Cartago Surroundings - Irazu Volcano National Park Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú
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The Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 3,342m/10,962ft. Eruptions have been recorded since 1723, and it is because of these eruptions (along with other volcano eruptions) that the soil of the Central Valley is exceptionally fertile.
Established in 1955, this national park protects 2,309ha/5,703ac of land in a circular shape around the base of the volcano. Bare landscape and craters are found at the summit, creating a surreal, lunar-like atmosphere.
Irazú's Principal Crater is 1,050m/3,444ft in diameter and 300m/984ft deep. The Diego de la Haya Crater, named for the Costa Rican governor who reported the 1723 eruptions, is 690m/2,263ft in diameter and 100m/328ft deep and contains a small lime-green lake that sometimes appears red. Irazú's present activity involves holes (fumaroles) emitting smoke and gasses.
Marked trails lead to these craters and two other smaller ones, one of which also contains a lake.
Established in 1955, this national park protects 2,309ha/5,703ac of land in a circular shape around the base of the volcano. Bare landscape and craters are found at the summit, creating a surreal, lunar-like atmosphere.
Irazú's Principal Crater is 1,050m/3,444ft in diameter and 300m/984ft deep. The Diego de la Haya Crater, named for the Costa Rican governor who reported the 1723 eruptions, is 690m/2,263ft in diameter and 100m/328ft deep and contains a small lime-green lake that sometimes appears red. Irazú's present activity involves holes (fumaroles) emitting smoke and gasses.
Marked trails lead to these craters and two other smaller ones, one of which also contains a lake.
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Read LessHours:
8am-4pm
Tips: Many companies offer organized tours to the national park.
There are no overnight accommodation or camping facilities in the park.
Food services are limited to the weekends in the busy season, and even then are scarce. Come prepared.
Come prepared with warm clothing and rain gear.
Facilities: Restaurant or food service
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