VOLCANOES

The region in which Costa Rica is situated is one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. Currently Costa Rica is home to 7 active volcanoes and over 40 extinct or dormant volcanoes. These volcanoes make up a distinctive part of the countryside of Costa Rica. The past eruptions of the volcanoes have created a fertile region that has allowed lush rainforests to spread throughout the region. These rainforests in turn have become home to countless species of birds, animals, insects, and plant life. Without the volcanoes in the region, Costa Rica as we know it would not exist.

Below are some of the more important and popular volcanoes in Costa Rica.

VOLCAN BARVA

Barva and the region around it is one of the most beautiful areas within Costa Rica. Dormant for a millennia, the fertile lands around the volcano have allowed the growth of lush highland rainforests to take place. In turn, this rainforest area has become home to a vast array of different types of rare and exotic species of flora and fauna.

If you want to get a look at the rare resplendent quetzal, a trip to the Barva Volcano will offer you a great chance to see one. In and around Barva are numerous hiking trails. If you are in good shape hike the trail to the summit (about 4-5 hours). The sites along the way are well worth the hike. From the summit, on a clear day, the views are simply spectacular.

For those that have a lot of time, and are in good shape, there is a 4 day hike to the Caribbean coast terminating around Puerto Viejo. You will need a good map and will need to know what you are doing since it is easy to get lost. However for those up to the adventure, it is a journey you will never forget.(Click to Enlarge Map)

IRAZÚ VOLCANO

Irazu is one of Costa Rica's active volcanoes. It erupted last during the 1963 visit of John Kennedy. The volcano is right outside of San Jose, and during that eruption ash from the volcano covered the city in gray. Eruptions continued on and off for the next two years and severely disrupted people and business in the area during this time. However since the eruption ended, things have returned to normal, and farms and coffee plantations have sprung up again along the mountainside and surrounding area.

The top of the volcano offers stunning vistas of the surrounding areas. On a clear day it is possible to see both the Pacific and Caribbean. As you look into the crater on some days you will see what looks to be a green pond. Other days that same pond will be rust colored red. The change in colors relates to the minerals expelled from the volcano.

Take a tour and combine a visit to Irazu volcano, Cartago and a visit to the beautiful Lankaster Gardens for just $53. You can also travel to the volcano by public bus on Saturdays and Sundays.

POÁS VOLCANO

For one of the best views of an active volcano a stop by Poas is a must. From certain vantage point visitors can peer into numerous craters. Some are full of lava, other shoot off steam, others have bubbling mud, and others just seem to rumble.

Getting to this volcano is relatively quick and easy from San Jose. At the park visitors can take guided tours, learn about the volcano, hike, grab a bite to eat, or even stay overnight. Poas is a great place to visit.

Much of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:

Courtesy of Christopher P. Baker and Avalon Travel Publishing.
© 2004 Christopher P. Baker. All Rights Reserved.

Spanish Abroad, Inc. highly recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit his website where you can purchase this book or find out more about the author.