Located about 32 km north of Cartago, in Costa Rica, Central Americais located the Irazu volcano, in the National Park that bears the same name. Its shape is irregular subconical and it is 3,432 meters high and has five well-differentiated craters.
In it you can find 3 main structures, which are an active crater 1000 meters in diameter, a depth of 180 meters and houses a beautiful lake. The second structure is inactive crater Diego de la Haya Fernándezwith a depth of about 80 meters deep and elongated.
The third area is a long semi-flat structure that corresponds to the remains of an ancient terrace called Beautiful beach; however throughout the area you will find volcanic structures.
When you visit the Irazú Volcano National Park you can enjoy an extensive variety of flora and fauna characteristic of the area, although the diversity of animals is low, due to its altitude, deforestation and volcanic activity.
On the outer slope of the main crater there is an area called «Las Fumaroles» that emits water vapor and gases. The temperature varies between -6 to 17 °C and it is a very humid, cold climate. In the months of December to April the drought prevails and between May to November it is the rainy season.
The best time to visit the Irazú Volcano is in the morning, since you will be able to enjoy the clear zone and little cloudiness, which increases during the day. On the west side of the main craterduring clear days, you will be able to observe the Pacific and the Atlantic, and you could even enjoy Lake Nicaragua.
Is a area of great hydrological importance, since several rivers are born that feed the river basin such as Chirripó, Río Reventazón, Río Sarapiquí and Río Grande de Tárcoles. Also, in the area there are many zonas dedicated to agriculture and livestockfor example White Land of CarthageIn addition, in surrounding areas you can visit sites of great tourist interest such as the Duran Sanatorium and the Prussia Parkamong others.
It is a site easy accesswith a variety of services such as paved road, parking, viewpoint, trails, cafeteria, restrooms, information office and lunch area. You can visit the Volcano every day of the week, including holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
It is recommended wear appropriate clothingthat protects you from the cold and the wind. The best time is the months of March and Aprilsince it is the dry season and you can enjoy the best view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, on clear days.
If you are a nature lover, it is advisable to enjoy the entire National Park, since It is a tourist site par excellence.. To get to the Irazú Volcano National Park you can travel by car or by bus from Cartago. If you are in the capital, San José, the journey is 50 kilometers west to Cartago.