Volcano Hikes

Arenal is the most iconic volcano in Costa Rica and for good reason. It’s classic cone shape looms over an otherwise flat landscape. It also has its own weather system, making seeing its illusive top a fun challenge. While reaching the top is illegal, there is still plenty to explore on its skirts.

Arenal can be explored by day or night. You’ll hike over giant boulders ejected from the volcano, trek through dense lush jungle, and you may even get to see a deep emerald crater lake called Cerro Chato. When I first came to Costa Rica, this hike was one of the most challenging, but rewarding hikes I’d ever experienced. I was entranced by the enormity of this giant volcano and the mystic forest. that surrounds it I recommend using a local guide who is knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area as well as the history of eruptions to get the full experience.

If you are more of a nighttime creature, or want to give yourself a little scare, I recommend the night tours like this one. These tours allow you to see the classic Costa Rican green tree frog, or eyelash vipers, and learn about their habits and habitats.

Turrialba Volcano might just be my favorite of the Costa Rican giants. So nice, I’ve hiked it twice. Another classic cone volcano, but off the beaten tourist path and completely otherworldly and apocalyptic, since this area was closed until 2020 due to heavy volcanic activity. I remember living in San Jose in 2018, and ash raining down on us from these explosions, more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

Turrialba is accessible from San Jose, and is only accessible by rental car (4×4 recommended). You’ll travel through lush farms of onions, cauliflower and spinach, thriving due to the rich volcanic ash and may even get a view of the volcano from the distance. You can also stay in Turrialba town to access this beast and take a more relaxing approach. Make this volcano just one stop on your Palms, Peaks and Paradise Itinerary.

The volcano is only accessible using a certified guide and tours can be booked with someone like Hacienda La Central (check out their camping too) or directly with The Institute of Tourism Education.

Due to its height and volcanic activity, it can be very cold and very hot all in one, so make sure to bring layers.

Irazú Volcano is the tallest of the Costa Rican volcanoes, and you can certainly feel that when you reach the top. The wind and the altitude will take your breath away. The national park is broken into two sectors, the Craters and the Prussia sector, both accessible by bus. We recommend renting a car though, as the bus schedule is very sporadic, and you can see the view better on the way up in a car.

If you want the true volcano experience, I recommend the crater sector, which is less of a hike and more of a stroll across the barren moonlike ash fields and peep into the deep craters, that change color depending on the volcanic activity. You’ll be surrounded by poor man’s umbrella plants, just in case it starts to rain.

If you want more of a local experience, you can hike through the forest of the grandparents - a towering pine forest located in the Prusia sector. On a misty day, these wise pines are a magestic scene. At the entrance of this sector is also an old tuberculosis sanitarium that the locals like to spook themselves walking through. They say the trees planted behind it represent the dead souls of the affected patients.

Poas Volcano was the first volcano I ever visited, and definitely the most touristic in Costa Rica, but you can find some great off the beaten path hiking around the park, including a blue lagoon with a beautiful overlook. You may even see an armadillo or quetzal while you are there. The park is often shrouded in mist, so it’s best to go early on a clear day. The volcano is accessible by bus from San Jose, which has a frequent schedule due to the popularity of the park.

The volcano is one of the most active in Central America, so it’s always wise to check if it’s open and buy tickets ahead of time on the National Park Reservation System. The crater is one of the largest active in the world and is approximately 1500 meters deep.

Once you’ve worn yourself out hiking around, as you make your way back to San Jose, don’t hesitate to stop at one of the roadside strawberry vendors. There you can buy a cup of fresh and delicious strawberries doused in condensed milk and Hershey’s syrup to top off your perfect day.