Tabacon Hot Springs, Arenal

Rumblings from the Arenal Volcano

The Tico Times reported a small eruption at the Arenal Volcano yesterday.

The eruption led to some small avalanches and also some small fires as hot lava reached the tree line.

Arenal National Park remains open and La Fortuna, at the base of the Arenal Volcanoe, is not at risk.

To read the full story click here

Meanwhile the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination system noted a change in the Poas Volcano 30km from San Jose and issued a green alert (no significant eruption expected).

To read the full alert warning click here

Arenal Volcano and Arenal National Park

A volcano is like a candle, one year the lava drips on one side, the next year it drips on the other.

The 12,016-hectare Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal lies within the 204,000-hectare Arenal Conservation Area, protecting eight of Costa Rica's 12 life zones and 16 protected reserves in the region between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges, and including Lake Arenal.

The park has two volcanoes: Chato, whose collapsed crater contains an emerald lagoon surrounded by forest, and the perfectly conical Arenal and it is most directly accessed from La Fortuna, but is also easily accessed via Tilarán and the north shore of Lake Arenal.

Arenal Volcano has been constantly active since it woke up after 400 years in 1968, changing the area forever. One of the world's most active volcanos; Arenal produces huge ash columns, explosions and glowing red lava almost every day. A visit this Costa Rica is not complete without a stop at spectacular Arenal Volcano.

However, that it is often covered in clouds and getting to see an eruption is a matter of luck (the dawn hours are best, before the clouds roll in; seasonally, you stand a reasonable chance in dry season and less than favorable odds in rainy season).

Lava eruptions have been known to travel down the slopes of Arenal at over 65 miles per hour and can reach temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius. This lava makes this area a prime location for thermal springs and all of the delightful spa activities that accompany them, as well as creating the paths for world class waterfalls, such as the La Fortuna Waterfall that flows along an ancient volcanic flow. A plethora of trails exist all over the Arenal Volcano National Park and there are many tours and activities available to visitors.

Fascinating fauna and flora exist here in amazing quantities making this a prime location for viewing many many different species of both plants and animals. Among the principal fauna species are: pacas, deers, tapir, coatis, sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, snakes and birds like quetzal, bellbird, and hummingbird. There are also over 850 identified birds that reside in the Arenal area.

The last major eruption of Mount Arenal Volcano was on the 29 July 1968, when it was awakened from its long sleep by a fateful earthquake. The massive explosion that resulted wiped out the villages of Tabacón and Pueblo Nuevo, whose entire populations perished. The area was declared as a National Park in 1994.

A must see for every Costa Rican tourist, Arenal now boasts one active and one dormant crater as well as an enormous man-made lake that has become world famous for both it’s exceptional wind-surfing and it’s amazing sport fishing.

There are many ways to enjoy the area surrounding the Arenal Volcano with tours for those who want to hike or to horseback ride.

The Arenal Volcano is one of the "Must-See" locations in Costa Rica, being that it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Although you may see many daily eruptions, the national park surrounded the Arenal keeps you at a safe distance, where most hotels take advantage of their ringside views.

To see an article by Frank Scott, detailing his recent trip to the Arenal Volcano, click here

Costa Rica Learn also recomends a trip to Arenal in the article - 8 days in Costa Rica, where should I go.

Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is one of the the ten most active volcanoes in the world.

It is a fascinating natural wonder and must visit destination for many travelers to Costa Rica.

On almost a daily basis, red-hot rocks crash down its steep slopes and volcanic grumbles produce huge ash columns above the crater.

Located in north-western Costa Rica (10.5N, 84.7W), around 90 km north-west of San José, in the province of Alajuela, canton of San Carlos, and district of La Fortuna, it is the most active volcano in Costa Rica. Recognized as a volcano since the 19th century, it was known by foreign investigators as Volcan Costa Rica, Rio Frio, Canastos Volcano and Cerro de los Guatusos. Arenal is the youngest and most active of all the mountains in Costa Rica. Scientists have been able to date it back to more than 4000 years ago. The area remained largely unexplored until 1937, when a documented expedition took place to reach the summit.

Once locally known as Cerro Arenal (i.e. Mount Arenal) it was presumed extinct until July 29, 1968 when an earthquake caused it to erupt after approximately 400 years of dormancy. The eruption wiped out the town of Arenal and killed 87 people [1]. It lasted for several days, and during that time destroyed crops, property, livestock, and forests. 15 square kilometers were buried and the explosion affected over 232 square kilometers. The eruption caused three new and active craters to form. Before the eruption, there was a wide variety of plant and wildlife on the mountain. It has been active since the explosion and can be reported to have minor eruptions every 5-10 minutes.

Arenal rises 1657 metres above sea level and overlooks Lake Arenal; both are part of Arenal Volcano National Park. The volcano heats several hot springs nearby, including Tabacon, a popular tourist destination.

This is one of seven historically active Costa Rican volcanoes: Poás, Irazú, Miravalles, Orosí, Rincón de la Vieja [complex], and Turrialba.

To see more amazing pictures of the Arenal volcano just click here.

To organise a trip to the Arenal volcano or one of the many other interesting and exciting activities in the area such as rafting or visits to the hot springs have a look at http://www.arenal.net/

Additional pictures courtesy of http://www.costaricaphotos.com/