There are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Four of them are open to the public and frequented by tourists. Visitors enjoy a nature-based scientific experience of a lifetime when standing near an active volcano.
The Arenal Volcano is a conical icon seen from far away. Tourists often enjoy swimming in waters heated by the volcano while viewing it. The same happens near the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Poás is known for its kilometer-long depression and Irazú for its celestial lagoon. The last eruptive activity of Irazú was in 1965 but there is still hot magma generating fumaroles and thermal waters.
Turrialba has been frequently emanating gases and ash and has been closed since 2012 by authorities for the safety of the public. It can, however, be seen from Irazú or Santa Cruz. There is a goal to reopen some parts of it this year.
Three of the volcanoes are within 65 kilometers of the capital. They are easily accessible and in protected areas that are open all year.
