At 3,432 km ( 11,260 ft. ) above sea level, Irazu Volcano is one of Costa Rica's most visited national parks. The principal crater has a diameter of 1050 m ( 3,445 ft. ) and a depth of 300 m ( 984 ft. ), while the Diego de la Haya crater has a diameter of 690 m ( 2,264 ft. ) and a depth of 80 m ( 263 ft. ). Still an active volcano, Irazu Volcano has a long history of eruptions, dating back to the Spanish colonies (1563). The most recent period of activity occured during 1963 and 1965. This volcano's activity has been characterized by the emission of large clouds of steam, ash and cinders, often accompanied by small local or regional earth tremors, subterranean noises and rumblings, and showers of small and large rocks which usually fall near the rim of the crater. Irazu's summit has four craters: the main or western crater, the "Diego de la Haya," and two small craters, one southeast and the other northwest of the main crater.
The name Irazu comes from it's indigenous origin, more specifically from the name "Istarú", which means "Thunder and Earthquake Mountain". Over a prolonged period of time, the name has been transformed into Irazú.
The flora has undergone considerable changes because of the eruptions, however, there are three different life zones: Premontane Rain Forest, Montane West Forest, and Montane Rain Forest. These areas contain very little vegetation around the craters while, elsewhere, areas with secondary forests and the remains of primary forests predominate. Common tree species found within the vicinity of the craters are the Black Oak, Alder, White Oak, Growing Stick, Miconia, Small Cedar, and Copey.
Irazu's animal life is very sparse, which is a direct result of the volcano's high altitude and eruptions. Some of the mammals observed in the upper regions are the Rabbit, Grey Fox, Armadillo, and Red Tailed Squirrel. Birds commonly seen in the area include the Volcano Junco, ant-eating Woodpecker, Hummingbirds, Owls, and Sooty Robins.
Irazu National Park is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Upon entering the park, you are permitted to walk to the volcano's rim, where terrific photo opportunities abound (see photo). The wind tends to be quite strong, blowing the light grey earth which makes up the volcanoe's crater wall and rim. Sunglasses would offer some helpful protection.
Special Considerations
At certain times throughout the year, particularly
during the rainy season, both Irazu and Poas volcanoes tend to cloud significantly before
midday, often remaining covered in clouds
for the remainder of the afternoon. For this
reason, we recommend that you choose a tour
operator who as early as possible from San
José. This will provide you with your best
chances of seeing the volcanoes before any
cloud cover arrives. Also, due to their heights
and barrenness, temperatures are normally
quite cold, but vary significantly. Dress
appropriately!!!
How To Get There
By Car - depart San Jose heading east along the main road, Avenida
2. Continue east towards Cartago, while passing through the suburb communitites
of San Pedro and Curridibat. As you depart
the metropolitan area (approximately 6 km,
or 3.6 miles from downtown San Jose) there
will be a fork in the road, at which you should
stay left. Continue straight until you reach
the traffic circle ( rotundra ) and take the
second exit on the right side; which leads
you to the auto-pista heading towards the
city of Cartago. Just moments after entering
on the pista there will be a tool booth (
peaje ) which costs 60 colones. From the toll
booth, continue southeast towards Cartago,
which is approximately 15km ( 9 miles ); there
will be a nice climb up and over the top of
the ridge separating these two cities. After
descending down the hill en route to Cartago,
continue straight at the fork, do not go right;
going right will lead you into the city of
Cartago. After passing through the intersection,
make a left at the sign which reads Irazu
Volcano; the sign is on the right side of
the road. From this point, you will begin
you climb to the top of Irazú Volcano. Signs
are clearly visible throughout your journey.
The road is very good condition and continue
for approximately 35 km (21 miles). It twists
and turns and provides terrific panoramic
view points of the entire central valley surrounding
this magnificant volcano.
By Bus - Irazu Volcano, like Poas Volcano, is one of the most frequently visited sites in Costa Rica. There is a public bus which departs every Saturday and Sunday morning from San José, just opposite the Grand Hotel. The express bus departs at 8:00 a.m and arrives approximately 1.5 hours later; the bus departs Irazu Volcano at 1:00 p.m. There are no public buses which service Irazú Volcano during the week. Private tour companies offer both half day and full day tours to Irazú Volcano. Normally, the full day tour includes a stop at the Lancaster Gardens in Cartago. The tours vary in price as some include meals or other special offerings. Check before you decide to go!!!
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