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Irazu Volcano
National Park
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 . 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 ( rotonda ) 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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Surfing
Snorkeling
