Community - Irazú Volcano National Park

Irazu is an active volcano standing 3,432 meters (11,257 feet) tall. Records only date back to 1723, but they show Irazu was erupting at that time. (In fact, tale has it that the name, derived from indigenous languages during the Spanish colonization, means "thunderous mountain.") The last full eruption was in 1963 when the Central Valley was covered in nearly two feet of ash, clogging rivers with enormous airborne boulders and causing flooding with mud slides of disastrous proportions. Today, it merely lets off steam, but as with any volcano, one never knows when that will change.

The park enclosing the volcano was established in 1955 to protect the area around Irazu for study of both the volcano itself and the resultant vegetation and soil conditions. (link to pictures of Irazu)

On your way to the park, you'll notice fertile farmlands, benefiting from the rich nutrients of the volcanic soils. However, some of the landscape at the top is almost stark, resembling the moon's surface. Black lava with both smooth, flowing curves and huge, gaping cracks and crevices covers the sides of the steaming peak.

There are actually four craters at the summit, two with lakes in them. (link to picture #1 of Crater) Hikers will love the many trails that wind through the park. Some take you to miradors, or lookouts, and some get you even closer to the summit, it just depends on what kind of hiking you want to do. (It has been reported that on a clear day, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from the top of Irazu!) The vegetation can be very thick and certain trails can be very steep, so take comfortable shoes with good traction. And the summit can be chilly, so remember to take a sweater, along with rain gear, just in case.

(link to the following pictures)
1. view of crater from the top - #42 – 103-0315 IMG.jpg 2003-07-26
2. view looking at the crater and lower viewing area -#43 - 103 – 0306 IMG.jpg 2003-07-26
3. On top of the world (it was cold) - #36 – 103-0309 IMG.jpg 2003-07-26
4. Be careful of your step - #56- 103-0310 IMG.jpg 2003-07-26