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La Riviera Hotel
Belen, Costa Rica
Reservations phone:
(506) 2293 0909
How to Get
fax:
(506) 2293 2582
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Irazu Volcano National
Park
At 3,432 km ( 11,260 ft. ) above sea level, Irazu
Volcano is one of Costa Rica's most visited national
parks. The principal crater has a diameter of 1050
m ( 3,445 ft. ) and a depth of 300 m ( 984 ft. ),
while the Diego de la Haya crater has a diameter of
690 m ( 2,264 ft. ) and a depth of 80 m ( 263 ft.
). Still an active volcano, Irazu Volcano has a long
history of eruptions, dating back to the Spanish colonies
(1563). The most recent period of activity occured
during 1963 and 1965.
This volcano's activity has been characterized by
the emission of large clouds of steam, ash and cinders,
often accompanied by small local or regional earth
tremors, subterranean noises and rumblings, and showers
of small and large rocks which usually fall near the
rim of the crater. Irazu's summit has four craters:
the main or western crater, the "Diego de la
Haya," and two small craters, one southeast and
the other northwest of the main crater.
The
name Irazu comes from it's indigenous origin, more
specifically from the name "Istarú",
which means "Thunder and Earthquake Mountain".
Over a prolonged period of time, the name has been
transformed into Irazú.
The flora has undergone considerable changes because
of the eruptions, however, there are three different
life zones: Premontane Rain Forest, Montane West Forest,
and Montane Rain Forest. These areas contain very
little vegetation around the craters while, elsewhere,
areas with secondary forests and the remains of primary
forests predominate. Common tree species found within
the vicinity of the craters are the Black Oak, Alder,
White Oak, Growing Stick, Miconia, Small Cedar, and
Copey.
Irazu's animal life is very sparse, which is a direct
result of the volcano's high altitude and eruptions.
Some of the mammals observed in the upper regions
are the Rabbit, Grey Fox, Armadillo, and Red Tailed
Squirrel. Birds commonly seen in the area include
the Volcano Junco, ant-eating Woodpecker, Hummingbirds,
Owls, and Sooty Robins.
Irazu National Park is open seven days a week from
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Upon entering the park, you
are permitted to walk to the volcano's rim, where
terrific photo opportunities abound . The wind tends
to be quite strong, blowing the light grey earth which
makes up the volcanoe's crater wall and rim. Sunglasses
would offer some helpful protection.
Special Considerations
At certain times throughout the year, particularly
during the rainy season, both Irazu and Poas volcanoes
tend to cloud significantly before midday, often remaining
covered in clouds for the remainder of the afternoon.
For this reason, we recommend that you choose a tour
operator who as early as possible from San José.
This will provide you with your best chances of seeing
the volcanoes before any cloud cover arrives. Also,
due to their heights and barrenness, temperatures
are normally quite cold, but vary significantly. Dress
appropriately!!!
How To Get There
By Car - depart San Jose heading east along the main
road, Avenida 2. Continue east towards Cartago, while
passing through the suburb communitites of San Pedro
and Curridibat. As you depart the metropolitan area
(approximately 6 km, or 3.6 miles from downtown San
Jose) there will be a fork in the road, at which you
should stay left. Continue straight until you reach
the traffic circle ( rotonda ) and take the second
exit on the right side; which leads you to the auto-pista
heading towards the city of Cartago.
Just moments after entering on the pista there will
be a tool booth ( peaje ) which costs 60 colones.
From the toll booth, continue southeast towards Cartago,
which is approximately 15km ( 9 miles ); there will
be a nice climb up and over the top of the ridge separating
these two cities. After descending down the hill en
route to Cartago, continue straight at the fork, do
not go right; going right will lead you into the city
of Cartago. After passing through the intersection,
make a left at the sign which reads Irazu Volcano;
the sign is on the right side of the road. From this
point, you will begin you climb to the top of Irazú
Volcano. Signs are clearly visible throughout your
journey.
The road is very good condition and continue for approximately
35 km (21 miles). It twists and turns and provides
terrific panoramic view points of the entire central
valley surrounding this magnificant volcano.
By Bus - Irazu Volcano, like Poas Volcano, is one
of the most frequently visited sites in Costa Rica.
There is a public bus which departs every Saturday
and Sunday morning from San José, just opposite
the Grand Hotel. The express bus departs at 8:00 a.m
and arrives approximately 1.5 hours later; the bus
departs Irazu Volcano at 1:00 p.m. There are no public
buses which service Irazú Volcano during the
week. Private tour companies offer both half day and
full day tours to Irazú Volcano. Normally,
the full day tour includes a stop at the Lancaster
Gardens in Cartago. The tours vary in price as some
include meals or other special offerings. Check before
you decide to go!!! |
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