The Sky-High Irazú Volcano National Park
The Irazú Volcano is approximately 21 km northeast of Cartago and has an altitude of 3,432 meters. Its name is formed by two tribal words which are ara (point) and tzu (thunder). Costa Rica car rental Company
The volcano has been ephemerally active, and in 1963 the Irazú broke a 20-year silence and started ejecting immense columns of smoke and ash. This eruption lasted two years, but no further activity was recorded until December 1994, when Irazú unexpectedly disgorged gas, ash, and breccia. It continues to rumble sometimes.
The views from the Irazú are amazing as every corner displays a beautiful landscape. Dairy farming is an important activity in the region and there are many communities that are known for their cheese. The fertile fields around Cot grow excellent carrots, onions, potatoes, and greens.
The Diego de la Haya crater, which is about 100 meters deep has sometimes-pea-green, sometimes-rust-red, mineral-tinted lake. It is important to know that fumaroles are occasionally active. There is a larger crater which is 300 meters deep. Two separate trails lead from the parking lot to the craters. Be sure to follow only those signs with blue-and-white symbols. The crater rims are dangerously unstable, so it is a good idea to always keep your distance. Costa Rica Car hire
The summit of the volcano looks like the surface of the moon. The weather here is usually foggy, cold, dry and windy. So it is important to wear warm clothes when you visit the volcano. The average temperature is a chilly 7.3° C (45° F).
There is little vegetation at the summit, though stunted dwarf oaks, ferns, lichens, and other species can grow there.
It is important to visit the volcano early in the morning. Keep in mind that the clouds lie below the summit of the mountain, but you won’t know until you get there. If the day is clear you may see both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. For this reason it is important to arrive early to improve your chances of getting a better weather.
The ranger booth is located two km. below the summit and a mobile “soda” serves food and drinks on weekends. The site has toilets and picnic benches, however no camping is allowed.
When you go there, it is a good idea to visit the Prussian Forestry Reserve, which is located on the southwest flank of Irazú. This is a reforestation project with a recreation area that includes hiking trails, camping and picnic sites surrounded by beautiful pines. Additionally the reserve has a gorgeous “mushroom forest”.
Irazú National Park is a great day trip from most locations in the central valley, and can be combined with a number of other activities. For example you can also take a coffee farm tour or visit the Lankester Botanical Gardens outside Cartago. Here you can see beautiful flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds. Additionally you will find excellent restaurants along the way, where you can have a great lunch.
Come to this region for a day and enjoy this wonderful trip.