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Miravalles Volcano: Guanacaste's Geothermal Gem

Discover Costa Rica's hidden volcanic treasure: Miravalles Volcano, where geothermal wonders meet lush rainforests and tranquil hot springs.

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Miravalles Volcano, the tallest in the Guanacaste mountain range, offers a unique and less-crowded volcanic experience. Its geothermal activity powers a power plant and creates hot springs and mud baths for visitors to enjoy.

A brief summary to Miravalles Volcano

  • Bagaces, Guanacaste Province, CR

Local tips

  • A car is recommended to explore the Miravalles area, as attractions are spread out.
  • Visit during the dry season (December to April) for the best weather.
  • Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Consider booking a tour if you don't have a car.
  • Las Hornillas is a great place to see volcanic activity up close.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Liberia International Airport (LIR), take the Pan-American Highway (Hwy 1) north. After approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles), look for signs to Bagaces. From Bagaces, follow Highway 164 northeast towards the Miravalles Volcano area. The drive from Liberia takes about 1-2 hours. Be aware that some roads in the area are gravel and may have potholes, especially during the rainy season (May-November). Parking is available at the various attractions around the volcano, such as Las Hornillas and Rio Perdido. Parking costs vary but expect to pay around ₡2,000-₡4,000 per day.

  • Tour

    If you don't have a car, the easiest way to visit Miravalles Volcano is by booking a guided tour from nearby towns like Liberia or the Guanacaste beaches. Many tours include transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, activities, and lunch. A typical tour to Las Hornillas costs around $185 USD per person and includes hiking, horseback riding, mud baths, and hot springs.

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Discover more about Miravalles Volcano

Miravalles Volcano, reaching 2,028 meters (6,653 feet), is the highest peak in the Guanacaste mountain range in Costa Rica. Unlike its more famous neighbors like Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience. The volcano itself is a stratovolcano and is currently inactive. While Miravalles hasn't erupted in centuries, its geothermal activity is very much alive. This activity powers a geothermal power plant, contributing to Costa Rica's renewable energy efforts. Visitors can witness this geothermal power firsthand and enjoy the benefits of the volcanic activity in the form of hot springs and mud baths. Several private reserves and hotels around the volcano offer various activities. Las Hornillas Volcanic Activity Center is a popular destination, featuring bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, hot springs, and even a walkable live crater. Other options include hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and relaxing in the hot springs at resorts like Rio Perdido, Thermomania, and Colinas del Miravalles. The area is also a biodiversity hotspot, with rainforests and cloud forests teeming with wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot over 250 species, and lucky visitors might glimpse monkeys, tapirs, or even jaguars.

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