PARQUE NACIONAL VOLCÁN IRAZÚ

The ascent to the lunar craters is worthwhile when the weather is good and will open up superb views of the Central Valley. The most famous crater had been drained of water in recent years, but now the small lagoon has reformed to our delight. Nature is restless: during a landslide in 2019, rocks of several tons fell into the lagoon, altering the color of the water and causing a small tsunami in the calm waters of the crater. The Irazu volcano, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, offers a natural immersion in a completely different universe: the vegetation is rare on this still active volcano, the landscapes are of an almost unreal character. From the parking lot, at the top of the volcano, a path goes along the first crater and leads to the smallest. The walk is quickly dispatched and we judge all the same that the price of this park is excessive. In good weather, it is possible to see the two oceans, but unless you go there at daybreak, between January and April, the opportunity is rare. Bring clothes to protect you from the ashes, the rain (2,158 mm of precipitation per year) and to escape the cold feeling when you get out of the car (average temperature: 7.30°C). At an altitude of almost 3,500 m, the wind is quite strong. From the road on your left, coming down from the volcano, you will be able to admire the Turrialba volcano - provided, once again, that the sky is clear enough!