Irazú Volcano
National Park

General Informatoin
Location: Cartago; 31 km. northeast of Cartago
Area: 2,309 Ha. (5,703 acres)
Services: Camping; no facilities
Hiking: One marked trail
Open: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fee: $10 in advance, $15 at the door

The landscape at Irazú Volcano National Park is similar to what you'd find in the Andes Mountains. It's the only place in Central Volcanic Range system that has a rain forest and subalpine paramo (treeless plains) situated from 3,300 to 4,000 meters (10,827 to13,124 feet).

Plant life in the park has taken a beating from the gas and magma oozing from the volcanoes. The craters here are fringed in with a battered collection of bush and trees, the remains of forests and grasslands wrecked by the eruptions and vapors.

Species commonly found in the vicinity of the craters: arrayan and arracachillo. Species found northwest of the main crater: black oak, poor man's umbrella, age and shallot.

Birds: junco volcanero, woodpecker and hummingbirds.

Mammals: coyote, rabbits, weasels and armadillo, among others.

There are no "official" trails leading through the park. A visit here is strictly a day trip since there's no place to stay inside the park and camping is strictly verboten.

How to Get to Irazú Volcano?
A bus goes to Irazú Volcano National Park weekends and public holidays, leaving at 8 a.m. from San Jose's Gran Hotel Costa Rica (for information call 272-0651 or fax 272- 2948. Bus fare (one way) from San Jose is $4; from Cartago, $2.25. The bus drops you off and picks you up at the parking area of the main crater where you'll find restrooms and an information desk. The bus returns to San Jose at 1 p.m.. It makes a stop at Restaurant Linda Vista – wonderful views. Business cards all over the world are pinned to the walls.

Costa Ricans like to bring the family and picnic in the area. Why not pack up some sandwiches and join the fun?

It can get cold in the mountains, even with a live volcano boiling underfoot, so bring a sweater.

Tour companies offer tours to the area for $45 to $50 dollars (entrance fee not included).