Costa Rica Volcanoes
It's not every day you come back from a vacation with stories about the volcanoes you explored, but that's exactly what you'll be doing when you visit Costa Rica's volcanoes. Within Costa Rica, there are hundreds of volcanic formations that run along the Volcanic Corridor from Guanacaste in the north to the border of Panama in the south. Whether you choose one of Costa Rica's volcano lodges, or simply enjoy the view from your accommodations, you're sure to get a bit of a thrill from knowing you're near 'the action.'
In truth, many of the Costa Rica's volcanoes are dormant and in remote locations, which makes them great for a day trip. The volcanoes listed below, however, are full-fledged attractions with a range of accommodation options nearby. You're going to have a great time exploring the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Poás Volcano, and more! Observe the wildlife that thrives in the midst of these looming giants, and indulge in one of the hot springs they geothermally heat — a Costa Rica volcanic vacation has a lot to offer.
7 Costa Rica Volcanoes
The places our local insiders recommend most come first.
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
The charming and welcoming town of La Fortuna is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends. The only requisite is that you love outdoor adventure! So if you can’t wait to spend your vacation in the fresh air, biking, kayaking, hiking, and more, then discover why the Arenal region is just what you need. Best of all, you can enjoy luxe accommodations that boast volcanic views, and pamper yourself with a luxurious soak in a hot spring. Nature is waiting for you, and she’s easy to find when you book your Arenal adventure with Anywhere.
Destination
Tenorio Volcano Area
The Tenorio Volcano area is located in the northern highlands along Guanacaste's eastern border within the Alajuela Province. With many rivers, waterfalls, dense and dry tropical forests, rainforests, and primary cloud forests, the area hosts an abundance of wildlife.
Destination
Rincon de la Vieja
Encompassed by the scenic Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Rincon de la Vieja cinder volcano sits amid 34,800 acres of national park territory. It is a great place to escape from Guanacaste's sun-splashed beaches and to enjoy cool air, refreshing waterfalls, beautiful birds, and fantastic hiking. Its unique environment offers a different kind of Guanacaste vacation experience.
Destination
Turrialba
Discover the rural country side of Turrialba, in the lush and beautiful Central Highlands. The region is noted for being verdant and green, rich in natural beauty and raging rivers. The surroundings will bring you back in time with sites of ancient ruins, old adobe houses and aged buildings accompanied by colorful wood.
Destination
Poás
Poás is only a 1 ½ hours from San José, so plenty of travelers visit Poás National Park as a day trip. But there is plenty to explore besides the incredible hikes to the summit of Poás Volcano. On the grounds of the park you’ll also find the Doka Coffee Estate, one of many reasons to extend your stay in this park.
Destination
Vara Blanca
Vara Blanca is a small town located in the Heredia province, nestled between Barva Volcano and Poás Volcano. It takes 1.5 hours to reach Vara Blanca from San José.
Destination
Costa Rica Volcanoes itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Costa Rica Volcanoes itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Pura Vida Adventure Together
We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.
Costa Rica
Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart
Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.
Costa Rica
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
Costa Rica
Sisters Adventure Together
Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.
Costa Rica
Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!
Costa Rica
Family Time in Costa Rica
Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.
Costa Rica
Family Adventure Through Costa Rica
Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.
Costa Rica
Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Off Season Adventure
We found Costa Rica to be really beautiful. I loved the flowering plants everywhere, but the wildlife is the main reason we went. We didn't see monkeys in every tree or even toucans up close, but we did see them from a distance. We also saw lots of colorful birds in the National Forests that we have never seen before.
Costa Rica
