Volcanoes

You can be assured that all tours we recommend meet our high standards of quality and service. We pride ourselves in maintaining a personal relationship with the proprietors and tour operators to assure our clients experience the finest Costa Rica has to offer.

To learn more about this tropical paradise and the many adventures waiting for you, please contact us. We will be happy to provide brochures and book the many packages available to you.

ARENAL VOLCANO NIGHT TOUR

Afternoon pickup at your San Jose Hotel to arrive at Arenal in time for sunset. You drive through some of the most scenic parts of Costa Rica to view what is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Traverse the central highlands through quaint towns, then on to the San Carlos plains, along picturesque country roads, past rich agricultural lands to arrive at the volcano. The Arenal Volcano erupted for the first time this century in 1968 and has been continuously active ever since. The frequency and intensity of its eruptions are truly awe inspiring. After a few hours observing the volcano and exploring the lava flow we return to San Jose.

Duration: 11 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
Meal Included

BARVA VOLCANO TOUR

Early morning hotel pick-up for a drive past historical sites in the towns of Heredia and Barva to the park entrance. From here we hike 4 km through the oak and cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo Nation Park to Barva Volcano’s crater. Barva is a dormant volcano whose main crater is filled with water and surrounded by lush tropical cloud forest. Epiphytic orchids, ferns and bromeliads create a truly enchanting atmosphere in which Quetzals and other birds thrive. Enjoy a picnic lunch near locales the Quetzals favor and afternoon coffee at a mountain restaurant. This trip requires moderate to difficult hiking. Trails can be muddy.

Duration: 9 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
4 km uphill hike from park entrance to Barva Lake

IRAZU VOLCANO TOUR

We head southeast of San Jose to the town of Cartago, the original capital of Costa Rica. Here we visit the ruins of the old church Santiago Apostol and the magnificent Basilica of the Virgin of Los Angeles, the shrine of Costa Rica’s patron saint. Then we continue on up the fertile mountainside to the top of Irazu Volcano. It’s best to bring a sweater as it gets chilly exploring the eerie lunar landscape that surround the crater. The last major eruption of this volcano occurred in 1963, however it has shown signs of activity in past couple of years. On the way back to San Jose, we stop for lunch at Linda Vista Restaurant (not included in tour price). Driving time between San Jose and Cartago is 35 minutes; Between Cartago and Irazu is 1 hour; Between Irazu and San Jose is 1 1/2 hours.

Duration: 5 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide

POAS VOLCANO TOUR

A scenic drive through rolling green countryside, up to the top of Poas Volcano, one of the widest volcanic craters in the world accessible by road. You may actually stand on the edge and look down into the boiling, bubbling cauldron. Currently Poas has very active fumaroles in the inner part of the crater. The second crater, Botos, is a crystal clear rain-fed lake surrounded by highland jungle and is reached by a walk of about 1/2 mile through a unique dwarf cloud forest. On the way back to San Jose, group will stop for lunch at El Recreo Restaurant (not included).

Duration: 5 hours
Bilingual Naturalist Guide