Irazu Volcano: Day Trips and Tours from San José

One of the most active points of seismic activity in Costa Rica, Irazú Volcano is a must-visit spot for all geology buffs and adventure enthusiasts. This towering peak is home to lake-filled craters and its surrounding national park is brimming with bountiful rainforests, which showcase the country’s natural splendor perfectly.

Just a stone’s throw from the capital, Irazú Volcano day trips from San José are easy to arrange and provide you with plenty of opportunities to explore further into this central region of the country.

Here's all you need to know about Irazú Volcano, one of the most exciting day trips from San José.

How to get to Irazú Volcano from San José?

Irazú Volcano is located in the province of Cartago in Central Costa Rica. It is approximately 50 kilometers east of the country’s capital, San José.

From San José to Irazú Volcano by car

The journey to Irazú Volcano by car takes just over an hour and begins by heading east out of San José via Route 204. You’ll then join Route 215, which you’ll follow as far as Cipreses where you’ll merge onto Route 2 for just over 10 kilometers. You’ll then utilize Route 219, which leads you the rest of the way to Irazú Volcano.

From San José to Irazú Volcano by public transport

Those without access to a car can instead make the jaunt to Irazú Volcano from San José via public transport. A bus connects the two destinations three times per day and takes just over 1.5 hours to reach the natural attraction, making this a simple, and budget-friendly alternative to renting a car.

Guided tour to Irazú Volcano from San José

Alternatively, book a guided excursion to Irazú Volcano and let someone else take care of the transportation details for you. These organized day trips typically last between 5 and 10 hours depending on whether you wish to see additional destinations, and you’ll benefit from a convenient accommodation pickup service before 8 AM.

In order to arrange this, you’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list upon booking and, on the day of your tour, await collection from a friendly guide in the lobby at a predetermined time. Once your adventure is over, you’ll be returned to the same spot to spend the rest of the day relaxing or head out into the city center for a spot of sightseeing.

How much does the entrance ticket to Irazú Volcano cost?

The admission fee for Irazú Volcano allows the governing body to ensure the park is well-run at all times.

• Resident adults (ages 13+): CRC1,000 (US$2)
• Foreign adults (ages 13+): US$15
• Resident children (ages 2-12): CRC500 (US$1)
• Foreign children (ages 2-12): US$5
• Resident seniors (ages 65+): Free
• Children (ages 0-2): Free

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Irazú Volcano day trip has its own unique itinerary, every excursion shares similarities. After being collected from your hotel, you’ll drive the short distance to Irazú Volcano National Park where you’ll disembark your vehicle and stretch your legs as you stroll through the site with your guide.

While the national park isn’t among the largest in Costa Rica, you’ll gain lots of insightful knowledge about its volcano and have the opportunity to journey up to its summit to enjoy panoramic views that stretch as far as both the Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.

From here, you may return to San José, however, many Irazú Volcano day tours continue on to other significant landmarks in the province, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago or the Orosi Valley. If your excursion lasts all day, a lunch stop will be scheduled into the itinerary, which is usually included in the tour price.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Irazú Volcano?

There are several different types of Irazú Volcano day tours to choose from, depending on your personal travel style and the destinations you wish to visit while in Costa Rica.

Half-day guided tour to Irazú Volcano from San José

Those with limited time can select a half-day tour to Irazú Volcano, which begins early and heads directly to your main destination. You’ll wander around the site with a guide who will fill you in on the history of the volcano, which stretches back over 800,000 years, as well as its eruptions over the centuries.

Then, you’ll travel to the highest point in the park, from which you’ll gain panoramic views of the area’s breathtaking surroundings.

Before returning to San José, you’ll pay a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels — a famous Byzantine construction that replaced an older 17th-century place of worship, which was destroyed by an earthquake.

Day trip to Irazú Volcano plus Cartago and Orosi from San José

If you’re looking to tick several locations off your Costa Rican bucket list, choose a combination day trip to Irazú Volcano. Alongside the natural phenomenon, you’ll also visit the city of Cartago to marvel at its religious monuments and the verdant Orosi Valley.

Here, you can admire endless rolling hills, as well as the Colonial Church of Orosi — the oldest of Costa Rica’s Catholic churches that pays a nod to the country’s colonial past.

Day tour to Irazú Volcano plus Turrialba Volcano from San José

Marvel at spectacular views from Irazú Volcano on this day trip from San José. From there, you’ll visit a local food outlet where you can choose from an array of Costa Rican specialties, popular dishes of which may include casados, gallo pinto and sopa negra.

Once you’ve refueled, you’ll journey to your second volcano of the day, Turrialba, which is over a million years old and is still erupting periodically. Seek out the surrounding waterfalls, which tumble into glistening pools below, on foot before making your way back to San José.

How much does a day trip to Irazú Volcano from San José cost?

A half-day trip to Irazú Volcano takes place in a group limited to 20 travelers and has a minimum booking requirement of two people. You’ll pay between US$100 and US$110 each, and this includes comfortable roundtrip transportation, as well as the services of a knowledgeable guide and refreshments.

Day tours to Irazú Volcano and Turrialba Volcano also have a minimum booking requirement of two individuals, and cost US$140 per person.

If you opt for a day tour to Cartago and Orosi, as well as Irazú Volcano, you’ll pay between US$170 and US$180 per solo traveler. However, the price per head reduces to US$130 each if you travel in a party of two or more. Alongside transportation and a guided tour, you’ll also benefit from a local lunch included in the price.

What will you see and do?

Measuring over 3,400 meters high, Irazú Volcano is the tallest of all active volcanoes in Costa Rica and its surrounding national park covers more than 5,700 acres. The volcano has five craters, the most famed of which is Diego de la Haya, known for its color-changing lake.

This waterway is often a greenish-yellow color, however, at times it can appear red. Its appearance is due to the minerals present in the soil around the water's edge. Irazú experiences regular seismic activity and, since records began in 1723, has erupted more than 20 times.

One of the most active periods for this volcano was during the 1960s when its frequent eruptions caused destruction to the city of Cartago, as well as severe ashfall that affected residents as far as San José. While views from Irazú extend as far as the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the peak is usually blanketed in a thick layer of cloud, which affects visibility.

What are the opening times?

The Irazú Volcano National Park is open to visitors every day of the year from 8 AM to 3:30 PM.

When is the best time to visit Irazú Volcano?

The best time to visit Irazú Volcano is in the dry season (December to April). During this time the skies are clear, providing excellent views from the summit. Moreover, during the dry season, the chances of cloud cover obstructing the view of the volcano's crater are minimal.

What other tours can you do from San José?

• Arenal Volcano day tours from San José
• Manuel Antonio National Park day tours from San José
• Poas Volcano day tours from San José
• Sarapiqui River day tours from San José
• Tortuguero National Park day tours from San José

Travel tips

• Due to its altitude, temperatures at the summit can be much cooler than in the valley below. Dress in layers so you can adjust accordingly.
• Despite the cooler temperatures, the sun can be intense. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain at the volcano.
• There are limited food options at the park, so it's a good idea to bring some snacks and enough water with you.