Volcano Irazú National Park

Volcano Irazú National Park

s located at the Cordillera Volcanica Central, 31-km northeast of the city of Cartago. It was establish by means of organic law No. 1917 of the National Institute on July 30, 1955.

The National Park service runs this park since 1970. It has an extension of 2.309 hectares.

This is an active volcano with a long history of eruptions and eruptive cycles. Is a very important hydrologic area, many rivers are born here that feed the Chirripó rivers, Reventazón river, Sarapiquí river and Grande de Tárcoles river.

The origin of the name is because of an Indian village that lives near the volcano called Iztarú, meaning mountain of tremor and thunder, but through the years, as a result of verbal communication it was changed to Irazú.

Is one of the most visited areas by national and international tourists. This volcano is made of volcanic material layers of 3.432 Mts. of altitude, with an irregular sub conic shape, with violent eruptions and 5 different craters. The more important ones are the Principal Crater, almost circular, and with incline walls and a height of 1.050 Mts. of diameter and 300 Mts. depth. The Diego de la Hoya Crater of Haya Crater has 600 Mts. diameter and 100 mts. depth. Other craters are Playa Hermosa, La Laguna and Piroclastico.

The flora on the highest part is very humid, characteristic of 3.300 Mts. to 4.000 Mts. over sea level heights. Is the only place in the Cordillera Volcánica Central that present this type of life zone, with species like "Arrayan" and "Arracachillo".

Oak trees and primary flora areas can be found at the river margins, northeast from the Principal crater.

Also can be seen many species of birds, and some mammals like wild rabbits, coyotes, armadillos, etc.

 

Park Facilities and Hours

Lying just east of the capital city of San Jose, massive Irazu is Costa Rica's highest volcano at 3,432 meters. It is also one of the most active, with a history of frequent eruptions recorded from 1723. It last erupted in 1963-'65, sending tephra* and secondary mudflows into cultivated areas. Irazu's summit crater contains a small lake.

The visitor center and scenic overlook at the volcano area has a small coffee shop and tables, and is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

The Prusia Sector was once known as the Ruben Torres Rojas Forest Reserve. To the southwest of the volcano, it is now known as the Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno Recreation Area, and has trails and camping available. This park zone is the site of a reforestation project to restore the area which was destroyed by the major eruptions of 1963-65. Contact the ranger station at 506-551-9398.