Costa Rica’s Famous Volcanoes

Top 5 Active Volcanoes in Costa Rica (Updated July 2025)

Costa Rica is home to over 60 volcanoes, five of which are considered active—and each with its own unique personality. Whether you’re seeking dramatic eruptions, steaming crater lakes, or geothermal wonders, these volcanoes offer a glimpse into the powerful geological forces shaping the country. Here’s our updated guide to the top 5 active volcanoes in Costa Rica that you can still visit (some with a helmet!).

There has been a lot of action in the past few years, so we have changed up the order a bit based on which volcano has the most buzz recently. Or maybe we should say the hottest volcano in Costa Rica?

Top 5 Active Volcanoes in Costa Rica: Volcanoes of the Central Valley

#1 Poas Volcano

Poas Volcano is currently one of the most active volcanos in Costa Rica and you can actually peer into the crater and capture the action (from a safe distance of course!)

Status: Very active in 2025 | Park Reopened: July 30, 2025

Poás Volcano has had a volatile year. After a powerful eruption on April 21, 2025, sent ash plumes nearly 4 km into the air, the national park was closed for several months due to heightened volcanic activity. Thankfully, it has now reopened to the public with strict safety protocols in place. Despite the restrictions, the experience of peering into the massive crater—often steaming or bubbling—is unforgettable. A must-see for volcano lovers.

What to Know Before You Go:

• • • Online reservations are mandatory
    • Safety helmets required for all visitors
    • Timed visits with limited capacity
    • Volcanic gas emissions and seismic activity continue, so visits may be suspended at any time

Located just about 2 hours Northwest of San Jose, the Poas Volcano in Costa Rica is the most popular, most accessible and also one of the most impressive volcanoes to see up close.  The Poas Volcano has one of the largest craters in the world measuring nearly a mile in diameter! The big draw, the bubbling and colorful aquamarine lagoon is only a short paved walk from the parking lot, making this Costa Rica’s only wheelchair accessible volcano.

The Crater of Poas Volcano is Stunningly Beautiful on a Clear Day

The Poas Volcano National Park opens at 8am and we highly suggest you arrive early to get the best views of the crater before the clouds roll in.  There is also another short 30 minute hike that takes you to a beautiful picnic spot on the lake that is well worth the effort. The site also has a cafe, a small but very informative museum with some great background on the volcano, and of course a souvenir shop and restrooms.   Weekends get busy with locals, but there are Poas Volcano half day trips from San Jose departing on the week days that are a great value and also include a stop at one of the famous Costa Rica Coffee Plantations too. If you have a full day to spare, stop by the La Paz Waterfall Gardens too!

#2 Turrialba Volcano

Volcan Turrialba Looks Pastoral & Serene Here, But She is Actually Quite A Nuisance for Flight Patterns in Costa Rica

Status: Relatively calm with minor activity | Park Open

Once known for major eruptions and airport closures, Turrialba has quieted down in recent years. A minor ash emission occurred in March 2025, but it was caused by a small internal collapse, not magmatic activity. The national park remains open with controlled access.

What to Know:

• • • Only accessible with a certified guide
    • A 2 km safety perimeter is in place
    • No major eruptions since 2021, though minor quakes are still common

Turrialba offers a more off-the-beaten-path volcano experience. It may be the least visited on our list, but recent volcanic activity has brought it back into the spotlight—occasionally disrupting travel plans. The scenic drive to the volcano winds through picturesque ranches, coffee plantations, and rural farmlands. Located about two hours from San José, it’s the second highest volcano in Costa Rica and part of a cool cloud forest climate, averaging around 55°F (13°C).

#3 Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is the Stunning Backdrop for so Many Vantage Points Around La Fortuna & Lake Arenal.  It is Probably the Most Iconic Volcano in Costa Rica.

Status: Dormant since 2010 | Park Open

Once Costa Rica’s most iconic erupting volcano, Arenal has been in a resting phase since 2010. That said, it remains one of the country’s top natural attractions thanks to its perfectly conical shape and geothermal activity in the surrounding area. Arenal may not be spewing lava anymore, but it still simmers below the surface, offering plenty of reasons to visit.

What to Do:

• • • Explore lava flow trails in Arenal Volcano National Park
    • Soak in natural hot springs heated by underground volcanic activity
    • Enjoy lake views and abundant wildlife in the region

Although it has been dormant since 2010, if you have done any research at all about the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, you will recognize the iconic lava flow pictured in most of the publicity advertising Costa Rica’s top tourist destination of La Fortuna.  Until recently, the Arenal Volcano was the most active in all of Costa Rica.  Even though the lava is no longer flowing, the constant fumaroles of vapor can be observed spewing from the perfect cone shape creating a majestic backdrop of La Fortuna.

La Fortuna & Arenal are Full of Family Friendly Adventures

Although you can experience the highlights on a one-day tour from San José, we highly recommend spending a few days in La Fortuna. As Costa Rica’s adventure capital, there’s so much more to explore—hot springs, waterfalls, zip lines, hanging bridges, and volcanic hikes all await beneath the shadow of the mighty (but currently resting) Arenal Volcano.  Just take a look at all the things you can do in La Fortuna and Arenal!

#4 Irazú Volcano

At Over 11,000 Feet, it is a Good Thing You Can Drive up to the top Rather Than Have to Hike!

Status: Active, but no recent eruptions | Park Open

Irazú is Costa Rica’s highest volcano and one of the easiest to visit—accessible by paved road right to the crater rim. Although it hasn’t erupted since 1994, it’s still considered active and continues to emit occasional steam and gases.  Irazú is a great choice for travelers looking to experience a high-altitude volcano without a long hike.

Highlights:

• • • On clear mornings, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts
    • The turquoise crater lake is otherworldly (when visible)
    • It’s chilly at the top, so bring a jacket!

At over 11,000 ft, the Irazu Volcano is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. In fact, if you are lucky enough to reach the summit on a clear day, you can see both the Caribbean and the Pacific.  Keep in mind however that it is a bit chilly at that altitude as well so dress accordingly.  The Irazu Volcano National Park is the closest to San Jose as it is just over an hour’s drive east, however the Irazu Volcano does not receive as many visitors as the Poas Volcano.  There are two craters to view linked with a half mile trail circuit.  The principle crater has a diameter of 1050 meters and spectacular views.  Like Poas, the hiking trails around the Irazu Volcano are mainly flat, so easily accessible for nearly everyone.  The only difference here is that they are not paved, so not quite as wheelchair friendly.

Volcan Irazu Top of the World Vantage Point

There are great half day volcano tours departing San Jose for those short on time, and there are full day tours including lunch with views of the Orosi Valley and a stop at Lankester Gardens that are very popular as well.

Top 5 Active Volcanoes in Costa Rica: Volcanoes in Guanacaste

Guanacaste is famous for its beach resorts.  But we highly recommend you break up your beach vacation with a visit to the Rincon de La Vieja National Park.  Not just a volcano, similar to Arenal it is also home to hot springs, volcanic mud baths, and a lot of adventure parks to pack a full day of fun with your visit to this volcanic region of Guanacaste.

#5 Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is the Gem of Guanacaste

Status: Active with geothermal activity | Park Open (some trails may close temporarily)

Located in Guanacaste, Rincón de la Vieja is a massive volcanic complex that offers more than just a crater view. While there have been eruptions as recently as 2023, the main draw here is the surrounding geothermal landscape.  Some trails, especially those closest to the crater, may be closed during periods of increased activity. But the rest of the park offers plenty of safe and exciting volcanic adventures.

Don’t Miss:

• • • Boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles
    • Waterfalls and hot springs along jungle trails
    • Wildlife spotting in the national park

Nothing says Costa Rica Like Waterfalls & Volcanoes.  Rincon de la Vieja in Guanacaste has both!

A popular day trip from Playas del Coco (1 hour) and Tamarindo (2 hours), the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park is a huge maze of trails ranging from short strolls to full day hikes.  Unfortunately, due to the most recent volcanic activity, the hike to the crater is no longer accessible, but there is no shortage of bubbling mud pits, steaming hot springs, cascading waterfalls, billowing fumaroles and crater lakes to be explored.  Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park spans over 14,000 hectares split into 2 sections, Santa Maria and Pailas. There are 7 different trails of varying difficulty levels, so you can find the best one for you.  The most visited is the Las Pailas section that offers easy hiking trails great for all physical abilities.  Hiking Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is also popular as a combo tour with some of Costa Rica’s famous eco adventure parks.

Don’t Let the Serenity of the Springs Fool You.  The Adventure Park at Hacienda Guachipelin is one of the Most Extreme in Costa Rica!

Final Tips for Costa Rica Volcano Visitors

• • • Always check current conditions with SINAC or OVSICORI before planning your visit
    • Follow all park rules and safety guidelines
    • Respect closure signs—they’re there for your protection

Costa Rica’s volcanoes are awe-inspiring, powerful, and ever-changing. Whether you’re visiting for the views, the hikes, or the geothermal relaxation, these fiery giants will not disappoint.

Happy (and safe) exploring!