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Irazú Volcano National Park: Costa Rica's Lunar Summit

Discover Costa Rica's highest volcano: stunning craters, panoramic views, and unique volcanic landscapes await in Irazú Volcano National Park.

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Ascend to the summit of Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica's highest active volcano, for otherworldly views of its craters and, on a clear day, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The park offers easy access to stunning volcanic landscapes and unique high-altitude flora.

A brief summary to Irazú Volcano National Park

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the morning for the best chance of clear views before clouds obscure the summit.
  • Bring warm clothing, including a jacket and long pants, as temperatures at the summit can be cold.
  • Purchase park tickets online in advance through the SINAC Costa Rica website.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions; bring rain gear.
  • Take care with your belongings at the picnic areas as raccoons and coatis may try to steal food.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    The most economical way to reach Irazú Volcano National Park from San José is by taking the direct bus. The bus departs daily at 8:00 AM from Ave 2, between 1st and 3rd streets, in front of Hotel Costa Rica. A one-way ticket costs approximately $4 - $7. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, arriving at the park around 10:15 AM. The return bus leaves the park at 12:30 PM. Be sure to arrive early to secure your seat.

  • Car

    Driving to Irazú Volcano National Park from San José takes about 1.5 hours. Take the Florencio del Castillo Highway (Route 2) east towards Cartago. Continue through Cartago, following signs for Irazú Volcano. The route passes through several communities, including Cot, Tierra Blanca, and Potrero Cerrado. Once at the park, parking is available for a fee: ¢2000 for light vehicles. Note that access to the Prusia Sector involves driving on a road that may be in bad condition.

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Discover more about Irazú Volcano National Park

Irazú Volcano National Park, or Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú, protects the area around the colossal Irazú Volcano, the tallest active volcano in Costa Rica, rising to 11,260 feet (3,432 meters). The name Irazú comes from an indigenous word meaning "hill of tremor and thunder". The park encompasses 5,705 acres (2,300 hectares) of diverse volcanic landscapes and forests. The main attraction is the volcano's summit, where you'll find several craters, including the principal crater, which sometimes holds a turquoise-green lake due to dissolved minerals. Another notable crater is the inactive Diego de la Haya, filled with volcanic ash. On clear days, the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views extending to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The park also includes the Prusia Sector, offering hiking trails through lush forests. The volcano has a history of eruptions, most notably between 1963 and 1965, which significantly altered the landscape. The eruption in 1963 even coincided with President John F. Kennedy's visit to Costa Rica. Today, the park is a site of reforestation, with efforts to restore the ecosystem with conifers, oaks, and alder trees. Visitors can explore the park's geological features, enjoy the views, and observe the unique flora and fauna adapted to the high-altitude volcanic environment. Facilities include parking, restrooms, a cafeteria, and picnic areas.

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