From San José to Irazú Volcano

One of the most beautiful scenarios of Costa Rican nature is Irazú Volcano. A few kilometers north from Cartago, this magnificent piece of volcanic engineering through the centuries offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. There are a few ways to get to the Volcano, all of them offering the perfect landscape for a short, maybe one day trip.

The fastest and most traditional way to get to the Irazú, is taking the highway that goes out of San José Downtown, passing through San Pedro and Curridabat, both urban suburbs at the East border of the city. Following the highway is easy to get to Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica.

In this historic town you will find the famous ruins of a never-completed cathedral, destroyed by a major earthquake in 1910. There is also the Basilica de los Ángeles, a landmark as an architectural art piece and a symbol of the religiousness of Costa Rican people, who every year on August 2nd walk to the Basilica from all corners of the country on a pilgrimage to honor the Costa Rica's patron saint, the Virgin of Angels.

The road leading northeast from the Basilica continues to Irazú. You will pass then by a town named Cot, an agricultural town on the slopes of the volcano featuring a variety of crop fields, where most of Costa Rican vegetables are produced. From the heights this part of the land looks like a patchwork of coffee fields, potato, carrot and onion plantations. Little houses painted in bright orange, yellow, green and light blue are placed at the side of the road.

When you get to a Y-junction just below Cot, you will see a statue of Jesus with his arms outstretched. They say this Christ is embracing the whole valley. The road on your right leads to Pacayas, Turrialba and Juan Viñas. These are agricultural towns often covered with sugar cane plantations. Forward to the west you will find your way to Guayabo National Monument, the most important archaeological site in Costa Rica.

If you decide for the left road in the intersection, this way will take you directly to the Irazú Volcano. Irazú is the largest (covering nearly 200 square miles) and tallest (11,260 feet) volcano in Costa Rica. In a clear day you can see both oceans from the highest peaks. The weather is almost always cold and windy. The rocky landscape gives you the sensation of a walk on the moon. The surroundings are completely covered by a deep vegetation, primary and secondary forest where flora and fauna are abundant.

While on the road, watch out for eventual heavy rain and sliding roads during the green season. There are great typical restaurants on your way down the volcano, don't miss the opportunity to have a delicious Costa Rican lunch after visiting one of the greatest natural beauties of the country.