The northwest volcanoes

The Tilarán and Guanacaste mountains string together volcanoes, forests and hot springs in one of the country's most dramatic regions. Its centrepiece is the near-perfect cone of the Arenal, which was highly active from 1968 to 2010 and now rests quietly, its lower slopes laced with trails over old lava flows. Nearby, the town of La Fortuna is a base for hot springs fed by the volcano, ranging from simple pools to elaborate spa gardens. To the north, Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano of nine craters, with fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and waterfalls. The Tenorio volcano shelters the Río Celeste, whose turquoise colour comes from an optical effect where two rivers meet. The region rewards hikers, nature lovers and anyone after a soak after a long day.