The Amazing and Diverse Landscapes of Costa Rica: February 2013

Volcanoes are a key element of natural and dynamic landscapes of Costa Rica. There are over 200 volcanic centers recognized in the country but only 5 active volcanoes had eruptive activity in past 400 years. These five volcanoes are Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, Poás, Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes. I am mainly going to explore the Arenal volcano today.

The beautiful Arenal Volcano

Smoke-erupting Arenal volcano in sunset

The Arenal volcano is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world with gas and lava erupting on a constant basis which locates north-western of Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano was formed 7,000 years, so it is considered a young volcano.

Arenal is a type of tall, symmetrical volcano that is built upon accumulated layers of ash, rock and lava. It is called a stratovolcano. It is a 1657 meters high conical stratovolcano near Lake Arena. Magma, known as the molten or partially molten rock that forms beneath the earth’s surface, rises into Arenal’s volcanic chamber due to the continental tectonic plates and can erupt from its top.

Conically-Shaped

Stratovolcano

Lake-Surrounding

Arenal’s most recent eruptive activity began in 1968 and lasted until 2010. It has been dormant since 2010 and scientists think that it is just sleeping. The major eruption happened in 1968 which destroyed three small surrounding villages and buried 87 people. Since this major eruption, it has been continuous activity building a lava dome and displaying mild explosive activity from the summit crater.

The eruption in 1968. The village road was flowed with lava.

Thanks to the geothermal activity beneath Arenal, the area surrounding the volcano is a heaven of hot springs. Tourists come from all over the world to soak in the hot springs and enjoy the spa activities. The area around the Arenal Volcano is also home to some of the most amazing flora and fauna. It is one of the best locations to view many different and unique species of plants and animals. There is a variety of fun activities for travelers to do like visiting waterfalls, walking over the hanging bridges, hiking the beautiful trails, and enjoying the thermal springs!