Reason #1: The Arenal Volcano

Posted at July 3, 2008

I am often asked by our Package Costa Rica customers, “does the site of the Arenal Volcano still ‘get you’ even after you have seen it over and over so many times?” The answer to that question is easy, absolutely yes! I have seen Arenal more times than I can even attempt to remember. Yet the volcano still stirs me. It awakens some primitive feeling that I am here in such an exotic place full of jungles and monkeys and volcanoes. But more than that it awakens a sense of deep respect for our planet. I have witnessed the power of Arenal. I have never seen a major eruption, thank god! However, I have heard it grumble and thunder and have seen lava pour down its flanks at night. If you are lucky enough to see it on a cloudless night you will catch the drift of what I am saying. It is understandable that the pre-colombian indians that inhabited the jungles of Costa Rica would view Arenal in spiritual terms. The volcano is alive and more than most of these geological wonders that dot the planet, it demonstrates its virility on a regular basis. It awakes a deep sense of awe that we are so small compared to the wonders of nature and the spiritual force that is behind it. Yes I would have to say that Arenal still “gets me.”

Arenal Volcano Facts:

Location is 90 km northwest in the town called La Fortuna, province of Alajuela and canton of San Carlos.
Became active on July 29, 1968.
Last Major Eruption: August 23, 2000
Altitude: 1,637 meters

Slideshow of Arenal Volcano Photos
Google Map