 ARENAL VOLCANO |
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THE ARENAL VOLCANO AND
LA FORTUNA
SAN CARLOS |
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Costa Rica's geological origin is volcanic. The three mountain ranges are comprised of multiple volcanoes. Arenal volcano is located in the province of Alajuela, a three hour scenic drive from downtown San Jose. It rises to 1,600 meters -5,478 feet- and is the final point of the Guanacaste mountain range. The separation between this and the Tilaran mountain range is marked by the Arenal depression and Arenal lake. |
In 1958 and 1993, the Arenal Volcano's activity increased significantly with almost daily explosions of rock and lava. Today, colossal lava rocks that were spewed over the landscape can be seen throughout the area. The grumbling of its inner activity can be heard almost every day and, at night, you can actually witness the spectacular liquid lava trail from the cone and see its explosions.
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 Arenal Volcano ... A famous attraction ! |
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Arenal has been a dormant strata-volcano. Young deposits were of the slopes of the volcano but it had not erupted in historic time. Arenal's status changed dramatically in July of 1968. An explosive eruption produced hot avalanches and ejected blocks that devastated the west flank of the volcano and killed 78 people. Arenal has been continuously active since 1968. It rises 1,633 meters above sea level and casts an almost flawless silhouette on the land below it. |
With an extension of about 12,000 hectares it is one of Costa Rica’s smaller parks. Elevations range between 1,000 to 1,633 meters (3,200 - 5,300 feet), the habitats found there are tropical highland forest (cloud forest), tropical lowland wet forest (rainforest) and streams. A gravel road leads to the park entrance.
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La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela
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La Fortuna de San Carlos often called La Fortuna is nestled up next to Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica is most spectacular Volcano. There are beautiful views of the volcano from the main plaza in town. In the recent years La Fortuna as grown from the demand of tourism because of Arenal Volcano. Arenal Volcano is located approximately 10 km away along a road that winds around the volcano. |
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