The ascent to the summit of the Irazú Volcano is definitely one of the most popular excursions near Cartago, with spectacular drive through fields of coffee, potatoes and cabbages, replaced by dairy farms at higher levels. Set in its own national park, the Irazú Volcano rises to 3432m (11,260ft), the highest of the volcanoes around the Central Valley.
The geological history of Irazú Volcano over the past tens of millions of years has been deduced by geologists, but the first written record we have of its volcanic activity only dates back to 1723 when the Spanish Governor of Costa Rica, Diego de la Haya Fernández, chronicled an eruption that began in February of that year. It was a spectacular eruption  that threw columns of smoke and ash into the air and sent chunks of incandescent rock rolling down the sides of the volcano, all accompanied by much noise and periodic seismic activity. Since then, there are accounts of a dozen other eruptions, some equally violent, others milder. The last series of events was from 1962 to 1965.
The summit has a complex of four craters, surrounded by swatches of dramatic volcanic ash. On top of Irazú you will find several deep craters in this barren windswept terrain that is reminiscent of a moonscape (like the Turrialba Volcano). Diego de la Haya crater – named after the Spanish governor – has a lake that is pea-green in color, tinted by minerals in the volcanic rock. A large adjacent crater is 300m (1080ft) deep, and another nearby crater is wide and shallow and covered with black volcanic ash, inviting comparisons with the surface of the moon. Irazú has erupted regularly over historical time. In August of 1962, Irazú began belching steam and by early 1963 it was producing such considerable amounts of ash and rock that people living and farming on the upper slopes had to be evacuated. The prevailing easterly winds eventually brought fallout of volcanic ash over much of the Central Valley, including the capital city of San José. It is said that the ash first began to settle on the city the same day in March of 1963 that the former U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, arrived in town to meet with the presidents of Central America and promote his regional economic development plan known as the Alliance for Progress – an ominous portent indeed. For the next two years, ash continued to drift down on the residents of San José and much of the rest of the valley making life very unpleasant and causing eye irritations and respiratory problems for many people. Finally, in March of 1965, this period of volcanic activity subsided and by 1966 a rock plug had solidified and blocked off the vent. Since that the Irazú Volcano has been fairly quiet, apart from its minor eruption in 1994, when some fumaroles activity occurred. Volcanologists speculate that Irazú Volcano has been erupting for over 500 years. It has recently entered a dormant phase to the great relief of farmers and property owners along the slopes.
The landscape of Irazú Volcano National Park is the only place in the Central Volcanic Range system that has Rainforest and Sub-Alpine Paramo – wind-swept, treeless plains situated from 10,827 to 13,124 feet. The vegetation around the peak is predictably stunted, with blackened dwarf oaks, ferns, lichens, cedar trees, interspersed with poor man’s umbrella plants and patches of scrubby grass add to the area’s otherworldly feel. Upon nearing the summit the destructive forces of volcanism begin to become more noticeable with the presence of scorched dead tree trunks that are still standing. The high elevation itself, being just above the tree line at this latitude, keeps the vegetation from growing very tall, but the periodic devastating effects of eruptions help to keep plant life rather sparse. In such an environment, wildlife is obviously scarce, but a few birds – the aptly named Volcano Junco, the Volcano Hummingbird, the Sooty Robin and Woodpeckers – manage to survive. You can also find coyotes, rabbits, weasels and armadillos
There is a ranger station 2km (1.25 miles) below the summit which has a restaurant with restrooms, a gift shop at the top in the parking area, a picnic site with tables, toilets and a mobile café, plus a small visitor’s center. Two trails lead from the car park to the summit. Good visibility is essential for a visit to Irazú Volcano, but don’t be deterred by an apparent shroud of fog – the summit is often above the clouds and bathed in splendid sunshine. On a clear day the views can be staggering and it is sometimes possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. But don’t be fooled by the fact that Costa Rica is a tropical country; even here its cold at 3,400 meters with an average temperature on the summit of 7°C (45°F), overnight lows below freezing, so warm clothing is advisable. The wind chill on the summit can add to the sensation, too, so bring along several layers to assure comfort. The top of Irazú Volcano receives relatively little precipitation, with an annual average rainfall of just over two meters. The driest months are from December to April. The best time to view the craters is early in the morning, as cloud cover usually thickens after 10 a.m. Visitors during the dry season (December- April) are more likely to get clear views. A visit here is strictly a day trip, as there is no place to stay inside the park and camping is forbidden, but alternatively, visitors can book a full-day combo excursion that includes visits to Irazú, Lankester Botanical Gardens and the Orosi Valley.
Getting to Irazu Volcano National Park:
From San Jose, take the Pan-American Highway south to Cartago. Follow signs to the Irazu Volcano. There is a paved road that leads through the mountains and continues to the park where a small information center is located.
By bus
Take a bus from the route San Jose – Irazu Volcano, which takes about 1.5 hours (Buses Metrópoli, 2530-1064).
Location: 48km (30 miles) east of San Jose, in Cartago province.
GPS Coordinates: 9.978863,-83.835061 (9°58’37.20″N, 83°50’43.64″W)
Size: 2309ha (5705 acres)
Altitude: up to 3432m (11,260ft)
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Irazu Volcano National Park Ranger station Telephone: +(506) 2551-9398
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +(506) 2268-1587 / 2268-8091
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Irazú Volcano National Park in Cartago, Costa Rica at Google Maps
  
This National Park is located in the Central Volcanic Conservation Area of Costa Rica that encompasses the area around the Turrialba Volcano in Cartago Province, around 40 miles East of San Jose. Is one of the least visited parks in Costa Rica in spite of the volcano still being active and that last major eruptions were between 1864 and 1868. Turrialba Volcano ruled the valley quietly until, in 2001, it again showed signs of gentle activity. Of its three craters, the central one is the deepest and most active – which measures a massive 164 feet in diameter – presenting two conic structures with sulfuric steam, vapors and fumaroles. In December 2007, the volcano erupted again, spewing gas, vapor and white ash down its mountainside. No animals, crops or humans were hurt during the eruption, but access to the national park was immediately restricted, and scientists descended upon the again-active Turrialba Volcano for research purposes, proving the volcano remained safe for exploration. Though the volcano’s flanks are painted with greenery and dripping with moisture, Turrialba’s summit is best compared to the moon’s cratered rocky landscape. Take note that temperatures fall as altitude increases; the top of the volcano averages a chilly 59°F, and temperatures often dip much lower. Its peak sits at 3328m (10,919ft) above sea level and shares its foundation in 1955 with Irazú Volcano – that’s why they are often called “twin volcanoes” – and protects a 4 km diameter around the volcano. Turrialba is a large, densely forested volcano, but in January of 2009, some acid rain killed a lot of vegetation around the volcano. Three well-defined craters lie in the upper section of a broad summit depression.
It gets its name from early Spanish settlers as Torre Alba or Torre Blanca; its name was changed to Turrialba later. The reason of its name is the observed plumes of smoke pouring from its top. The Turrialba Volcano is the second tallest volcano in Costa Rica after the Irazú. There are three recognizable craters and a number of hiking trails in the park and once on the crater rim there are superb 360° views. The upper slopes are clothed with premontane forest, with rainforest lower down full of ferns, bamboos, orquids and bromeliads. There is a wide variety of wildlife with more than 84 bird species, 11 species of mammals and other wildlife. There is no ranger station, but the Turrialba Volcano Lodge, just outside of the park, offers organized tours. Although it has relatively easy access, the summit can only be reached  by foot.
The Turrialba Volcano National Park offers some wonderful exploration opportunities for the adventurous traveler, presents some wonderful summit scenic views, of the lush surrounding landscape including the Poás, Irazú and Barva Volcanoes in the distance. Definitely worth a visit, it is unfortunate that the park is not well developed like its other counterparts.
Getting to Turrialba Volcano National Park:
From San José take the highway toward Cartago and Irazú Volcano. Take the exit toward Pacayas and continue until La Pastora. The road makes a double left, and you can continue until you reach the cafe Danza con Nubes, where you will be able to park.
By bus
Take a bus from the route San Jose – Turrialba, which takes about 2 hours (Transtusa, 2556-4233). From here you can rent a car take a taxi to Turrialba Volcano National Park, which takes about 20 minutes.
Location: 71km (44 miles) east of San Jose in Cartago province.
GPS Coordinates: 10.004100,-83.779464 (10°0’14.76″N, 83°46’46.07″W)
Size: 1257ha (4124 acres)
Altitude: up to 3328m (10,919ft)
Schedule: up to 30-minute maximum stay for safety purposes.
Turrialba Volcano National Park Telephone: +(506) 2534-1079 / 2538-6060
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +(506) 2268-1587 / 2268-8091
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO La Pastora, Cartago, Costa Rica at Google Maps
Guayabo National Park is Costa Rica’s most important and largest archaeological area so far discovered. Although Guayabo cannot be compared with some Aztec and Maya sites further north in Central America, it is nevertheless of great importance as it gives a fascinating insight into the way of life of the people who lived here 2500 years ago, in pre-Colombian times.
Guayabo is part of the cultural region known as the Central Intermontane and Atlantic Basin, which is located in the premontane rain forest life zone, and as such has mild temperatures and abundant rain fall. The site was discovered in the late 1800′s, most probably by colonists who were clearing the land for coffee plantations, and in 1882 the first excavations took place under the guidance of Anastasio Alfaro, who was director of the National Museum at that time. Following those initial digs, many years passed until in 1968 Carlos Aguilar, working through the University of Costa Rica, established a program of permanent excavations on the site. Much of what is known today about Guayabo is owed to the efforts of Aguilar and his colleagues. Realizing its importance, the government made Guayabo a protected site on August 13th, 1973, when 65ha were preserved due to their archeological significance. In 1980, another executive decree enlarged the site to its present 217ha, mainly to protect areas of forested habitat along the Guayabo River canyon.
Although there is evidence that people may have inhabited in the area since as much as 2,500 years ago, it was only during a 500 year period from 1200 to 700 years ago that Guayabo reached its summit both culturally and politically. Based on the geographic position of the site, in the mountains between the Atlantic coast and the Central Valley, and the excellent quality of the craftsmanship found in excavated pieces of ceramics, stone, and gold, it is thought that this chieftainship was one of power and privilege. However, for unknown reasons, prior to the beginning of the Spanish Conquest in the New World, this once thriving indigenous settlement slid into decline and finally abandonment.
The main problem at Guayabo National Monument is a shortage of funds and as the initial US grant has dwindled away, the future looks bleak. The site covers some 20ha (50 acres), of which only about one tenth has been excavated. In fact, archeologists estimate that half of the village area still awaits excavation. The excavations have revealed paved roads, bridges, houses, temple foundations, retaining walls, mounds used as bases for dwellings, open and closed aqueducts -many of which are still operative- tanks for storing water from the aqueducts and burial sites. Guayabo held a prominent political and religious position, and in the surrounding area there were villages holding an estimated population of around 1,500 to 2,000 people. What has emerged is a township that may have supported as many as 10,000 people up to around AD1400, after which the site was abandoned. The reason why it was abandoned is not clear yet. It could have been an epidemic or perhaps a war with a neighboring tribe. The site appears to have been populated from the year 1000 B.C. although the local  chiefdom developed most around 300 to 700 A.D. when the stone structures that can be seen today were built. It appears to have been abandoned around the year 1400 A.D.
It is clear that the inhabitants were skillful in water management, having built aqueducts (some still functioning) and water storage tanks. They were also able to bring large stones from distance, some of which bear petroglyphs and monoliths – which was the objects that catch most of the visitors’ attention –showing an Alligator and a Jaguar, suggesting a primitive form of written language. The latter are everywhere and some have as yet undeciphered symbols. The more valuable gold and ceramic artifacts with other archaeological pieces found on the site are now in the National Museum in San Jose.
The areas near the archaeological site show secondary vegetation, product of a former wood extraction operation. In the Guayabo River Canyon near the protected area, is an example of the high evergreen forests typical of the region, with trees like the elm (Ulmus mexicana) and the manni (Symphonia globulifera). Nevertheless, there is little animal life due to the small area covered.
The fact that surrounding land is protected has fortunately meant that sizeable chunk of pre-montane forest has survived on the site, supporting a rich and varied bird life. In fact, the colonial nests of Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma), are common, as well as hummingbirds such as the Crowned Woodnymph and Rofus-crested Coquette have been seen, along with the Green Honeycreeper, the Collared Aricari of the toucan family and billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus). Other wildlife includes the Nine-banded Armadillo and Blue Morpho butterfly, the White-nosed coatis (Nasua narica), the margay (Leopardus wiedii), Central American Coral Snake and there is a good variety of orchids.
The protected area is the only remaining pre-Columbian settlement in the country. Though significantly smaller than similar remains in Latin America, the Guayabo Monument National Park is a fascinating place to visit. In fact, currently some 20,000 tourists visit the park annually to witness the still functioning aqueducts that supplied the whole village with water. A large portion of its cobblestone roads remain intact and reveal the intricate layout of the village that dates back to the year 1,400 B.C.
The park recently received the International Engineering World Heritage Award thanks to its aqueduct system as well as road system. Turrialba hotels are normally in the Bed & Breakfast category and are conveniently located near the park. Other areas of interest near Guayabo include the Turrialba Volcano, white water rafting  on the Pacuare River and coffee tours among others.
There is a ranger station with an exhibition full of pre-Colombian artifacts found on the site, which is 50 m in before the park entrance; this is the start of a trail that goes down to the Guayabo River. In the Monument there is an archaeological research station, an exhibition room, a viewing point from which the whole archaeological area can be seen and a picnic area with tables, camping area, toilets and drinking water. There is a bus service between Turrialba and Colonia Guayabo, a town located 2 km before the park. In Turrialba there are hotels, restaurants and markets, and taxis can be hired.
Getting to Guayabo National Monument:
Take the road East from San José to Cartago and take the exit following the signs to Guayabo National Monument and Turrialba Volcano National Park on Route No.230, passing through the villages of Cot, Pacayas, Capellades and La Pastora to Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz turn left always following the signs and continue for about 10 km (6 miles )until you reach the Guayabo National Monument.
Another option, which is slightly longer and with more curves, is taking the road from San José to Cartago and taking the exit to Paraiso on Route No.10 until you reach Turrialba. From the city of Turrialba, continue for about 18 km (11 miles), following the signs to the Guayabo National Monument.
By bus
Take a bus from the route San Jose – Turrialba, (Transtusa, 2556-4233 / 2222-4464) which takes about 1.5 hours, and then take another bus with the route Turrialba – Guayabo (Transportes Rivera, 2556-0362) which takes about 1 hour.
Location: 18km (11 miles) northeast of Turrialba town in Cartago, Costa Rica
GPS Coordinates: 9.970467,-83.690146 (9°58’13.68″N, 83°41’24.52″W)
Size: 232ha (573 acres)
Altitude: from 1200m (3937ft) rising to 1300m (4265ft)
Schedule: from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Guayabo National Monument Telephone: +(506) 2559-1220 / 2559-0117
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +(506) 2551-9398 / 2268-8091
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica at Google Maps
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