Arenal Volcano is the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. It has been active since 1968, it measures approximately 4.800 feet tall, it is one of the most active; and most dangerous in Central America. It is a very typical cone shaped volcano with two craters on the top.
You will be able to see it from two different sides, from La Fortuna side wich is covered by vegetation and from the northeast (towards Nuevo Arenal) where it has a sandy and arid appearance. With no vegetation.
Because the Arenal volcano continues on its consistent emission of acid rain and dissension of pyro-plastic material, the vegetation is slowly dying off on this side as well.
Due to the steep incline of the volcano, large quantities of precipitation, and the looseness of the volcano matter, the base column is widening, which causes occasional cold avalanches in the fissures of the mountain. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see it, you will marvel over God's mightness!<
The 1968 Eruption
Until July 1968, the Arenal Volcano was just a hill completely covered by forest and vegetation, just like many others around the small town of Arenal wich is now under Arenal lake. But, one morning there was an enormous explossion, followed by streams of lava. On that fateful 29th of July, after these starting signs, the Arenal erupted, leaving an enormous cloud of material in the sky and a river of lava running through the town. Dozens of people lost their lives. Forests and fields were destroyed for more than fifteen square miles.
Currently, the level of activity changes from one week to the next. When the skies are clear, you can often see rocks tumult down by day, and magnificent streams of red lava and fiery rocks spew up at night. At other times the mighty Arenal Volcano is relatively quiet and will only offer an occasional rumble or a trickle of lava at night. Either way, it is an amazing spectacle to watch.
