Volcanoes

The Beautiful Nature of Costa Rica

Volcano in Costa Rica

Volcanoes &
Hot Springs

The Guanacaste region of Costa Rica is defined by its impressive volcanic mountain range, the Cordillera de Guanacaste, which forms a dramatic spine separating the Pacific plains from the Caribbean lowlands. This chain is home to several major volcanoes, most notably Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles, Tenorio, and Orosí. Unlike the more conical, "classic" volcanoes, many of these are complex volcanic structures built up over thousands of years. Rincón de la Vieja, for example, is a large andesitic complex and one of the most active volcanoes in the country, constantly venting steam and showcasing the raw power simmering just beneath the surface. This volcanic line is a core part of Costa Rica's identity, shaping both its landscape and its energy future.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Guanacaste's volcanoes is their visible, geothermal activity. The Rincón de la Vieja National Park is famous for its "pailas," or boiling mud pots, which bubble and steam within the forest, alongside sulfurous fumaroles and hot springs. This is a place where you can directly witness the immense heat of the Earth. Further south, Tenorio Volcano provides a different kind of magic. While the volcano itself is dormant, its mineral-rich outflows are responsible for one of Costa Rica's most stunning sights: the Río Celeste. This river's startling, turquoise-blue color isn't a trick; it's a natural chemical reaction that occurs when minerals from the volcano mix in the water, creating a breathtaking natural wonder.

Volcano in Costa Rica
Hot Spring in Costa Rica
Volcano in Costa Rica