San Jose Day-tours Irazu Volcano Costa Rica

Irazu Volcano National Park: the tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel. A bilingual guide will be with you as you travel south along a winding road up towards Irazu volcano. The scenic route passes through farms and small villages.

Irazu Volcano is Costa Rica’s highest active volcano although it is has been dormant since 1965. Earthquake studies still show that magma is moving beneath the volcano. In past times Irazú has erupted over 20 times since its first noted eruption in 1723. It’s most famous recent eruption was between 1963 and 1965 which covered the surrounding areas including the center of San Jose in ash for two years.

At the volcano (on a clear day!) you get a panoramic view of the city and see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The volcano's summit has several craters, one of which contains a beautiful green crater lake. You will have a chance to spend some time at the massive crater and walk around the volcanic landscape, before we begin the beautiful descent to San Jose.

Along the way you will stop at historical Cartago City, the first capital of Costa Rica, founded in 1593. Cartago was severely damaged by major earthquakes in the 1900’s and still represents the oldest existing Spanish settlement in Costa Rica. We will visit the famous Church of Angels (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles) which is home to the Virgin Shrine of Costa Rica.

Bring/wear: comfortable walking shoes/sports sandals, camera, hat, sunscreen and binoculars and rain coat.