Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

For most of modern history, Volcán Arenal was just another dormant volcano surrounded by fertile farmland. But for about 42 years – from its destructive explosion in 1968 until its sudden subsiding in 2010 – the volcano was an ever-active and awe-striking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of glowing molten rock almost daily.

Symmetrical volcanic cone rising above a lake, framed by lush rainforest foliage and broad banana leaves

Getty Images/Flickr Open

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