Destinations

What’s in a Costa Rica Vacation - The Essentials Part 2: Volcanoes

By teletico ⋅ March 26, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

In our continued discussion of the Costa Rica Classics we move from the biodiversity rich rainforests to the awe inspiring geological wonders of volcanoes. Costa Rica is located within the Ring of Fire resulting in various volcanoes, both active and dormant, scattered across the landscape. Many of these volcanoes are located within national parks and protected areas, allowing scientists and geologists to monitor their behavior while providing safe and sensible access for tourists. If you have never seen a volcano up close and personal, Costa Rica is the place to do it. Each volcano has its own unique characteristics from the perfect conic shape of Arenal to the turquoise blue lake-filled crater of Poas. An added bonus to the volcanoes is the presence of natural hot springs located in and around these structures, many of which have been given a resort like atmosphere for you to sip drinks while you soak your aching joints and muscles in the pools of various temperatures.  The following are my top choices for visitors seeking encounters with these mighty giants:

Arenal Volcano – Arenal is probably the most famous and well known of Costa Rica’s volcanoes. In fact, Arenal is probably one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world! The volcano erupts almost daily, spewing gas and ash columns into the air. From time to time lucky visitors are able to see glowing lava rocks moving down the face of the volcano. The volcano is the main attraction and center of attention in the Arenal/La Fortuna region. Almost every hotel advertises the best volcano views. If the mighty giant in Arenal happens to be sleeping when you decide to visit, you can always take a guided tour of Arenal National Park. A hike through the park will bring you closer to this natural wonder providing opportunities to hear the ‘boom’ of explosions deep inside the crater. The park also contains primary rainforest, home to many birds as well as white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys. A guided hike is recommended, especially at night when skies are clear and opportunities for seeing lava flows are best. Do not stray off the clearly marked trails and do not try to climb the volcano (believe me, people have done this with unfortunate results). You can spend a good two to three hours hiking through the park before it’s time to call it a day. After all, the volcano will stay in sight wherever you wander in the region. One of the only drawbacks to a visit to Arenal is the cloud cover that makes it difficult to see the summit at times. It’s hit or miss when it comes to clouds, but with or without, Arenal remains a spectacular sight to see.

Orientation: Arenal is located northwest of San Jose adjacent to the town of La Fortuna.

Access: Shuttle from many popular destinations in Costa Rica (3-4 hours from San Jose), self drive via rental car (3 hours from San Jose), public bus (4.5 hours from San Jose), Jeep-Boat-Jeep to and from Monteverde (3 hours).

Ideal For: Everyone from serious hikers and nature enthusiasts, to families and honeymooners.

Best Time to Visit: In the morning before the sun gets hot or at night.

Best Place to Stay: On the road between La Fortuna and the volcano. There are numerous hotels here with spectacular views of the volcano.

Best Kept/Un-kept Secrets: You can take a taxi from your hotel to the volcano (approx $15-$20) but I recommend a combo tour with the hot springs. This includes transportation, guided hike through the park, followed by late afternoon/evening access to the hot springs at Tabacon or Baldi with buffet dinner. Arenal is a great first or last stop for your trip, due to its proximity to San Jose and Monteverde.

Poas Volcano – Poas tops the list of my favorite volcanoes in Costa Rica for two reasons: its close proximity to San Jose (about a 1-1.5 hour drive) and its super cool turquoise blue lake that fills one of its craters. Poas is one of the only volcanoes that allows visitors to look down into the active crater without actually climbing to the heavens. The sight of the crater is truly amazing, especially when mud and water are propelled into the air by the fiery furnace. There are three trials to explore in the park, two of which branch off from the main trail providing access to the active crater. The trail worth exploring is called Sendero Botos and leads to the lake filled crater via a winding path through a mini cloud forest. Be aware that this volcano is Costa Rica’s most visited tourist attraction and is usually crowded on the weekends. Try to get there early in the morning to avoid menacing cloud cover (before 10 am). If there are clouds around the main crater when you arrive, try taking one of the two scenic trails and then return to the main crater to try your luck again as clouds move in and out rather quickly. With easygoing trails (including wheelchair access) and magnificent views, Poas is a top choice for visitors of all ages and physical ability.

Orientation: Poas is located in the province of Alajuela, about 40 Km north of San Jose.

Access: Most private tours from San Jose include transportation (1.5 hours from San Jose), taxi from Alajuela or San Jose run for $40 and $80 respectively (1-1.5 hours from Alajuela/San Jose), self drive via rental car is easy as roads are well marked with signs leading to Poas (1-1.5 hours) or public bus from San Jose (3 hours).

Ideal For: Everyone, especially those looking for a great activity for their first or last day stay over in and around San Jose.

Best Time to Visit: In the morning during dry season (December-June). Get to the park early because it fills up fast due to popularity. The park is open from 8am to 3:30 pm.

Best Kept/Un-kept Secrets: Again, due to popularity the park fills up with visitors quickly. Get there early to avoid crowds as well as clouds. Tours from San Jose are ideal as they provide round-trip transportation, bilingual naturalist guides, and entrance to the park. Some tours combine the volcano tour with a trip to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This is a great combo package and I highly recommend it. Be sure to bring your camera. Finally, do not descend into the crater…breathing sulfur gas is not the best idea for your lungs. Just do me a favor and stay on the well-marked trails.

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano – If you’ve never been to Yellowstone National Park, this is an acceptable substitute. Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is located in a national park, named after this active volcano. Located in the Guanacaste region, close to Liberia, this is a great option for visitors flying in or out of Liberia International Airport as well as guests exploring Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. The main attractions here are the bubbling sulfur pots and mud pools, waterfalls, and hot springs on the trail leading away from La Pailas ranger station. There are actually two entrances to the park; one at Las Pailas and the other at Santa Maria ranger station. Trails from Santa Maria ranger station lead to the therapeutic hot springs. Wildlife is abundant in the park surrounding this natural wonder. Many species of birds including the resplendent quetzal, toucans, and parrots have been recorded here. You may also catch a glimpse of monkeys. Three of the four species that call Costa Rica their home can be found here, including white-faced capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys. Serious hikers or diehard wildlife enthusiasts may choose to climb to the summit of the volcano, which may provide an encounter with tapirs. Wild cats including jaguar, puma, ocelot, and margay have also been spotted in the area, but sightings require the perfect combination of patience and luck. Overall, Rincon de la Vieja provides excellent scenic views and opportunities for encounters with diverse wildlife. I especially like this place because there are fewer visitors to the park, which increases your chances for seeing birds and animals. The diversity of natural sights including mud pots, hot springs, and waterfalls adds to the overall value of this experience. The park and volcano combo is one that will not disappoint if you’re willing to go a bit out of the way to visit.

Orientation: Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in the northeast sector of the Guanacaste region. You can access the gravel round to La Pailas via a turnoff from Interamericana, 5 km north of Liberia.

Access: Domestic flights to Liberia Airport in Guanacaste are available from multiple destinations in Costa Rica (30-40 minutes from San Jose), self drive via rental car requires a 4WD in the rainy season, taxis from Liberia are available for about $15 per person, each way (30-40 minutes from Liberia), transport from many hotels on the Guanacaste Coast is available through private tours.

Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers, adventure travelers
Best Time to Visit: A visit in the dry season (December-June) is best. Arrival in the morning for ample time to explore all the park has to offer is ideal.

Best Place to Stay: Liberia, Guanacaste Coast, or one of a handful of lodges located close to the park. I personally recommend Rincon de la Vieja Mountain Lodge as a supporter of sustainable and responsible travel.

Best Kept/Un-kept Secrets: Dress appropriately, including light, loose fitting, long sleeve shirts and pants for walking through areas of high grass. Hiking boots are also recommended. Do not sit too long in the hot springs (half hour is the max!) Try cooling off in the natural pools or waterfall lagoons afterwards. If you plan on climbing to the summit of the volcano, hire a trained guide. Private tours from the Guanacaste Coast are ideal as they provide round trip transfer, naturalist guide, lunch, and easy access to all the natural attractions in the park. Renting a car and driving to the park yourself also eliminates a few inconveniences caused by access. Again, do not stray from the marked trails as you run the risk of being burned by sulfur springs and geysers. Note: entering the park via La Pailas ranger station require the entrance fee of $10 plus an extra $2 as you pass through a private farm to get to the heart of the park.

Next Up…The Essentials Part 3: Beaches

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