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

Arenal Volcano remained silent for more than 400 years and was considered extinct. Sure, it trembled often and in some places felt hot under foot, but the local population referred to it as a mountain: Cerro Arenal. It was home to farmers and ranchers who worked land along its base and even a short distance up its slopes.

On Monday July 29, 1968, at 7:30 AM the Arenal volcano suddenly and violently erupted, blowing a huge hole out of the mountainside. Its eruptions continued for several days and completely buried over 15 square kilometers with rocks, lava, and ash. By the end, it had killed 87 people and buried 3 small villages: Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo and San Luís. The eruptions affected a total of more than 232 square kilometers by damaging the land’s crops, property, livestock, and forests.

Following the 1968 eruption, Lake Arenal was enlarged to 3 times its original size, an area of 85.5 km (33 sq. miles). Now its basin forms a hydroelectric project that produces 9% of Costa Rica's electricity.

The lake offers many year-round activities: windsurfing, fishing, boat tours, and kayaking. Other activities enjoyed in one of my favorite areas of Costa Rica is:volcanic thermal waters, canyoning, caverns, canopy, horseback, mountain biking, and hiking.



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