The volcanoes

Our expert Costa Rica

The volcanoes

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The Poás Volcano, Cordillera Central The Poás Volcano, in Spanish Volcán Poás, is still active, and has erupted 39 times since 1828 © Patrick de Wilde

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In the central valley, Poas is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. With a diameter close to one mile, its main crater is one of the largest in the world. Following the path, you can see the geysers as well as smoke emanating from cracks in the ground. Also active, the Irazu volcano is 11,256 ft high and is composed of four craters, from the top of which you can see the ocean on either side. Another volcano you must absolutely see is the Arenal, which is the most active in the country. During day time, you can hear the rumblings of the menacing mountain, and at night you can actually see the lava flowing and spitting. In 1968, the Arenal volcano wiped a village off the map. In August 2000 its activity intensified so much that the hotels around it had to close, and security barriers now close off access to the area (see the ?Security' section in ?All Information') Close by, the lake carrying the same name is used for fishing, canoeing, swimming and windsurfing.