For many, volcanoes are one of the biggest attractions in Costa Rica. They capture the attention not only of tourists but also of scientists from all over the world. Our volcanoes are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. There are more than 200 identified volcanic formations here, with about 100 showing signs of activity.

Over millennia, multiple eruptions from these volcanoes have made Costa Rica’s land rich in minerals and very fertile. This fertile volcanic soil grows the astonishing vegetation that characterizes our tropical country, which in turn attracts our spectacular animal biodiversity.

All of our major volcanoes are protected in national parks. You can hike around the base, along the slopes, and sometimes even at the top of some volcanoes! We always walk along safe, marked trails; hikes usually take between two and three hours.