Volcan Arenal
The Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. A fascinating natural wonder, the Arenal Volcano spews for huge ash columns, as well as exhibiting red hot cracks along its steep and rocky slopes. Located in north-western Costa Rica, approximately 10 kilometers north-west of San Jose, the Arenal Volcan, or Volcan Arenal, measures at least 1,633 meters or 5,360 feet tall. Customers of Avanti Car Rentals Costa Rica won't want to miss this unique tourist attraction during their upcoming San Jose getaway.
A sleeping giant
While the Arenal Volcano is relatively young (just 7,000 years old), it's led a very active life. Asleep for hundreds of years, the single crated volcano awoke violently in 1968. Up until this time, the volcano had been characterized by minor fumaroles activity, and known for the dense vegetation that covered the majority of the summit. When Arenal erupted in '68, the small town of Tabacon was entirely destroyed, as was the serene reputation of the volcano. Today, customers of Avanti Car Rentals Costa Rica can find the remnants of two new craters on the Arenal Volcano, as well as a constant haze of ashy debris.
Current eruption activity
So, just how safe is it to visit the Arenal Volcano? Well, that depends on how close you plan to get in your Avanti Car Rentals Costa Rica vehicle! All hotels in the Arenal Costa Rica area are located a safe distance from the volcano, but hiking beyond the warning signs is extremely risky and dangerous. Toxic gases are released from the summit on a regular basis and, during an eruption, travel much faster than you can run. Major eruptions are not common at the Arenal Volcano (the last evacuation was in 2000); however, strombolian eruptions are frequent and moderate. In January of 2005, customers of Avanti car Rentals Costa Rica experienced nearly 540 such eruptions - that's an average of 22 eruptions a day!
Stay under the volcano
Want to vacation beneath the Arenal Volcano during your upcoming Avanti Car Rentals Costa Rica getaway? San Jose travelers will have no problem finding fantastic lodgings located within minutes of the volcano, which makes for an amazing vacation atmosphere and experience. For great views of the volcano's summit, Avanti Car Rentals Costa Rica recommends booking a room at the Arenal Nayara Hotel and Gardens or the Arenal Springs Resort. The Mountain Paradise Hotel and Arenal Observatory Lodge also offer direct views. Want to catch a glimpse of some lava flows during your stay? Then plan to spend the night at the Arenal Lodge, the Lost Iguana Resort, of the Linda Vista del Norte. If you'd like to stay near the neighboring city of La Fortuna, Avanti highly recommends the Lomas Del Volcan (located on the outskirts), the Arenal Carmela (located at the city's center), or the Hotel La Fortuna (located at the city center).
Take a tour of the area
Customers of Avanti Car Rentals Costa Rica are invited to participate in a number of adventure activities in the Arenal area. Whether you're into hiking, rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking, there's a little something for everyone at Arenal. Looking to relax during your trip to the volcano? Then why not kick your feet up in one of the many outlying hot springs? Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then grab some friends and try your luck at waterfall rappelling, hanging bridges or zip lines! With so much to see and experience at Arenal, you'll want to spend a few days exploring and enjoying these action packed tours. For more information on Arenal area tours and accommodations, please visit www.arenal.net.