For the rugged, outdoorsy family who thrives on adrenaline and thrills, escape the hum-drum suburbs or the “urban jungle” and head for some real nature in Costa Rica. This small Central American country is jam-packed with some of the most exciting Costa Rica adventure tours for the active traveler. Is mountain climbing your thing? Spice up a typical climb with a trek up a lava-spewing volcano. Costa Rica is rich in volcanic activity, with 14 extinct and active volcanoes found in all corners of the country. Trails and intensity varies, but with a little bit of research you can find the volcano expedition that matches your family’s fitness level. Consider some of these popular and spectacular natural wonders for your next Costa Rica vacation.

Arenal Volcano National Park
Probably the most attractive volcano for Costa Rica tours, this active volcano puts on quite the show, spewing unlimited amounts of lava and ash usually several times a week, or even several times a day in some cases! Take in the natural fireworks from La Fortuna, the picturesque, modern town at Arenal’s base, or walk some of the short trails (3.4 km and 2 km) that wind through young secondary forest and older lava from previous eruptions. Located in the Northern Lowlands Region of Costa Rica, Arenal laid dormant but unexpectedly exploded in 1968, burying the town of Tabacón and its residents under hot lava and ash. The numerous Park Rangers ensure visitors’ safety on the grounds and close off any trails that may pose risk to Arenal’s spectators. The Park itself is primarily rainforest and is home to exotic birds, including Costa Rica’s infamous quetzal, and dozens of species of tropical flowers and fauna. If you’re lucky, on one of the trails your family will spot a jaguar, sloth, white-faced monkey, or boa constrictor—all indigenous to this area.

Poás Volcano National Park
Another excellent choice for a memorable family adventure is a trek up Poás Volcano, whose silhouette can be seen from almost anywhere in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. At the summit, you’ll have the chance to view what is reported to be the widest active crater in the world. Approximately 1.5 km in diameter, the crater is so clear that you can see 300-meters deep from the scenic overlook. This crater looks almost prehistoric as its lagoon spews boiling sulphurous gases in the middle of a dense tropical rainforest. A short 1.5-km trail leads you to the highest point in the Park–2708 meters above sea level–and to another crater called Botos Lagoon, which is filled with cold rain water. The Park offers interesting ecologically diversity, including areas of scarce vegetation, a stunted forest, a cloud forest, and an area of arrayans. A walk through the eerie-looking stunted forest is well worth the experience; your family is sure to be intrigued by sights of ferns and bonsai-like trees whose growth has been limited due to the volcano-induced acid rain that falls in this region.

Wildlife isn’t very abundant at these high elevations, but for the bird lovers in the family you will spot some of the more common species of hummingbirds, including the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, the Sooty-capped Bush-tanager, slaty flowerpiercer, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatcher.

Remember that Arenal and Poás Volcano National Parks are just two of the many volcanoes your family can explore during their Costa Rica vacation. If you’re worried that some members of the family may not be able to make the hike up, guided horses are available at several locations so you can have the same experience without the excursion. You’re left with no reason not to book your group Costa Rica adventure tour today!