These sanctuaries contain such species as the brightly-colored queztal, Guatemala's majestic national bird. As you journey on, the sounds of these tropical birds serenade you. Once out of the jungle, you may decide to head to Santa Elena, which is one kilometer from Monteverde and at the base of the most active volcano in the world. This crater is 5,300 ft. high and 4,000 years old. Its last significant eruption was in 1968, and approximately five mini-eruptions occur each day.
Arenal volcano is engulfed in the smell of ash and molten lava.
Its smells take a little getting use to, but once you catch a glimpse of an actual eruption you will be awestruck by the breathtaking sight of the sheer power of mother nature. Lava and ash spew thirty feet into the air, hang there as if reluctant to return, and fall back to hiss and melt the ground below. Just seeing this small eruption will make you shudder at the mere thought of the destruction and chaos a major eruption could bring in its wake. Yet the people of Costa Rica appear unaware of this constant danger and are continuously happy and friendly. The Ticans take great care of their national reserves because a major portion of their national income comes from tourist and because of this, they also spend considerable effort on transportation and urban improvement.