Join us for an exciting morning to a magnificent volcano where you can walk to the edge of the crater and take ample time to admire and marvel its surface and view both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on a clear day.

Besides admiring the enormous crater and breathtaking views, you'll be surrounded by 3,000 species of plants, including a spectacular collection of orchids. There are even some species of animals that manage to live in this severe and rugged area - coyotes, tiger cats, long-tailed weasels and some species of birds like the clay-colored robins.

The Irazu Volcano park covers 2,309 hectares (5,706 acres) and its highest point is 3,432 meters (approximately 10,300 feet) above sea level. There are two theories for the name "Irazu", one being that it's a combination of "ara" (point) and "tzu" (thunder), and the other being that it's named after "Istaru", a 16th century Indian palisade built in the nearby town of Cot. The park is remarkable because of its surreal lunar landscape. There are two main craters, one is called the "Diego de la Haya" crater that contains a strangely colored lake (some days it's light green and others it's red) and the other is 300 meters (900 feet) deep. Even the scarce and austere vegetation contributes to the other-worldly feeling of the place.

Another factor that contributes to the uniqueness and bizarre quality of the place is the temperature. The average temperature is only 7.3 c or 45 F, but frosts aren't uncommon, especially at night. Luckily, there is a snack wagon near the entrance that provides hot coffee and chocolate as well as food. There are also bathroom facilities and picnic tables near the parking lot.

On our way in or out, depending on how you feel, we'll take a stop by Bar Restaurant Linda Vista. As its name suggests, one can observe a breathtaking view from this restaurant, which is located at 2693 meters (8,000 feet); the owners boast about their restaurant being the highest one in all of Latin America! The quaint decoration includes an interesting collection of hundreds of business cards that are pinned to the walls. The Volcan Irazu is behaving itself, but it occasionally emits clouds of hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas at temperatures lower than 100 c. Visitors to the National Park are safe, since national and foreign institutions monitor volcanic and seismic activity. Apart from being safe, this park offers a unique and unusual panorama that is every want-to-be-an-astronaut's dream. Its 400 hectares of volcanic ash and scoria, as well as its strangely tinted lake have a strange beauty to them that you won't want to miss.

The first recorded eruption took place in 1723 during colonial times. Recently, from 1962-1965, among other phenomena, it spewed out a shower of ash that the trade winds blew as far as the city of San José. A large amount of volcanic fallout accumulated there over a period of three years, causing serious damage and disturbance to agriculture, industry, commerce, and in general, to all habitants, who were forced to change their daily customs to protect themselves from this unusual occurrence. For example cars, had to be driven with their lights on during the day because of the thick curtains of ash that blocked out the sunlight. Today, there are solfataras - areas that give off sulfurous gases and steam - on the surface of the volcano.

What to bring: camera, sweater or jacket, comfortable shoes, binoculars.

Includes: Transportation, Snack, Beverage, Park Entrance Fee

Price: $40 per person