Since that time, Arenal Volcano has maintained nearly

constant activity ranging from soundless explosions with large

mushroom-shaped clouds of ash overhead to booming explosions

sending hot rocks nearly a kilometer into the air to pyroclastic

explosions highlighted by rushing gases and flowing lava pouring

down the side of the volcano. For visitors to Costa Rica, volcano

viewing is the most promising at Arenal – no other volcano has been

this consistently active.

Arenal Volcano rises to approximately 1633 meters at its summit,

although the exact summit height changes frequently due to the

volcanic activity.

One of the major eruptions occurred on May 8, 1998 and gave rise

to temporary evacuations from area hotels, although the danger

quickly passed and no one was injured.