National Parks

IRAZU VOLCANO

Area:
2,309 Ha

Location: 31 Km northeast of Cartago

Irazu is an active volcano 3,432 meters above sea level, with a long history of eruptions and eruptive cycles.

This activity has been characterized by the emission of large clouds of steam, ash and cinders, often accompanied by small local or regional earth tremors, subterranean noises and rumblings, and showers of small and large rocks which usually fall near the rim of the crater.

Irazu summit has four craters: the Costa Rica Natural Travel or western crater, the "Diego de la Haya," and two small craters, one southeast and the other northwest of the Costa Rica Natural Travel crater.

The flora has undergone considerable changes because of the eruptions. At present, areas of open and stunted vegetation can be seen around the craters while, elsewhere, areas with secondary forests and the reCosta Rica Natural Travels of primary forests predominate. Common species found within the vicinity of the craters are arrayan.

Irazu's animal life is very sparse. Some of the mammals observed in the upper regions are the Eastern cottontail, coyote, long-nosed armadillo, porcupine and weasel. Birds include the volcano junco, ant-eating woodpecker, unspotted saw-whet owl and the ruddy wood creeper.