Travel

Irazu Volcano National Park: Things to do, see and eat

Published

2 months ago

April 15, 2023

Irazu-Volcano-National-Park.jpg - Costa Rica Digital News

Irazu Volcano is the highest volcano in Costa Rica, but it actually doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to visit. It´s an ideal option for families and elders.

Easily accessible and close to the city, it’s one of the favorite destinations for one-day tours that leave from San Jose. It’s also a popular spot for locals to visit over the weekends.

Usually, when we are driving to San Jose, we see a lot of mountains that surround the beautiful landscape of the central valley. We always try to figure out which mountains are one of the 3 volcanoes: Poas, Barva, or Irazu because they are next to each other.

The ones that are the most popular with the tourists are Poas Volcano and Irazu volcano, which are currently actives volcanoes.

If you are planning to a volcano during your time in Costa Rica, we’ve got you covered with these travel guide tips to help you plan your own visit.

General information

Entrance fee and schedule:

Make sure you buy your ticket online before you get there at Sinac’s Website.

You will have to create a username and password and then inside the website choose the wildlife area Parque Nacional Irazu – Sector Crater because also there is another area that you can visit that it´s called: Sector Prusia but here you can´t see the volcano.

Select the schedule that you prefer and payment. You will have to present this at the entrance.

$15 per person for foreigners
$5 per child (2-12)
Open every day from 8:00 am until 3:30 pm. Try to get there by 2:00 pm at the latest.

COVID Regulations: Basically the same as the rest of the country, wear your mask and wash your hands. The place is wide open so we saw people without masks inside the crater.

- Costa Rica Digital News — Entrance at Irazu Volcano

Parking Lot:

They charge 1100 colones per car, which is around $2, and you pay at the souvenir shop inside the park. You can pay with card.

Weather:

The weather is much cooler than other parts of Costa Rica because of the elevation. When we visited in June, it was around 8 ℃ (around 46 ℉). That day was sunny in the morning and rained in the afternoon. For that reason we recommend to visit as early as you can.

Altitude:

3432 meters (11,260 feet). Some people has felt altitude sickness in this national park.

Type of forest:

How to get to Irazu Volcano from San Jose

If you are in San Jose, you will have to drive to the east side to Cartago providence. From there, it will be 32 kilometers (19 miles) to the volcano entrance.

Depending on the traffic, it will take 1.5 or 2 hours from San Jose. You can find directions on Waze.

What to do in Irazu Volcano National Park

The Irazu Volcano is divided into two sections where the craters are located and also the Prusia sector, which is more popular for locals to go hiking.

The last period of strong volcanic activity took place between 1963 and 1965 with a lot of ash and volcanic dust that reached the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.

In the main area of the National Park, there are three main craters on the top.

After you park the car, there are restrooms and a coffee shop with some picnic tables. Then you can start walking on a 300-foot paved trail and see the craters.

The park is not too big, so the map at the main entrance will be enough to understand where you need to walk.

Diego de la Haya crater: To your right this is the first crater that you will see. It’s an inactive circular crater, 690 meters in diameter and 80 meters deep.

Not much to see, honestly.

Main Crater: “El principal” is active and almost circular. It’s 1050 meters in diameter and 250 to 300 meters deep.

There is where you will see a temporary lagoon that used to be greenish yellow and now is a green-turquoise color.

The new color of the lagoon made me want to swim in the 230 meters across and 14-20 meters deep of beautiful turquoise pool on that sunny day at the volcano.

Of course, that will only happen in my imagination! But I love the new color of the volcano lagoon that changed few years ago.

Playa Hermosa: After you walk the craters, you can explore walking on the opposite side of the craters. This area, called “Hermosa beach,” is very flat, and if it’s rainy it will be a little muddy. It’s surrounded by beautiful vegetation typical of the cloud forest.

Highest viewpoint: You can walk or drive to this area.

We drove from the parking lot and it’s on your right. You can park there, and if it’s sunny like the day we went, you can see the volcano lagoon and also there is a building that looks abandoned but we saw some people taking pictures from the top.

If the day is cloudy, it might not be worth it to go.

Things to do around Irazu Volcano area

Stop in one of the restaurants on the way to the Irazu Volcano

After our visit to the volcano, we were hungry. Right outside the National Park entrance, you will see some locals that sell coffee and empanadas in some sort of food truck.

There are also some souvenirs and fresh products that they produce in the area.

Tip: If you don’t want to carry food, buying inside the park is quite expensive. You might want to buy something here and take a snack to eat later in the picnic area inside the park.

We stopped for lunch in one of the restaurants that are on the way to the volcano that is popular because of all the papers they have on the walls. It’s called: Linda Vista.

Los sueños del Irazu restaurant is another option just down the route from the main entrance.

There are several options along the way. Wherever you see tourist buses will be a good sign that the tour guides trust that place. We also visited Mi Tierra Restaurant one — it is very popular in the area.

So take the chance to try the local food, because this area produces vegetables with a good quality of volcanic soil.

Visit Sanatorio Duran

This is a popular place for locals to visit during the weekends, especially youth that are looking for pictures in this “haunted” looking place with an interesting vibe.

When you are going down the volcano, you will see to your right infrastructure with space to park the cars and a view of what looks like a huge old mansion. Well, if you keep driving and take a right at the next turn, you will get to Sanatorio Duran Farm, a historical building with a lot of myths that locals love to visit.

Visit Prusia Sector

Here is another popular place that locals love to visit to take pictures, run trails, or just hike.

Unfortunately, this area is part of the National Park, but with a different administrative office, so they will charge the entrance fee again.

Remember to book online at Sinac entrance as we mentioned before.

They have 10 trails (around 16 kilometers).

There is a camping area, picnic areas and a forest with a lot of pine trees. For Costa Ricans, this is very different than the rest of the tropical forest.

You can enjoy hiking here, and if you like photography, I think you would like it.

If you are looking for animals, this might not be the place for you.

Enjoy the Landscape

The drive to the top of the volcano is gorgeous. You can stop and take pictures on the way.

Some people go to the flower fields if they are accessible to take pictures. However, technically you are on private property, so it may not be the best idea. At least you should pay the entrance fee — some of these places offer access for $2.

If not, you will still get nice spots with beautiful landscapes to enjoy and take pictures!

Other recommendations

What to wear: Dress warmly and bring a rain jacket, umbrella or poncho in case it starts raining. Wear long pants, for sure.
The best time to visit is in March and April.
Sunscreen will be a good option. Even when there is high elevation, the sun rays are more perpendicular and we got burned that day.
Try to get there as soon as the park opens. Around 9:30 most of the tourist buses arrive, and also if you get early you can enjoy your time around the area and visit other places.

If you are interested to learn more about other National Parks that we have visited similar to Irazu Volcano, check the links below:

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Travel

Costa Ricans Will NoLonger Need a Visa for Traveling to Canada ⋆

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2023

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As of this Tuesday, January 6^th, the Government of Canada has eliminated the visa requirement for Costa Rican citizens who wish to travel to Canadian soil. In its place, a new, simpler and cheaper requirement known as Electronic Travel Authorization has been established, according to a press release sent by the Canadian government to airlines.

Previously, Costa Ricans had to apply for a Canadian visa, which cost $100, that is, around 54,000 colones. However, with the implementation of this new measure, the Electronic Travel Authorization has a cost of $5.5 dollars, approximately 3 thousand colones.

How to apply

The Electronic Travel Authorization is valid for up to five years or until the expiration date of the passport, whichever comes first.In order to apply for this Electronic Travel Authorization, Costa Rican citizens must meet the following requirements established by the Department of Refugees and Citizenship of Canada:

First, they must travel to Canada by air using a current and valid passport.
Second, at the time of applying for the Electronic Travel Authorization, the traveler must have had a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in the last 10 years or hold a valid non-immigrant visa for the United States.

Third, the visit to Canada must be of short duration, with stays of no more than six months, intended for tourism or business purposes.

Other countries

Other countries that will benefit from this Canadian measure are: Panama, Uruguay, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, the Philippines, Seychelles and Morocco.

With this new provision, the Government of Canada seeks to streamline the entry process for Costa Ricans and strengthen tourism and trade ties between the two nations.

Relocate to beach work remote — RESONANCE – Shifting Reality
For those who have experienced shifts in consciousness and know that more peace, joy, and love awaits in a better living environment. A bold shared vision. A living community and hub for innovation. A sustainable ecosystem for living and working. A model for the new future.

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Travel

Guanacaste Airport Registered Visitation Records during March 2023

Published

4 weeks ago

May 15, 2023

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During March 2023, Guanacaste Airport had the largest number of passengers transiting through the terminal, reaching 553,991; that is, 29% above the number registered in 2022 during the same period. The number of passengers also set a record that month, registering 184,617, more than those recorded on January 2023.

Additionally, on March 11th was the busiest day in the history of the airport, with 9,922 tourists. “We have witnessed the growth in tourist visits, which fills us with joy, since the recovery has been faster than projected after the so-called ‘zero season’ in 2020″, said Rebeca Álvarez, director of the Chamber Guanacaste Tourism.

Prioritizing the quality of the destination and services

The Daniel Oduber reached, on average, 89% of seats occupied during the first quarter of the year, with the main tourist source markets being Toronto, Houston and Miami. For César Jaramillo, general manager of the airport, these figures are the result of the airline attraction plans that they promoted, as well as the consolidation of the province where it is located, as an attractive and aspirational destination. “Guanacaste Airport provides positive mobility, attracting visitors who value our offer more, who prioritize the quality of the destination and our services”, said Jaramillo.

At Resonance, we aspire to live in harmony with the natural world as a reflection of our gratitude for life. Visit and subscribe at Resonance Costa Rica Youtube Channel https://youtube.com/@resonanceCR

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Travel

How to make reservations for Cerro Chirripó National Park 2021-2022

Published

2 months ago

April 15, 2023

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Updated: October 2021

Cerro Chirripó in Costa Rica is the highest mountain with an altitude of 3,820 meters (12,533 feet) with a protected extension area of 50 thousand hectares (123,552.69 acres) of land.

This makes this place to be visited by many local and foreign travelers.

However, the difference between this and other national parks, is that this summit cannot be reached just for the day (Well, there are some exceptions, and some people have done it in one day and maybe Alex Honnold will do it as well LOL) but I think is essential to be fit for that!

Now if you are considering visiting Cerro Chirripo National Park and expect to stay at the base camp for a least one night.

Here is where the reservations process comes across, so we will share with you the steps that you need to follow.

Note: The all reservation process is component by two different entities that need to be contacted:

SINAC: This is an institution from the government and the permits are bought through them. They manage the offline/online permits for the national parks in Costa Rica.

CRC Chirripó: This is a local organization created by neighbors from San Gerardo de Rivas and surrounding communities. They managed things like lodging at Crestones Base Camp, food, supplies and horses haul gear up the mountain.

IMPORTANT:

We (Ligia and Rodrigo) DON’T work directly with SINAC or CRC Chirripó. For this reason, we are NOT able to assist you with reservations at the last minute.

For example, Some readers have contacted us to book their permits for Cerro Chirripó and they contact us around 1 month before their arrival to the country which makes it too difficult to find space.

However, you can HIRE OUR Travel Planning Service and we can help you with reservations that want to be done with enough time ahead (Especially during the high season months). We will explain more about it at the end of this post!

1. Book your Cerro Chirripó Permit

SINAC changed the methodology for booking the permit. So, please be aware of this:

Since COVID-19 has affected the travel industry, Cerro Chirripó is not the exception. Now, SINAC asks visitors to book their permits in groups of 4 people. Mainly, because each room at the Crestones base camp has 2 bunk beds. So, they want to guarantee that each room has a social bubble.
If you are a group of 2 or 3, that will need to be explained to SINAC and they only have a couple of rooms available for the night that are for this amount of people. However, these rooms get full easily, so it could be that you won’t find availability.
Reservations are NOT longer online and you need to call their number. If you are calling from outside of the country. Please dial the number +506 2742 5348.
The reservations for January, February, and March will be open on different waves. You can see the following image from SINAC. Basically, the reservations for February 2022 will start to be accepted from November 15th, 2021, and March 2022 will start to be accepted from December 6th, 2021.
When you are making your reservation, you’ll need to have the complete name and ID or passport number of every person who is going on your group.
Finally, but not least be patient when you need to call their number. Recently, we did reservations for January 2022 and we had to dial their number over 100 times because it was so busy!

After your Cerro Chirripó permits are booked. You will receive an email from SINAC ([email protected]) like this. With your reservation number and the bank accounts where you need to deposit the total amount of the permits within the next 24 hours.

Otherwise, SINAC will cancel your reservation.

The amount canceled to SINAC for the right of admission covers only the right of daily income for each person to the Chirripó National Park established on the current decree of entrance fees.

2. Paying for lodging, food, and supplies

After you pay the permits with SINAC.

You will be getting an email like this, from CRC Chirripó.

In this email, you will get a link for their Ecommerce page where you can access only with your reservation number and a specific password that will be provided on that email.

Over there you MUST pay for the lodging with the next 5 days. Otherwise, the reservation will be canceled by CRC Chirripo and SINAC.

After that, you can pay for the food and any other supplies at any time before your entry day to the park.

Cancellations and Policies

SINAC says: If for any reason you cannot attend, the user or users, will not have the right to change members on the reservation and will be entitled to a refund of the amount paid, as long as they manage at least 15 days in advance, a situation that can change according to the Decree of entrance fees to enter protected areas that are valid.
CRC Chirripó says: We only process cancellations of reservations that have already been canceled by SINAC, for this it is necessary that they send us the official note, where they are told that it has been processed. a) If you request cancellation of reservation (as) between 90 or more and 60 days before the date of entry; We will reimburse you 80% of the amount deposited for accommodation and / or food. b) If you request cancellation of reservation (as) between 59 and 30 days before the date of entry, we will reimburse you 60% of the amount deposited for accommodation and / or food. c) f you request cancellation of reservation (as) between 29 and 15 days before your date of entry; We will reimburse you 30% of the amount deposited for accommodation and food. d) If you request cancellation of reservation (as) 14 days or less in advance, we will not be able to make the refund.
Tourists entering by San Gerardo Sector, must register their entrance personally without exception in the Administration of the Chirripó National Park, located in San Gerardo de Rivas de Pérez Zeledón before entering.
For those wishing to enter at dawn or in the early hours of the morning of the day of entry, you must register the day before from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon.
Tourists must only enter the park by the sector authorized in the reservation process and on the specified date.
The Administration of the Chirripó national Park will establish control devices which they consider appropriate to ensure the access to the protected area once the corresponding rights of admission have been canceled.

Main contacts at SINAC and CRC Chirripó

506: is the country code of Costa Rica*

CRC Chirripó phone: (506) 2742-5200.

Email: [email protected]

CRC Chirripó: https://www.chirripo.org/

SINAC email: [email protected]

SINAC’s website: https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/

The schedule to the public at the administrative offices of the Chirripó National Park, will be from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.d. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

By following these steps for doing your reservation successfully plus the tips in our post about Hiking Cerro Chirripo, anyone will be able to do this great trip.

Do you need help?

We love to answer the questions from our readers through their comments and emails.

However, our time is limited and normally, we can not get into detail as much as we would like to.

For this reason, as we mentioned above, we provide a Travel Planning Service.

Our service has a cost of $50US per day of travel from 1 up 5 days. You can select only 1 day of Planning Service or 2 up to 5 days.

Or a total amount of $300 US from 1 up 15 days of travel.

With this service, we can provide you assistance for your Cerro Chirripo reservation and also, can assist you in planning the rest of your trip around Costa Rica.

If you want detailed information about CLICK HERE OR Contact Us if you have any other question about our service. (Don’t forget to check your Spam email after 24 hours since we normally respond during this time)

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