Home
Costa Rica
PLAN MY VISIT
Costa Rica Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Costa Rica
  3. Destinations
  4. Central Highlands

Irazu Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Irazu Volcano, still active, last made international headlines when it erupted in 1963 on the day that former US President John F. Kennedy visited the country. The eruption decimated crops in the area but left the soil enriched for decades to come. The last noticeable activity came in 1996, and since then Irazu has been a quiet giant. Reaching upward of 11,260 ft (3,432 m), Irazu is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica.

Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano National Park Costa Rica
←→

The volcano has several craters, two of which are the principal attractions. The larger of the two delves 900 feet (275 m) deep, as steam rises up into the air giving visitors at nearby viewing stations an amazing sight to behold. The smaller crater, Diego de la Haya, dips below the surface 300 ft (91 m) as its mineral-rich lake astonishingly transforms its color from emerald-green to crimson-red. On a clear day, the Pacific and Caribbean are visible.

The landscape of Irazu Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu) flourishes on 5,705 acres (2,300 ha) of immaculate montane forest, mainly comprised of primary, secondary and cloud forest. Although the wildlife is often difficult to see because of the constant volcanic activity, many small animals make their home within the park&s perimeters. Coyotes, squirrels, armadillos, rabbits, foxes, owls, robins, woodpeckers, even the volcano junco and volcano hummingbird all manage to dwell here on this rugged terrain. The area around the crater is barren, lacking any vegetation as the ashy earth below gives evidence to previous volcanic eruptions.

The facilities include bathrooms, picnic tables and even a place to get food and warm drinks, which can be nice since the average temperature is a chilly 45ºF (7.2ºC). Upon visiting, it is not uncommon to see frost sprinkle the lunar-like landscape. To avoid the wettest months, the best time to visit is during March and April, although cool temperatures and high winds are common year round. The park is open seven days a week from 8 am to 3 pm and it is recommended to visit early in the morning as swirling clouds are known to engulf the summit later on in the day. The entrance fee is $7 and camping is not allowed.

From San Jose, head east 14 miles (23 km) to the nation's former capital, Cartago. From there it is 24 miles (39 km) to Irazu Volcano National Park. The roads are in good condition and signs mark the route clearly. The drive up through the hills provides an excellent opportunity to see the Central Valley below. The turnoff for Irazu is well marked and right before Tierra Blanca.

Irazu Volcano National Park Things to Do

Irazu Volcano & Hacienda Orosí Hot Springs | Costa RicaIrazu Volcano & Hacienda Orosí Hot Springs
Irazu Volcano, Lankester Gardens, and Orosi Valley | Costa RicaIrazu Volcano, Lankester Gardens, and Orosi Valley
←→

Wildlife Sightings

ArmadilloArmadillo
Chestnut-mandibled ToucanChestnut-mandibled Toucan
CoatiCoati
Spiny Green LizardSpiny Green Lizard
AgoutiAgouti
Three-wattled BellbirdThree-wattled Bellbird
←→
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 528 reviews
Trustpilot
A Truly Memorable Vacation!
Erick was instrumental in helping make our vacation to Costa Rica a great one. The excursions were great and all transpo...
Sep 22, 2021
– Rob D.
Trustpilot Rating
A perfect, seamless, stress-free, fun filled trip!
Aside from telling them what I was looking for from my experience, I didn't have to do any work at all! If only all trav...
Aug 05, 2021
– Kacie C.
Trustpilot Rating
Trip of a Lifetime!
Anywhere.com came highly recommended and therefore expectations were high. Our two week stay in La Fortuna, Monteverde, ...
Aug 03, 2021
– Laura O.
Trustpilot Rating
Awesome vacation, everything went smoothly
Our agent (Erick) planned a great trip for our family of 5. All the tours were excellent, all the transport and lodging ...
Mar 17, 2020
– David
Trustpilot Rating
Very good first experience
We used Anywhere.com to help arrange a full-day visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. We did this only a few ...
Mar 16, 2020
– Lew W.
Trustpilot Rating
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time…
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time before our departure to provide an itineary based on what we already researched a...
Mar 14, 2020
– Thomas hi.
Trustpilot Rating
Monteverde reserve guided hike was…
Monteverde reserve guided hike was great. Fraser was knowledgeable and friendly.
Mar 13, 2020
– Joan
Trustpilot Rating
The Best Guidea
Anywhere is the best. Their attention to detail and knowledge is unmatched. The guide was very attentive, knowledgeable,...
Mar 12, 2020
– Howard Z
Trustpilot Rating
I can't thank Anywhere enough!
I can't thank Anywhere enough for providing me with a fantastic, stress-free vacation.
Mar 11, 2020
– Christoph.
Trustpilot Rating
The overall experience with Anywhere.com in Costa Rica was FIVE STAR.
The overall experience with Anywhere,com was definitely worth five stars. The choice of where to go and what to do provi...
Mar 09, 2020
– John and .
Trustpilot Rating
Our trip to Costa Rica was impeccably…
Our trip to Costa Rica was impeccably planned. Lizza and the rest of the team at Anywhere.com did a great job planning o...
Mar 09, 2020
– Kevin
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere did a great job of helping us…
Anywhere did a great job of helping us plan our trip. All of the pick ups, hotels and tours were great. The guides wer...
Mar 09, 2020
– Kristine
Trustpilot Rating
I had no time to plan a vacation and…
I had no time to plan a vacation and the time was fast approaching. Emailed Anywhere, told the I wanted jungle and ocean...
Mar 09, 2020
– Cecelia
Trustpilot Rating
Loved it!
It can be hard to go through a company only online to book a trip. But this is one to do it with!!!! So easy and they ar...
Mar 08, 2020
– Miranda
Trustpilot Rating
A great adventure
We loved our experience on the zip lines,felt very safe and cared for. All4 of us 60+ Year olds highly recommend this f...
Mar 06, 2020
– Patricia
Trustpilot Rating
Costa Rica Vacations
  • Adventure
  • All-inclusive
  • Beach
  • Budget
  • Eco-tourism
  • Family
  • Group
  • Honeymoon
  • Luxury
  • Nature
  • Private
  • Rainforest
  • Romantic
Highlights
  • Top Destinations
  • Beaches
  • Rainforests
  • Cloudforest
  • Volcanoes
  • Waterfalls
  • Surfing
  • Leisure
  • Off the Beaten Path
  • Airports
Costa Rica Travel
  • Maps
  • Safety
  • Weather & Climate
  • Sustainability
  • Holiday Season
  • Currency
  • Driving & Car Rental
  • Getting Around
PLACES TO GO
  • Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
  • Monteverde Cloudforests
  • Manuel Antonio Beach & Jungle
  • Tamarindo Beach
  • Santa Theresa & Malpais Beaches
  • Puerto Viejo Beach
  • Nosara Beach
  • Jaco Beach
  • Tortuguero Rainforest
  • Corcovado Rainforest
  • Rincon de la Vieja Volcano & Waterfall
  • Nicoya Peninsula
  • Guanacaste Beaches
  • Osa Peninsula
THINGS TO DO
  • Hot Springs
  • Zip Lines
  • Suspension Bridges
  • Horseback
  • Rappel
  • Wildlife
  • Hiking
  • Chocolate Farms
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Coffee Farms
  • Butterfly Gardens
  • Surfing
  • Sport Fishing
  • Birdwatching
  • Scuba Diving
  • Catamaran Cruise
  • Indigenous Culture
  • Yoga
  • Wellness
  • Cave Exploration
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2022 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy