Costa Rica's Ring of Fire

The Pacific Ring of Fire Circle includes over 120 volcanic sites just in Costa Rica. Six of these are active volcanoes, 61 are dormant and the rest are labeled extinct. Of the six active volcanoes five of them are over 6,000 feet high. Costa Rica has well over 200 volcanic formations that are over 65 million years old. The Ring of Fire is considered to be Costa Rica's main tourist attraction (next to our tropical beaches, of course!), for visitors and scientists from around the globe. The volcanoes have created the beautiful landscape of this area with rich soil that is very fertile. The fertile soil contributes to verdant forestation and a large population of bird, wildlife and many tropical plants and trees. 

The natural beauty and landscapes create a great recreational area for hiking, white water rafting, fishing, surfing, boating, swimming, kayaking and horseback riding as well as camping, biking and exploration. Each volcano district has its own distinct natural beauty and characteristics. There are three volcanic ranges in Costa Rica: Guanacaste Range, Central Volcanic Range, and Talamanca Range each in its own right is a great place to visit. 

The top seven volcanoes that are touted to be the best to visit are:

•         Arenal Volcano
•         Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (closest to us at Sueno del Mar)
•         Poas Volcano
•         Turrialba Volcano
•         Tenorio Volcano
•         Irazu Volcano
•         Miravalles Volcano

Each volcanic region in Costa Rica has a distinct landscape and features that are awesome to see. If you are able to take an extended trip to Costa Rica you should plan to visit at least one of these seven wonders in the Costa Rica Ring of Fire. This region hosts gorgeous landscapes and tropical vegetation as well as wildlife that thrives in its fertile soil. 

You will feel right at home at our beachfront Bed and Breakfast located near Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

 

Costa Rica's Rincon de La Vieja National Park

This magnificent national park is named after the 1916 meter high Rincon de la Vieja massif of stratovolcano covering a 400 km2 area.   At the top, there are nine eruption sites that were once all active.  The one eruption point that is still active is the Rincon de La Vieja which the park is named after.  The Rincon de La Vieja site is located on a height of 1895 meters and has had recent eruptions in 1991, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2011 and 2012.  On the south side of the active crater, there is a 400 meter long freshwater lagoon.  The park has more than 250 bird species recorded and it is the home of many mammals including pumas, jaguars, different types of monkeys, sloths and tapirs.

The park is divided into two sections: Pailas and Santa Maria.  The trails that stem from the Santa Maria ranger station zigzag their way through the park.  A sulfuric hot spring is located 3 kilometers up the trail from the ranger station.  Here you can relax in one of the natural heated pool and cool off in a nearby fresh water stream.  There are also several waterfalls with swimming holes where you can enter the water.  At the Pailas ranger station, which is a short distance away, they offer also many trails and a campground for those that want to spend the night.

Due to the recent eruptions, a hike to the crater of Rincon de la Vieja is not possible at this time.  Once stability returns to the area this will be an option again and worth the rigorous all-day hike.  Until then, no hikers are allowed near the crater.

There are several companies that offer a great all-day guided adventure package for those that would like to do more than just hike.  The tours often include visiting one of the waterfalls, a canopy tour, horseback riding and a visit to their mud spa.  In the rainy season you also have the option to go white water rafting down the Colorado river.  During your stay with us at Sueno del Mar Bed & Breakfast near Playa Tamarindo, we can help you set up any of these great activities.

Our beachfront hotel in Playa Langosta is the perfect setting for your next Costa Rica vacation.