Irazú Volcano

One of Costa Rica's most interesting active volcanos, Irazú is situated in the Cordillera Central range, nestled in the Irazú Volcano National Park. Irazú is Costa Rica's highest active volcano in terms of elevation, sitting at 3,431 metres (11,257 feet) above sea level.

Eruptions

The Irazú volcano has erupted at least 23 times since its first well-recorded eruption in 1723. In 1963, Irazú's most famous eruption began and continued to spew forth until 1965, showering Costa Rica's capital, San José and the central highlands with volcanic ash.

Irazú volcano craterAside from a small eruption in 1994, the Irazú volcano has been dormant since the famous eruption. However, although frequent earthquake swarms indicate that magma still moves actively beneath the volcano. Irazú volcano has several craters, the most famous containing a green crater lake.

Getting There

Irazú volcano is easily accessible from Costa Rica's capital city, San José. Daily bus service takes visitors up a long road which leads directly to the top of the summit craters. Although days of clear visibility are rare at the summit of Irazú volcano, locals claim that it is possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on a clear day.