Irazú Volcano National Park
Costa Rica · Cartago · 3432 m
Description
Irazú Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú) protects the 3,432-meter-high Irazú, Costa Rica’s highest volcano and one of the country’s most impressive volcanic landscapes. The massive stratovolcano is known for its vast craters, dark lava and ash fields, and barren, almost lunar high-altitude scenery. A greenish crater lake may form within the main crater, while on clear days views can extend as far as both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. A paved road winds through the agricultural highlands near Cartago to the vicinity of the craters, making Irazú one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular yet easily accessible volcanic destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Irazú Volcano summit & main crater
- Playa Hermosa crater & volcanic landscape
- Irazú summit viewpoints
- Diego de la Haya crater
- Cartago & Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels(Day trip)
- Prusia Sector forest trails
- Orosi Valley & colonial church(Day trip)
- Prusia Sector volcanic landscape
- Lankester Botanical Garden(Day trip)
- Irazú Volcano National Park birdwatching
- Ujarrás Ruins(Day trip)