+Arenal Volcano Eruptions and Information
Hot rocks and lava rolling down every 15 minutes could be seen on the north face after 11h pm when the sky cleared up. The spectacular incandescent mixture of hot ashes, rocks & lava (nuée ardente) traveled at an estimate initial speed of 200 kilometers per hour (125 mph) for a distance of 850 meters (2,750 feet) and never endangered the hotels and hot springs which are safely located several kilometers away. As a comparison, the Arenal August 2000 eruption was 2.5 kilometer long (1.5 mile).
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The tourists visiting The Arenal Volcano National Park will have stories for their postcards and lots of photos because the weather was perfect for volcano viewing today as it is often the case early morning in rainy season in this region. The ashes and smoke column.
The Arenal Volcano is active almost every day since 1968 but events like this one are rare. Because the nearby dam on the Arenal Lake is a major source of electricity generation for Costa Rica and the fact that a volcano active for such a long period is a bargain for scientist, as well as one of the major tourist attraction of this country, it is very closely monitored by a sophisticated Seismological Network.
The avalanches are not considered as eruptions by scientists and the volcanic activity remains moderate with an average of 41 eruptions a day as recorded in June 2003 by the OVSICORI.
+ HOW TO GET TO US
By Air
• Local carrier Nature Air operates daily flights from San José to Arenal. Flight time is approximately 30 minutes and planes depart from Pavas (half-way between San José and Alajuela).• From Arenal, Nature Air flies to Liberia, Tamarindo, Tambor, Nosara, Quepos, San José and Punta Islita. The Nature Air office in La Fortuna is located on Avenida Central.
• You may contact us for current prices and schedules at 506-2479 1717. Our mail: sales@volcanolodge.com
By Car
• From San José, take Hwy 1 North. Follow signs to San Ramón and stay on the center lane— the road splits to the left for the airport and right for Alajuela. The road becomes two lanes again after merging with traffic coming from Alajuela, but quickly goes to one lane for a narrow bridge crossing. After this, it will be a two-lane road for a while.• Take the San Ramón exit. Follow this highway for 19 miles and turn right into San Ramón. Continue straight and drive through the town, following signs to Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna. Turn left and continue to Los Angeles del Sur. At the green church there is a fork on the road; turn left, following the volcano signs. You will pass a cigar factory on your right where you can roll your own cigars.
• A bit further there is a bar/restaurant called El Mirador; this is a great spot for a light snack. There’s a souvenir shop next door that sells the usual and has clean bathrooms that are free for travelers. Continue on this curvy, mountainous road. You will cross several bridges over Río La Balsa and Río Catarata. Continue through the town of Las Tunas.
•After this town, you'll see an old tollbooth—veer left at the Y and follow the volcano signs to La Tigra. Pass through La Tigra and go over the new La Tigra Bridge that spans the Peñas Blancas River. Only one car is allowed to cross at a time. Continue through the town of Chachagua and arrive in La Fortuna. The town is 64 miles from the autopista turnoff and the trip takes approximately 3.5 hours from San José.
Certifications
La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano. Costa Rica Tel: (506) 2479-1717 US & CAN: 1.800.649.5913
