Costa Rica National Parks / Central Region / Irazu Volcano National Park

The name Irazu comes from the Indian words Istaru, Iaratzu and Iartazu, which mean the mountain of trembling and rumbling. It is an active volcano that towers 3.432 meters above sea level and spreads over 500 square kilometers, which makes it the largest volcano in Costa Rica. The main crater is almost perfectly round with a permanent lake at its bottom. Diego de la Haya was active in 1723 and was named for the colonial governor who wrote an account of the eruption. The volcanic ash has greatly increased the fertility of the soil of its slopes, making the area of Cartago an agricultural center. Today, the colossus is showing signs of becoming active again in the near future. The crater is accessible by car. There is only one trail half way around the crater lake.

Entrance fee approx. US $ 7 p.p.