Volcanoes in Costa Rica: More Than Just Smoke and Lava

Volcanoes are probably one of the most misunderstood natural phenomena. In the movies, they’re often shown as explosive, fiery monsters—but here in Costa Rica, they’re something quite different. Our volcanoes are alive, yes, but they are also peaceful, deeply connected to the land, the people, and even our way of life.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring many of our country’s majestic volcanoes, each offering its unique charm and adventure. Today, I want to share with you some of my favorite volcanic destinations that I love to visit time and again. Whether it's hiking across old lava flows, soaking in natural hot springs, or just standing quietly and watching the clouds pass over a crater, volcanoes here are full of life, history, and healing.

Arenal Volcano: The Iconic Giant

Standing tall at 1,670 meters, Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most famous landmarks. Located near La Fortuna, this stratovolcano was active until 2010, and its perfect cone shape is a sight to behold. The surrounding area is rich with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and natural hot springs, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.​

On my tours, we often hike through the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can witness the remnants of past lava flows and enjoy panoramic views of the volcano. After the hike, there's nothing better than relaxing in the nearby hot springs, which are naturally heated by the geothermal activity beneath the volcano. 

Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes—and it’s easy to see why. Located in the northern lowlands near the town of La Fortuna, this nearly perfect cone-shaped giant stands at about 1,670 meters (5,480 feet) tall. Although it’s currently in a resting phase, Arenal was one of the most active volcanoes in the country for decades, with its last major eruption in 2010. Even now, you can still see steam rising from its crater on clear days.

What I love about Arenal is that it’s not just a volcano—it’s an entire experience. The surrounding area is filled with hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges, and rainforest trails. One of my favorite parts of visiting Arenal is hiking along the old lava fields, where you can feel the heat rising from the ground and imagine the power this volcano once unleashed. You’ll also find amazing wildlife here—from colorful toucans to coatis and even howler monkeys.

Arenal is probably one of the most picturesque volcanoes in Costa Rica. Its almost symmetrical shape makes it a favorite among photographers and travelers alike. It’s a stratovolcano, meaning it was formed from multiple layers of lava and ash over time, giving it that dramatic, sharp peak. What also makes this region special is its lush, green landscape and relatively mild weather. The cooler temperatures and high humidity keep everything vibrant, making it a perfect place for outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding, canopy tours, or soaking in natural thermal pools. This combination of scenery, comfort, and activities is why I offer several tours in the Arenal area—and why I love going back every chance I get. See my tours in Arenal!

Rincón de la Vieja: The Old Lady’s Secrets

Rincón de la Vieja is one of the most fascinating and active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Located in the Guanacaste province, this volcano is part of a massive national park filled with hot springs, boiling mud pots, fumaroles, waterfalls, and dense tropical forest. The name Rincón de la Vieja means “The Old Woman’s Corner,” and there’s a powerful legend behind it.

According to local folklore, an old indigenous woman lived near the volcano after her lover was thrown into the crater by her disapproving father. Heartbroken, she became a recluse, gaining a reputation for her healing powers and spiritual connection to the volcano. People would travel great distances to visit her and ask for herbal remedies. To this day, many believe that the volcano holds a kind of magic, offering healing through its thermal waters and mineral-rich mud.

What I really love about this area is the energy—it feels alive. You can see steam vents puffing out of the earth, listen to the gurgling of natural hot springs, and hike through an incredibly diverse landscape. It’s a place where you can feel nature working under your feet. Plus, the trails here vary from easy walks to more advanced hikes, so there's something for everyone. I often bring visitors here for our Active Volcano Tour, which includes a chance to relax in the hot springs, enjoy a natural mud bath, and learn about the powerful forces that shape this region.

Whether you're a hiker, a nature lover, or someone just curious about Costa Rica's volcanic wonders, Rincón de la Vieja offers an experience that's raw, beautiful, and full of character.

Miravalles Volcano: A Hidden Gem

Miravalles might not be as well-known as Arenal or Rincón de la Vieja, but it’s one of my favorite volcanoes to visit — and it offers something truly special. Unlike other towering peaks, Miravalles has a gentler profile. It’s surrounded by rolling farmland, thick rainforest, and one of the richest geothermal zones in Costa Rica. In fact, it's one of the country’s main sources of geothermal energy — and when you visit, you’ll see why. Steam rises naturally from the ground, and the thermal activity creates perfect conditions for natural saunas, mineral mud baths, and hot springs.

This area is home to two of my most popular tours: the Volcano & Rainforest Tour and the Active Volcano Tour. These tours include a mix of nature, culture, and wellness. One of the highlights for many guests is the coffee farm experience. We visit a family-run farm in the hills, where you’ll get to walk among the plants, learn about Costa Rica’s coffee traditions, and taste a cup that was grown, roasted, and brewed right there. The family has been in coffee for generations, and they’re always happy to share their story — it’s a real cultural moment.

After that, we head deeper into the rainforest for hanging bridges and waterfall hikes. I also like to bring people to a lesser-known spot with two small waterfalls and incredible views of the volcano. We finish the day with a natural spa treatment — starting with a steam cave sauna, followed by a volcanic mud mask, and a soak in thermal pools of different temperatures. It’s relaxing, fun, and great for the skin — and it's one of the reasons people always leave this tour smiling.

What I like about Miravalles is the balance — you can explore, learn, hike, and relax all in one day. It’s peaceful and full of beauty, and I love sharing it with guests who want to experience Costa Rica beyond the usual routes.

More Volcanoes Across Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to more than 60 volcanoes, with at least six considered active — each one adding something unique to the country’s diverse landscape. While I spend most of my time guiding tours around Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, and Miravalles, there are other volcanoes worth exploring, especially if you're traveling through the Central Valley or heading east toward Cartago or the Caribbean slope.

In the Central Valley, you'll find Poás Volcano, known for having one of the largest active craters in the world. On a clear morning, you can stand on the edge of the crater and look directly into a bubbling blue-green lake — it’s a surreal experience. The surrounding area is cool and lush, perfect for coffee farms, strawberry stands, and day trips from the San José area.

Nearby is Irazú, Costa Rica’s highest volcano at over 3,400 meters (11,200 feet). On clear days, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts from the summit. It’s one of the few places where you can be above the clouds in the morning and back in the valley enjoying tropical fruit by lunch.

Further east, Turrialba Volcano is a more rugged and less visited destination. It’s been quite active in recent years and was closed to the public for a while, but when it’s safe to visit, it offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure through cloud forest and farmland. This area is also important agriculturally, with local cheese production and traditional farming communities.

Toward the southern region, Barva Volcano is part of Braulio Carrillo National Park and offers misty cloud forest hikes, dense vegetation, and incredible birdwatching opportunities. It’s often cooler and quieter, perfect for those who want to experience a different side of Costa Rica’s volcanic terrain.

Each volcano sits within a different microclimate — from the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste, to cloud forests and paramo at high altitudes, to the lush Caribbean slopes — so no two experiences are the same. The plant life, animals, and weather all change depending on where you go.

As someone born and raised in the Grecia area, I know these regions well and I’m always happy to help visitors plan bespoke tours outside of Guanacaste. If you're curious about exploring volcanoes beyond my listed tours, feel free to reach out — I’d love to help you build an itinerary that fits your interests, schedule, and sense of adventure.

Tours with Freddy

Each of my volcano tours offers a distinct experience, and I tailor my tours to showcase the best of what they have to offer. Whether you're interested in hiking through lava fields, soaking in natural hot springs, or learning about the geothermal energy that powers our country, there's a tour for you.​

Here are some of the volcano tours I offer:​

• Arenal Volcano Tour: Explore the Arenal Volcano National Park, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, and relax in the hot springs.​

• Rincón de la Vieja Adventure: Hike through diverse ecosystems, discover waterfalls, and enjoy the geothermal wonders of the park.​

• Miravalles Volcano Experience: Experience mud baths, hot springs, and learn about geothermal energy in a serene setting.​

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For more information on these tours, visit my website: www.freddycostaricantours.com​

Costa Rica's volcanoes are more than just natural wonders; they're integral to our culture, biodiversity, and way of life. Each visit offers a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for the dynamic forces that shape our land. I invite you to join me on these adventures and experience the magic of our volcanoes firsthand.​

¡Pura vida!