Main crater
A viewpoint over the main crater, about a kilometre wide, reached by a short walk from the car park.
Cartago · Central Valley · Costa Rica
Irazú Volcano National Park
The highest volcano in Costa Rica, with a lunar crater and a turquoise crater lake, above the colonial town of Cartago.
- Created in 1955
- About 2,300 ha
- Summit 3,432 m
- Go early
- Reservation required
About the park
Irazú is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica, rising to 3,432 m above the city of Cartago. A road leads almost to the summit, where a landscape of ash and rock surrounds the main crater and, next to it, the Diego de la Haya crater with its turquoise lake.
On a clear morning you can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean from the top, which is the main reason for an early start: the summit is often covered in cloud by the middle of the day. The visit takes about an hour at the top and is easily combined with the colonial town of Cartago and the Orosi valley.
- The highest volcano of Costa Rica
- A crater lake that changes colour with the weather
- Views of both oceans on clear mornings
- Easy to combine with Cartago and the Orosi valley
Wildlife
Volcano juncoHummingbirdsCoyotesHighland flowers and shrubs
What to see
Diego de la Haya crater
A second crater next to the main one, with a green-turquoise lake whose colour depends on the light and the minerals.
Playa Hermosa viewpoint
A short trail to a viewpoint over a lunar landscape of ash.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- The park opens early in the morning and closes in the early afternoon. We confirm the hours of the day you want.
- Reservation
- Entrance is booked in advance through the SINAC online system. We handle it for you.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Best time
- As early as you can, in the dry season from December to April. Cloud usually covers the summit by midday.
- What to bring
- A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for the morning, sun protection and water. It can be near freezing in the early morning.
- Altitude
- At 3,400 m some people feel tired or have a headache. Walk slowly and drink water.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 1 hour 30 minutes from San José through Cartago on a paved mountain road.
Transfer
We arrange private transfers and day trips from San José and the airport, and we can combine Irazú with Cartago and the Orosi valley or with a stay in Turrialba. Ask us for a quote.
Tours around Irazú and Cartago
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Can I always see the crater lake?
Not always. The summit is often in cloud after midday; early morning in the dry season is best.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, entrance is booked in advance. We handle it.
Will I feel the altitude?
At 3,400 m some visitors feel dizzy or tired. Walk slowly and drink water.
Can I combine it with Turrialba?
Yes. Many guests go to Irazú in the morning and continue to Turrialba, where we offer Guayabo Lodge.