Irazú volcano is located on Central Volcanic Region, 31km. northwest of Cartago. His name comes from Indian backgrounds, from the word Istarú, which means tremor and Thunder Mountain. Since time passed, the name changed to Irazú . The volcano is also know as " Santa Bá rbara Mortal de la Naturaleza".

The weather is cold with a short dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November. Usually the mornings are clear but clouds rise during the day.

Flora of this site is very typical of high regions. There are several species such as arrayán and roble encino. Also more flora, roble negro, jaúl, salvia, matagente, lorito, escalonia, candelillo, lengua de vaca and sombrilla de pobre.

There is not a variety of fauna. This is because of the location, it is very high; deforestation and volcanic activity. Among the animals there are: junco vulcanero, woodpecker, yiguirro and jilguero. Also a few mammals, such as: wild rabbit, coyote, armadillo, porcupine, weasel, caucel and red squirrel.

Irazú volcano history determines a lot of activity, from eruptions to eruptions cycles (last records are from 1963 to 1965). It is an important hydrologic zone, since many rivers come from it (Chirripó river, Reventazón river, Sarapiquí river and Grande de Tárcoles River).

The main crater is 1050 meters long and 300 meters of depth. Next to this one, is Diego de la Haya crater with 600 meters long and 100 meters of depth.

Going to the left side of the boulevard, you can observe a big beach that was once a big active crater. Today is known as Hermosa Beach that is now in flora regeneration and great amounts of birds species.

How to get there?
By car: you can take Cartago - Taras - Cot-Tierra Blanca-San Juan de Chicuá road. Or from Cartago downtown, take the north route till Bailey Bridge and then turn East, you are now 27km away of the volcano. The road is in perfect conditions.

By bus: you can take it on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:00 o'clock in front of Costa Rica Hotel in San José. It is C 1800 ($4). There is also a bus service from Cartago at 8:00 o’clock behind SACSA, this one is C900 ($2). You'll be there approximately at 9:30a.m. and will return at 12:30p.m. (Click once to see the map).

National Park Schedule:
It is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8 in the morning to 3:30.

Entrance
Children under 6 and Gold Citizens: free
Foreigners: adults $7 and children $1

Recommendations
Take warm clothes and sun protector

Dont's
Do not go in drunk, do not take alcohol to the park, do not take animals with you, do not eat on inappropriate places, do not damage plants or any other natural resource from the wild, do not go to limited zones

Services
1. Souvenirs. 2. Bus service. 3. Food area. 4. Information office. 5. Park lot. 6. Restaurant-coffee shop-soda. 7. Trails. 8. Restrooms. 9. Panoramic view

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