Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano, formerly known as Cerro Arenal or Cerro Los Guatusos, began its 11th period of Activity on July 29th, 1968 with a devastating eruption of gases and material in the western at 1000 meters over sea level. The pyroclastic flows and volcanic bombs caused the destruction of the towns of Tabacon and Pueblo Nuevo and death toll of 87 people. Recent Studies suggest that previous to that the last active period occurred between 1200-1500 D.C.
Arenal is one of the most active Volcanoes in the world, and certainly the most active in Costa Rica. Its almost perfectly conical shape grows approximately 12 feet per year due to the constant emanation and accumulation of material. Since the resumption of its activity it has grown over 720 feet and it currently stand at 5436 feet above sea level.

For the best observation of continuous explosive activity accompanied by slow lava effusion and the occasional emission of pyroclastic flows, we recommend observation from Mirador Arenal 1968.