010, spewing gases, and also ashes on various occasions. Therefore, access to the crater is sometimes limited, but during the day you can see from a distance how the peak is emitting visible steam. The Turrialba volcano is the second highest volcano in Costa Rica, meaning that it offers incredible views over the valley of Turrialba and Talamanca mountains.
How to travel to the Turrialba Volcano
The Turrialba Volcano is approximately 3 hours east from the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). On you way you will pass Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica, before reaching the small town of Turrialba. The area provides a more authentic look at life in rural Costa Rica and known for its natural beauty, agriculture, and off-the-beaten-track adventures.
What to do in Turrialba
As one of the country’s most active volcanoes, the frequent eruptions have contributed to the area’s fertile soil and incredible biodiversity. Travelers can discover the rich history of the area, including the Guayabo National Monument, and explore local farms, coffee and cacao plantations. It is also home to some of the best whitewater in the world, as well as numerous waterfalls, and is the gateway to the Cabécar Indigenous Territory. Hikers can visit the Turrialba Volcano crater, as well as the surrounding ‘Bosque Quemado’ to learn about the volcano’s impact on the local communities and landscape.
Serendipity offers private rafting tours on the Pejibaye and Pacuare rivers, canyoning adventures, and mountain biking in Turrialba, and collaborates with local partners who operate activities in the surrounding area.
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
Located in the northwest of Costa Rica, Rincon de la Vieja volcano has erupted several times in recent years. It is a complex volcano with nine cones, a lagoon, waterfalls and hot springs in the surrounding national park. Rincon de la Vieja translates to “Corner of the Old Woman” in reference a local legend of a princess whose lover was thrown into the volcano when her father learned of their affair.
How to travel to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rincon de la Vieja is roughly a one-hour drive from Liberia in the northwest of Costa Rica. There are hotel options right on the doorstep of the National Park or travelers can take a day trip from the coast of Guanacaste. Our recommendation is, if you’re only planning on spending one day in this area is to arrive early to make the most of the trip. There is so much to explore!
What to do in Rincon de la Vieja
If you’re looking for up-close volcanic activity, the Las Pailas Trail in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a must. On this 3km hike, you’ll see boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and a volcanito (small volcano). For longer hikes, there are two waterfall trails: La Cangreja and Escondido. After all that hiking, you can soak in the hot springs heated by the volcano and smother yourself in volcanic clay.
If you are spending a few days in the Rincon de la Vieja area, it is worth scheduling some adventure activities! Here you will find tubing, horseback riding, mountain biking, canyoning and more.
Visiting Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano is located about 1.5 hours north of San José, making it a great day trip from the capital city, especially when combined with a visit to a local coffee plantation or La Paz Waterfalls. The volcano is renowned for its extensive crater, spanning approximately 1.5 km, making it one of the largest active craters in the world.
How to travel to Poás Volcano National Park
Located within the Poás Volcano National Park, this is one of the most accessible volcanoes in Costa Rica. The roads to the national park entrance are well paved and signposted and their visitor center includes a souvenir shop, bathrooms, and café (ideal for a hot chocolate or coffee necessary at this altitude!).
What to do at Poás Volcano
From the visitor’s center, it is a short walk to the Poás Volcano crater viewpoint where you can see the stunning light blue-green crater lake and occasional fumaroles. If time allows, you can also visit the Botos Lagoon which is a 20-minute walk from the crater on a trail through the cloud forest.