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Irazú Volcano, Orosí Valley and Lankester Gardens

Enjoy a full day of nature and culture on this sightseeing tour to three iconic places in the Cartago province.

Duration
10 Hours
Transportation
Included
Certified
Tour Guide
Mytanfeet
Customer Service

Description

On this full day tour, you'll traverse winding mountain roads to reach Costa Rica's tallest volcano: Irazu Volcano. Irazu Volcano sits at 3,432 meters or 11,260 ft, up in the cloud forest with sweeping views of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Once at the national park, you will walk a short trail over to the stratovolcano's craters, to admire the impressive natural power under our feet. Although active, Irazu Volcano has only produced fumaroles in the recent years. 

Afterwards, the tour takes you to the city of Cartago, Costa Rica's first capital city, to stop at the country's most important basilica: Virgin of the Angels Basilica, also home to the yearly pilgrimage.

After a quick visit at the Basilica, the tour goes to the last stop, the Lankester Botanical Gardens. Operated by the University of Costa Rica, the gardens is an important orchid research center, with more than 800 species of orchids in its exhibits. They even have the world's smallest orchid, amongst many other extraordinary flora.

Finally, you'll enjoy views of the Orosi Valley, stop at one of the last remaining colonial churches in Costa Rica and refuel with a delicious traditional lunch at a lakeside restaurant.

Tour highlights

  • See Costa Rica's tallest volcano and its craters.
  • Enjoy beautiful views of the Orosi Valley.
  • Stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica in Cartago - Costa Rica's most important Basilica.
  • Tour Lankester Botanical Gardens, an important orchid research center and home to the world's smallest orchid.
  • Visit the ruins of one of the oldest churches, Ruinas de Ujarrás.
  • Suitable for all ages.

Watch the tour video

What is included?

Included

  • Entrance fees
  • Spanish and English bilingual guide
  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Lunch
  • Taxes and fees

Before you go

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be given upon tour booking.
  • Tour must be prepaid in full to book.
  • These are shared experiences.
  • Babies 0 to 2 years old pay a fee for the space in the bus and respective car seat.
  • Parents are responsible for the food for babies ages 0-2.
  • Requires 2 people booking to operate.
  • Pick up time between 6-7 AM.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking clothes and shoes.
  • Rain jacket/poncho in rainy season.
  • Warm sweater or jacket for Irazu Volcano.
  • Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent.

Request this tour

We offer a 7% discount for adults and children for this tour. Our prices include all Costa Rican taxes and we never charge booking fees. What you see is exactly what you'll pay. While other websites might show lower initial prices, they often add taxes and fees at the end, Mytanfeet believes in transparent pricing from the start.

If you can't see the booking form below, please try refreshing the page or contact us for assistance.

Your questions answered

Is the walk to the Irazu Volcano craters long?

No. The walk to the first crater is only around 90 meters or 300 feet and then you walk a short loop back to the entrance. The path is a paved concrete path and flat. You will spend about 1 hour at the crater.

Do the craters have water?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the conditions and the activity of the volcano.

Is Irazu Volcano going to erupt?

It is currently active but its last eruption was in 1994. It is now producing gas and steam.

Do we have a guided tour at Lankester?

Yes, your guide will take you on a guided walk through the botanical garden so you can learn more about the research center and the orchids. The walk is easy on a paved path, and takes about 1 hour.

Is there anywhere to stop for breakfast?

No, the tour will not stop for breakfast. Please have breakfast before you get picked up or bring food on the bus. You will make one stop before the first stop, Irazu Volcano National Park, at a convenience store where you can get drinks, snacks, pastries and fruit.

Lunch will be at the end of the tour, before going back to San Jose.

What are the driving times to the places?

San Jose to Irazu Volcano National Park is approximately 1.5 hours.Irazu Volcano National Park to Cartago (Basilica) is approximately 50 minutes.The Basilica to Lankester Botanical Gardens is approximately 8 minutes.Lankester Botanical Gardens to San Jose is approximately 1 hour.

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