Costa Rica Volcanoes

How can we help?

Click and read long-form guides

It's not every day you come back from a vacation with stories about the volcanoes you explored, but that's exactly what you'll be doing when you visit Costa Rica's volcanoes. Within Costa Rica, there are hundreds of volcanic formations that run along the Volcanic Corridor from Guanacaste in the north to the border of Panama in the south. Whether you choose one of Costa Rica's volcano lodges, or simply enjoy the view from your accommodations, you're sure to get a bit of a thrill from knowing you're near 'the action.'

In truth, many of the Costa Rica's volcanoes are dormant and in remote locations, which makes them great for a day trip. The volcanoes listed below, however, are full-fledged attractions with a range of accommodation options nearby. You're going to have a great time exploring the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Poás Volcano, and more! Observe the wildlife that thrives in the midst of these looming giants, and indulge in one of the hot springs they geothermally heat — a Costa Rica volcanic vacation has a lot to offer.

Destinations

Find your joy

Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Costa Rica
The Picture Perfect Arenal Volcano is Just an Appetizer

The Picture Perfect Arenal Volcano is Just an Appetizer

What's it really like to be near a volcano? The answer to this question is waiting for you within the region of La Fortuna, Costa Rica — more commonly known as Arenal. Standing at approximately 1,633 metres (5,358 ft) high, Arenal Volcano will entrance you with the amazing views and activities it offers. Choose accommodations near the volcano to be ready for early morning birdwatching and hiking excursions through Arenal Volcano National Park; stay a little further away and you'll enjoy Arenal Volcano looming over the skyline every morning and evening. When you're not admiring the sights, you'll be busy exploring the great outdoors. Treat yourself to horseback riding, zip line tours, waterfall rappelling, and more. When you're ready to slow it down, you can kayak on Lake Arenal or go for a bike ride near the lake. Pick up some fresh food in town and you can have yourself an afternoon picnic — listen to the roar of the La Fortuna Waterfall or take the plunge into its fresh cool water. Who would have thought one volcano could offer so many options?
Explore Destination
Plug Into Adventure —  Not Outlets! Explore The Great Outdoors in The Tenorio Volcano Area

Plug Into Adventure — Not Outlets! Explore The Great Outdoors in The Tenorio Volcano Area

There is one word which best describes a volcano, and that is: majestic. Costa Rica's Tenorio Volcano may be dormant, but it remains impressive nonetheless. At 6,287 feet (1,916 m) tall, how could it not be? Situated within the Alajuela Province, you're in for quite a vacation when you stay in the Tenorio Volcano region. This looming giant is just the beginning — you'll enjoy access to luscious forests, roaring waterfalls that are worth the hike, rafting excursions on raging rivers, and volcanic expeditions. It's nothing but you and the outdoors when you stay at an internet and cellphone free family-owned ranch (a great option if you have kiddos who don't know how to unplug). Simplify your life when you choose an eco-friendly cabin that offers humble amenities. Looking to indulge a little? There are upscale options if you're celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary. Enjoy horseback rides, extraordinary views, and more importantly, fresh air and nature when you discover how beautiful a volcanic region can be in Tenorio, Costa Rica. For a special treat, visit the nearby Miravalles Volcano!
Explore Destination
Rincon de La Vieja Volcano Trek and then Hot Springs?

Rincon de La Vieja Volcano Trek and then Hot Springs?

Amidst 34,800 acres (14,083 ha) of national park is where you'll find Costa Rica's Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. This cinder volcano is 6,217 feet (1,895 m) tall, and consists of nine contiguous craters. Not to be outdone by Rincon de la Vieja's namesake volcano, Santa Maria Volcano is amidst the craters with a peak height of 6,385 feet (1916 m). This active volcanic region is sure to add some extra adrenaline to your treks. As you make your way through the park, you may come across monkeys, kinkajous, sloths, insects, and plants too numerous to mention. Double your pleasure by enjoying nature and adventure at the same time. If you're feeling intrepid, pack a lunch and plan on making your way to the volcano's summit. It'll take the better part of a day, but if the skies are clear, you'll be rewarded for your efforts with an extraordinary view of Costa Rica — including both coasts. See? Well worth the hike! One of the perks of this volcanic region is the hot springs it produces, which are perfect for soothing your body after your day of rugged adventure. If you prefer to cool down, you can go back to your hotel or lodge for a refreshing dip in the pool. Many accommodations offer a complimentary breakfast, so you'll always be able to fuel up for your next adventure — whether that's zip lining, rappelling, or horseback riding.
Explore Destination
The Large Crater with Easy Access — Poas Volcano, An Impressively Easy Trek

The Large Crater with Easy Access — Poas Volcano, An Impressively Easy Trek

Poás Volcano may have one of the second-largest craters in the world, but it's also one of the easiest volcanic craters to access in all of Costa Rica. Instead of hiking for hours up a rocky slope, you can take a paved road to a lookout near the edge of the blue-green crater lake. Around the crater, you can also see interesting volcanic formations, like sulphuric fumaroles that emit steam and gas. Volcanoes have magical effects on the terrain around them, making them especially fertile and perfect for growing coffee, which you can see and experience at Doka Coffee Estate. This estate offers educational tours on coffee growing as well as coffee tastings. Tours of the estate combine easily with visits to the volcano. The rich landscape around the volcano rushes with voluble cascades. You can see some of these on a tour of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens — besides 5 waterfalls, the grounds are also home to one of the largest butterfly gardens in the world. Poás Volcano National Park is located just 90 minutes outside of San José, making it a popular day trip for travelers staying in the city. If you want to stay just outside of the volcano, you can book a stay in a cozy and upscale lodge with excellent views of the landscape.
Explore Destination
Destinations

Find your joy

Take a look at other fascinating destinations to explore while you visit Costa Rica.

Turrialba
Turrialba Image
Destination
View Details
Vara Blanca
Vara Blanca Image
Destination
View Details
Miravalles Volcano Area
Miravalles Volcano Area Image
Destination
View Details
Make the adventure yours

My dream trip in

Costa Rica

That I’ll spend with Group type

Is filled with Trip type

Start my Adventureor
5 Starts
Loading...
View all reviews
Let’s dream together

Sign up to receive the latest news and offers from Anywhere

We care about the protection of your data.
Read our Privacy Policy.
© 2024 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.