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An Insight into Irazu Volcano

"Peeking over the rim at the big crater"

This spectacular volcano, at 11,260 feet, is the tallest Volcano in Costa Rica. It is is located just south east of San Jose and about 2 hours drive from Alajuela and the International airport.

Historically, Irazu is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. On March 19th 1963 it put on a show when President John F. Kennedy arrived in Costa Rica and visited the area.

We think this is one of the nicest and most accessible volcanoes in Costa Rica. The road winds up some of the most beautiful countryside to the top/rim visitor area with excellent parking, a small restaurant for snacks and souvenirs.

The summit area is a great visit with 5 craters, the most spectacular has a turquoise/green lake with the famous crater walls covered in late/primordial plants - one of the loveliest settings in Costa Rica.

The unusual bright greenish yellow coloring of the lake at Diego de la Haya Crater is caused by rainfall dissolving the minerals along the craters walls. The largest open crater looks like a moonscape and must be what earth was like before depleted uranium tipped bullets and other detrius of our advanced thinking. Is that before or after . . . not so sure this week?

On top of Poas once the clouds set in you will see nothing for the rest of the day. On Volcan Irazu however you are almost certain to see something even on more cloudy days as the wind has the clouds constantly on the move in and out of the main crater (makes a cool video view). The bottom craters are very accessible - and there is a longer walk along the top rim for the more adventurous (but no long hikes). Yes - in the temporada baja (rainy season) it is certain to be cold - rain jacket, hiking boots and umbrella.

"Fun at the rim, clouds moving in"

One day a guest came back telling us about their visit to a volcano with a spectacular "orange lake" . . . I guess the metals coming up from the bottom and the active volcano underneath did that for a few weeks about 2 years ago. A photo from 1976 shows the same weird orange color. The last big activity seems to have been in 1994 with a lot of ash and rocks "the size of blocks" thrown a short distance. The surrounding area has lava flows covering about 35 square kilometers. Many years ago ash from one of the eruptions "reached as far as Tamarindo". (Volcan Irazu: Jorge Barquero H.)

. On your way down stop at the Linda Vista restaurant where you will find a business card on the wall (along with 1000's more) from KPIG radio (home of the original "mystery spot").

If you'd like to visit Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley and the surrounding area please email us at: InsightCostaRica for information or ideas?