{{Mtnbox start norange|Name=Arenal|Photo=Arenal volcano day.jpg|
Caption=|
Elevation=1,657 metres (5,436 feet) | Location=Alajuela_Province, Costa_Rica}}
{{Mtnbox coor dms|10|27|48|N|84|42|12|W|type:mountain}}
{{Mtnbox volcano|Type=Stratovolcano|Age=|Last eruption=2005 (continuing)}}
{{Mtnbox finish}}
The '''Arenal Volcano''' (''Spanish:'' Volcán Arenal) is an active andesitic Stratovolcano in north-western Costa_Rica (10.5N, 84.7E), about 90 km north-west of San José, in the province of Alajuela. Known to be a volcano since the 19th century, it was known by foreign investigators as "Volcan Costa Rica, Rio Frio", "Canastos" Volcano and "Cerro de los Guatusos". The area remained largely unexplored until 1937, a documented expedition took place to reach the summit.
Once locally known as Mount Arenal (''Cerro Arenal''), Arenal was presumed extinct until July_29, 1968 when it erupted after approximately 400 years of dormancy. The eruption wiped out the town of Tabacon and killed 87 people http://www.arenal.net/arenal-volcano-1968-eruption.htm. It has been in continuous eruption since then.
Arenal rises 1657 Metres above Sea_level and overlooks Lake_Arenal; both are part of Arenal_National_Park. The country's most active volcano, Arenal's eruptions are Strombolian in type, being frequent but moderate. This constant activity makes Arenal a popular tourist destination, especially at night (See image). The last major eruption of Arenal occurred on August_23, 2000. Most of the time, the volcano is surrounded by clouds near the tip, and it is touted as good luck to see the whole volcano without clouds. The volcano heats several Hot_springs nearby, including Tabacon, a popular tourist destination.
Volcán Arenal is one of seven historically active Costa Rican volcanoes: Poás, Irazú, Miravalles, Orosi, Rincón_de_la_Vieja [complex], and Turrialba.
==References (external links)==
*Overview of Arenal, Costa Rica
*Volcanoes.ca: Arenal
*Arenal, Costa Rica - descriptions and pictures of volcanic activity
{{commonscat|Arenal Volcano}}
Category:Stratovolcanoes
Category:Subduction_volcanoes
Category:Volcanoes_of_Costa_Rica
Category:Mountains_of_Costa_Rica
Category:Active_volcanoes
Da:Volcán_Arenal
De:Arenal