Located 2.7 km from Arenal Volcano, lying on the skirts of the volcano, Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa offers the opportunity to enjoy not only the views of our close neighbor, Arenal Volcano but also the views of some more distant volcanos within the Guanacaste Mountain Range. Located to the northeast of the lodge, you can observe Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles Volcano, and Tenorio Volcano.
The Guanacaste Mountain Range is covered with dense forests of great biodiversity which cover various life zones. This is why the Costa Rican government has worked to protect much of this area within the Guanacaste Conservation Area and Arenal Volcano National Park.
The mountain range is roughly 70 kilometers long and contains the following Volcanos:
Volcano Orosí (1,440 masl)
This stratovolcano has not registered eruptive activity since precolonial times. It is the only volcano of the Guanacaste Mountain Range that does not demonstrate fumarole activity. Volcano Orosí is a part of the Guanacaste National Park and contained within the Guanacaste Conservation Area.
Rincón de la Vieja (1,895 masl)
This active stratovolcano has recently experienced frequent phreatic eruptions and fumarole emissions. This area is high in volcanic activity with several smaller mud volcanoes and hot spring sources. This area has also been utilized for the production of geothermal energy. This volcano forms a part of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Volcano Miravalles (2,028 masl)
The highest volcano within the Guanacaste Mountain Range. There is has been no records of eruptions in recorded history, however, small tremors have been felt and hot springs sources exist in the area. The Miravalles Geothermic Project generates 14% of the geothermal energy of Costa Rica.
Volcano Tenorio (1,916 masl)
Volcano Tenorio also has no recorded eruptions in history but is well known for its thermal waters and bubbling springs. Additionally, there are pockets of sulphuric gases within the ground. This area is protected by the Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Arenal Volcano (1,670 masl)
Our neighbor, the nearly perfectly cone-shaped stratovolcano. In 1968, it erupted in a spectacular fashion throwing rock, lava, and ash kilometers through the air. Pyroclastic flows and material thrown from the volcano tragically killed 78 people living in the nearby communities of Arenal and Pueblo Nuevo. In 2010, the volcano entered a period of inactivity, with nothing but occasional fumarole emissions. The natural beauty of this area is protected by the Arenal Volcano National Park.