Costa Rica is located along the tectonic plates of the Ring of Fire. There are over 200 identifiable volcanic formations in Costa Rica, with some dating back over 60 million years. Today, approximately half of these formations show any signs of possible active, while only 7 are considered to truly be active Costa Rica Volcanoes.

The volcanoes in Costa Rica play an important role in the environment. Over millions of years, they have coated the soil of this fertile country with minerals. This has led to lush and healthy forests which are teaming with life. Many areas that surround these volcanoes have been declared Costa Rica national parks in an effort to protect the life that these volcanoes have provided.

Costa Rica volcanoes can be categorized into three volcanic ranges. The Guanacaste Volcanic Range is located in the northwest portion of the country. This range includes Arenal, Orosi, Rincon de la Vieja, Miravalles and Tenorio Volcano. The Central Volcanic Range includes Poas, Irazu, Barva and Turrialba Volcano. The Talamanca Volcanic Range includes El Viejo Volcano which translates to "The Old Volcano".

Top 5 most popular Costa Rica volcanoes to visit:

Arenal Volcano is the most active volcano in Costa Rica. Arenal is a conical stratovolcano that came roaring back to life in 1968. The volcano experience mini eruptions many times a day, usually every 10 to 15 minutes. Lava can be viewed at night time when weather conditions permit.

Poas Volcano is located in the Central Valley. This Costa Rica volcano does not spew lava like Arenal, but does release high quantities of gases. Poas Volcano is characterized by it's acidic lake which is located in the crater. The lake actually changes colors dependant on the volume of particular gases being released by the volcano. Poas is also the second largest volcanic crater in the world.

Rincon de la Vieja Volcanic Range is located in the northwest corner of the country, thus given it's Spanish name translates to "Old Lady in the Corner". The volcano and national park are located in tropical dry forest, with desert like conditions. This is the only area in the world to be characterized tropical dry forest.

Turrialba Volcano is another active Costa Rica volcano. The area surrounding Turrialba is beautiful countryside, which has not yet been discovered by mainstream tourism.

Irazu Volcano is the highest volcanic peak in Costa Rica. On clear days, visitors can see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the observation point. The crater of Irazu Volcano is an eery green, which is due to various minerals and gases which are expelled from the volcano.