The last time Volcán Irazú awoke, it showered the residents of Cartago and San José with ash, clogged the air with smoke, and sent glowing boulders rolling down its sides during 4 years.
Quick Facts and Data
History
Irazu Volcano is an active volcano which is constantly monitored. The last major eruptions occured from 1963 to 1965, with small eruptions and lava flows since.
The unusual bright greenish yellow coloring of the lake at Diego de la Haya Crater is caused by rainfall dissolving the minerals along the crater walls. The lake is also closely monitored for changes in chemistry and temperature.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: The Park’s forest is located within the montane rain forest life zone. Oak forests grow on its slopes, mostly on the caribbean side of the mountain. Rainforest surrounds the volcano. At the top of the volcano there are only a few plants that have managed to adapt themselves to the cold wind and severe conditions of the weather.
Fauna: due to the weather, the park has a low diversity of animals.
The main attraction are the birds, easily viewed on most of the trails. Approximately 40 species have been reported.
Some of the mammals are: forest rabbit, little spotted cat (tigrillo), armadillo, coyote and red squirrel. Four species of amphibians have been found; one of the most important is the little mountain toad.
Getting There
From San Jose:
Route one. Take the Pan American Highway on route 10 to Cartago. At Las Ruinas, turn left and go one block north to Avenida 4, turn right and continue east until you reach a crossing point just after 16th street. The final 19 mile (31 km) climb to Irazú is signed.
Route two. Take the high road through Guadalupe, Rancho Redondo and Tierra Blanca on route 218. Just after Tierra Blanca turn left and drive up 6 miles (9 km) to the crater.
Bus services:
From San Jose, a 7:30 am bus leaves from Melico Salazar Theater every saturday and sunday.
From Cartago, the bus leaves at around 8 or 8:30 a.m. from las Ruinas saturdays and sundays.
Services
Information points, cafeterias, lunch areas, bathrooms, parking lots, trails and lookout points are available at the park.
Recreational Activities
Hiking trail: you will find over half a mile of paths around the Main crater, Diego de la Haya crater and Playa Hermosa crater, which form a circuit with the entrance road around the cone.
Length: 1970 meters.
Time: 65 minutes.
Interesting facts
Volcanologists speculate that Irazu Volcano has been erupting for over 500 years.On a perfectly clear day, visitors can see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top of the volcano.
Contact Information
Phone number: (506) 2200-5025
Website: http://www.sinac.go.cr
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