Irazu Volcano National Park

Irazu Volcano National Park 

The Irazu Volcano is one of the highest volcanoes in Central America, measuring at 3432 meters above sea level. Considered to be an active volcano today, Irazu hasn’t actually erupted since the mid 60’s, specifically 1963-1965. During these two years, ash clouded nearby cities within Cartago and debris flew down the sides of the volcano, causing quite the eventful two-year period for the area. Because it is still active today several small earthquakes are still felt in the area.

When visiting the Irazu Volcano National Park, one of the most visited National Parks in Costa Rica, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Central Valley, the spot located along the Cordillera Central. Potato and onion fields give way to dairy farms as you get further along in your trek through the park, which then give way to the remnants of the gnarled and scorched trees from the last eruption. The landscape is considered to be cloud forest and upland tropical rainforest, filled with animals such as volcano junco and volcano hummingbirds.

There are two things you HAVE to do before you leave: 1). Check out the view of the 2 massive craters left from the eruption, and 2). Head to the small on-site visitors center and learn more about volcanism. To see the craters you can embark on a journey along the hiking trail between Diego La Haya and Playa Hermosa.