Of all natural attractions, volcanos are representative of Costa Rican natural beauty, and they have triggered the formation of fertile valleys and diverse ecosystems. The country is home to over 200 volcanic systems located across the national territory, 20 of which are considered to be active.
Naturally, several activities involving contact with nature are available. One of them is the popular hot springs that result from hot magma rising near the surface.
Also, there are challenging trails for going on walks. Here, slight changes in altitude allow for a hotbed of biodiversity not found anywhere else in the planet, attracting tourists and scientists alike.
Being part of the Central American Volcanic Arc–a chain of volcanoes extending for 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) from Guatemala to Panama–Costa Rica has high levels of volcanic activity.
An impressive fact about the arc is that it has the highest volcano density in the world: approximately one volcano every 35 kilometers (22 miles). It is thus known as the most volcanically active region in the western hemisphere.
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The volcanic arc originated as a result of plate tectonics. Specifically, the Cocos Plate underlying the Pacific Ocean, located to the west of Central America, subducts beneath the Caribbean Plate. This process, called subduction, is responsible for frequent earthquakes in the region and regular volcanic activity. As the edge of the Cocos Plate sinks, it melts, producing gigantic columns of magma that rise all the way up to Central America. When magma breaks the surface volcanos are formed.
While planning your trip to Costa Rica, read our list of the major volcano sites you can’t skip.
Visit these amazing volcanos in your next adventure!
