Let´s discover 5 Volcanoes in Costa Rica that are visit worthy

Costa Rica is a country full of beautiful, natural landscapes that make the road trip as entertaining as the final destination.  Additionally, you are never far from anywhere in this little country in the middle of the Americas thanks to its very convenient size.  Let´s say you can catch the sunrise on one ocean and the sunset on the other in just one day. One thing that will be your constant companion during your travels through Costa Rica is a volcano as there are many.  Let´s discover 5 volcanoes in Costa Rica that are visit worthy!

Costa Rica has three volcanic mountain ranges that are home to over 200 identifiable volcanoes but only five are considered live as of today.  In true volcano form, it´s status could change at any time!  While their status is “live”, each of the Costa Rican volcanoes are very different and offer a unique experience from the moment you take the wheel in your Poas Rent a Car that will take you up and around the 5 volcanoes in Costa Rica that we will visit during our journey.

In true Costa Rican form, all our 5 volcanoes are within the protected areas network of National Parks which guarantees visitors the safety and infrastructure groundwork that a visit to a volcano deserves.  This becomes particularly relevant when you will be looking down into the crater of the live volcano so buckle up and let’s begin our travels to these majestic exemplars that our planet is alive and active!

1.   Poas Volcano

 

The Poas Volcano and Poas Rent a Car´s namesake, overlooks the Central Valley and sits on the western slopes of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.  As you fly into the Juan Santamaria International Airport, you will see it and during your time in the bustling valley, it can be seen everywhere you go.

The ride up to the Poas Volcano is one of the prettiest.  As you drive up to the crater, you will travel through coffee plantations, strawberry fields, quaint, rural towns, lush dairy farms and the fresh, mountain air.  It is also a perfect opportunity for panoramic views of the sprawling major cities of San Jose, Heredia and Alajuela that cover the valley floor.

Due to the recent volcanic activity of the Poas Volcano, a series of additional safety protocols have been implemented.  After leaving your Poas Rent a Car in the carpark, the fun begins as you walk the last 200 meters to the volcano crater.   At this altitude (nearly 9000 feet!), the vegetation changes dramatically and is commonly covered in clouds.

And then, you reach the observation deck and see the incredible crater before you.  Although it is difficult to appreciate, you are looking at a mile wide, 900ft deep crater, making it the second largest in the world.  A sight to see to say the least!

Don´t forget to make a reservation prior to arriving.  This can be done on the SINAC webpage.  Poas Rent a Car recommends getting up to see this amazing sight in the early morning before the clouds roll in.

2.Irazu Volcano

 

The Irazu Volcano is also a day road trip away during your stay in the Central Valley. Located on the eastern slopes of the Central Volcanic Range, you will feel like you are walking on the moon as you walk towards the crater that you can peer down into.

On a clear day, you can see both the Caribbean and the Pacific Oceans as well as the crater.  You will also be visiting the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 11,260 feet tall so you may be lucky to see some spectacular views of Costa Rica as well as the volcano itself.

To get to the Irazu Volcano, you will also be able to enjoy some sightseeing along the way.  You will pass through the city of Cartago, and home to the iconic Basilica of the Virgen of Los Angeles, Costa Rica´s patron saint.

Poas Rent a Car recommends an early drive up through the rich, agricultural fields on the slopes of the Irazu Volcano and if time permits on the way back, a visit to the Orosi Valley. All the roads to the Irazu Volcano and the Orosi Valley are in great conditions, albeit windy but very scenic.

 

3.Arenal Volcano

 

The Arenal Volcano may well be Costa Rica´s best known volcano and its fame is well deserved.  This impressive 5300ft high formation is about 56 miles north of San Jose along a very picturesque route and it never ceases to amaze you with its presence.

Your stay in the Arenal Volcano region is one of nature and adventure. All the Poas Rent a Cars fleet can enjoy this area thanks to the great roads that will take you around the volcano, to visit the lake, through the rainforests and over the Costa Rican northern lowlands.

The adventurous side of the Arenal Volcano is the form of ziplining, hiking, white water rafting, rappelling, all under the watchful eye of this sleepy giant that can be observed and enjoyed wherever you may be in the area.  And then, treat yourself to a bathe in the thermal springs, a wonderfully relaxing gift that the Arenal Volcano graces its visitors with.

4.Tenorio Volcano

 

North of Arenal Volcano, you will find another one of Costa Rica´s iconic natural landmarks that sits on the slopes of the Tenorio Volcano.   It is Rio Celeste or Blue River, and it is an amazing place to visit.

The Tenorio Volcano belongs to the Guanacaste Volcanic Range that is home to a number of volcanoes in their different states.  This range divides the province of Guanacaste and the Northern Lowlands, the side where Rio Celeste runs.

Tenorio Volcano boasts 4 volcanic peaks and twin craters and while it is possible to reach the crater by horse, this volcanoes claim to fame is that incredibly impressive blue river that is used to promote Costa Rica all over the world.  Rio Celeste is worth the walk to witness the exquisite blue colored water and other volcanic manifestations within the riverbed.  Walk through the lush, rainforest while spotting the multiple hues of turquoise blue along the way.

With the Tenorio Volcano in the distance, a visit to Rio Celeste is an adventure into the magical world of how volcanoes can produce such beauty through chemical reactions and the suns rays.

The trip to Rio Celeste is along a recently repaved road from the small town of Bijuagua. Poas Rent a Car recommends you take this upgraded route that is very pretty too.

 

5.Rincon de la Vieja Volcano

 

Last by not least, our journey to discover 5 of Costa Rica´s volcanoes, takes us to the province of Guanacaste to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.  The adventure-rich slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano attract many a thrill-seeker to enjoy ziplining, rappelling, tubing down rivers and canyoning among other fun-filled activities.

A mud bath and thermal springs are also part of the adventure, all nestled into the rainforest.  A visit to the national park includes a walk to view the mud baths and fumaroles is a great way to begin your day of volcanic adventures.

Poas Rent Car recommends you stay on the coast and take a day trip up onto the Volcano. This means you get the best of both worlds, the beach, and the adventure blast. Think about ending your trip here and dropping your Poas Rent a Car at the Guanacaste International Airport before heading off home.  It has offices in both international airports making picking up and dropping off a breeze!

Your road travels through Costa Rica can include a visit to 5 volcanoes.  Let Poas Rent a Car be your driving companion through your journey to discover them!