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The Arenal Volcano, in Spanish Volcán Arenal, is an active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica (10.5N, 84.7W), around 90 km north-west of San José, in the province of Alajuela. Recognised as a volcano since the 19th century, it was known by foreign investigators as “Volcan Costa Rica, Rio Frio”, “Canastos” Volcano and “Cerro de los Guatusos”. Arenal is the youngest and most active of all the mountains in Costa Rica. Scientists have been able to date it back to more than 4000 years ago. The area remained largely unexplored until 1937, when a documented expedition took place to reach the summit.
Once locally known as Cerro Arenal (i.e. Mount Arenal) it was presumed extinct until July 29, 1968 when an earthquake caused it to erupt, after approximately 400 years of dormancy. The eruption wiped out the town of Arenal and killed 87 people . It lasted for several days, and during that time destroyed crops, property, livestock, and forests. 15 square kilometers were buried and the explosion affected over 232 square kilometers. The eruption caused three new and active craters to form. Before the eruption, there was a wide variety of plant and wildlife on the mountain. It has been active since the explosion and can be reported to have minor eruptions every 5-10 minutes.
To get to Arenal from the hostel in San Jose, the most economic option is to take the public bus. The direct public bus leaves San Jose, from Terminal San Carlos, 3 times a day. The ride takes about 4 hours. You can also fly to Arenal from San Jose with Nature Air. They use a smaller municipal style airport, which is only about 12 minutes from the hostel in a taxi. Sometimes you can find great deals on Nature Air to tons of destinations in Costa Rica.
