The most frequently visited national park in the country, Volcan Irazu is also one of the most popular attractions in all of Costa Rica. It is the largest and highest (at over 3400 meters) volcano in the country and one of the few you can currently hike around. Dominated by a bare landscape of volcanic ash, the principal crater is 1050 meters across and 300 meters deep. Although currently dormant, Volcan Irazu has erupted on fifteen recorded occasions since the 18^th century, most notably during U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Costa Rica in the early 1960s.

Due to the park’s high elevation, it can get quite cold and warm weather attire is strongly recommended. For the best views of the crater, we also suggest arriving as early in the morning as possible. On a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Volcan Irazu is located fewer than 30 miles from Hotel Reventazon, and driving a rental car is the best way to get there. The trip takes approximately seventy-five minutes each way. Since the historic city of Cartago (Costa Rica’s first capital) is on the way to Volcan Irazu, you may want to combine the two destinations and visit Cartago after enjoying the park.

Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., seven days a week.

Park admission is $15 and parking costs $2.