Irazu Volcano National Park

Costa Rica's Irazu Volcano is an active stratovolcano which is constantly monitored by OVISCORI-UNA. The last major eruptions were from 1963-1965, with intermittent small eruptions and lava flows since.

The unusual bright greenish yellow coloring of the lake at Diego de la Haya Crater is caused by rainfall dissolving the minerals along the craters walls. The lake is also closely monitored for changes in chemistry and temperature.

From San Jose, Costa Rica,  take the highway to Cartago. From there, an asphalt paved road winds through the mountains all the way to the visitor center. and scenic overlook at Irazu Volcano Costa Rica.

Lying just east of the capital city of San Jose, massive Irazu is Costa Rica's highest volcano at 3,432 meters. It is also one of the most active, with a history of frequent eruptions recorded from 1723. It last erupted in 1963-'65, sending tephra* and secondary mudflows into cultivated areas. Irazu's summit crater contains a small lake.

The visitor center and scenic overlook at the volcano area has a small coffee shop and tables, and is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm.




The Prusia Sector was once known as the Ruben Torres Rojas Forest Reserve. To the southwest of the volcano, it is now known as the Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno Recreation Area, and has trails and camping available. This park zone is the site of a reforestation project to restore the area which was destroyed by the major eruptions of 1963-65. Contact the ranger station at 506-551-9398