Volcanoes in Costa Rica are some of the most active on earth; seven of the 42 active volcanoes are located in Costa Rica. There are 60 dormant or extinct volcanoes. Several national parks have been created to protect the volcanoes.

There are several volcanoes that are popular and easy to travel to and include:

• Arenal Volcano has a majestic conical peak and is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It erupts frequently and the lava temperatures reach 926°C (1,699°F). Continuously active since 1968, this is a must-see travel sight in Costa Rica.
• Barva Volcano is located in Braulio Carrillo National Park and is an extinct volcano with a trail that leads to the crater. The one-hour hike to the crater rewards hikers with a view of a beautiful green lake called Laguna Barva; Laguna Barva altitude is 2,900m (9,515 ft.
• Poas Volcano is located in the most developed national park in Costa Rica and is only 37-km (23 mi) from San Jose. There are numerous nature trails and an insect exhibit. Poas is still active but rarely has violent eruptions.
• Irazu Volcano is Costa Rica's highest volcano where trails lead to spots that offer scenic views of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Irazu Volcano is easily reached from Cartago and is famous for its eruption of 1963, which was on the day John F. Kennedy visited.

More travel info on destinations in Costa Rica

Learn more about other travel destinations in Costa Rica.