Overview:

Irazú Volcano is an active volcano in Costa Rica that is located approximately 27 kilometers east of the city of Cartago. It is one of the highest volcanoes in the Central American Volcanic Arc at 3,432 meters above sea level with an elevation of 11,260 ft. The name "Irazú" is derived from the indigenous tribes who inhabited the area prior to the Spanish conquest. The volcano is part of the Irazú Volcano National Park and is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. It has erupted several times since it was first recorded in 1723 and has had its last major eruption in 1994. Irazú is one of the few volcanoes worldwide to display all four types of lava. It is also possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the summit of Irazú. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Costa-Rica
Prominent Features:

1. Last significant eruption in 1963: Irazu Volcano is the highest of volcanoes in Costa Rica and last erupted in 1963. 2. Volcanic Crater / Lagoon: Irazu Volcano features a massive crater, around 1,640 feet in diameter, which is filled with a deep-blue lagoon. 3. Geothermal Power Plant: In 2008, a geothermal power plant was constructed on the flank of the volcano. The plant is capable of producing up to 22 Megawatts of electricity. 4. Extensive Flora and Fauna: Irazu Volcano is home to an extensive array of flora and fauna. This includes numerous species of trees and shrubs as well as a variety of birds and reptiles. 5. Remote Location: Irazu Volcano is set in a very remote, mountainous area, and can be seen from parts of San Jose and Cartago. It is surrounded by cloud forest, and is a popular spot for tourists. This national monument of Costa-Rica portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Irazu Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. It is located in the Central Mountain Range just 20 miles from the capital city of San Jose. The volcano towers over 11,260 feet and stratovolcano type. Irazu Volcano has a long history that dates back more than a million years. The first record of energetic eruptions occurred around 1723 when the Cartago people used the hot sulfuric gases to make tools and weapons. That same year Papagayo winds triggered a massive eruption, creating seven craters named by the locals La Laguna, Diego de la Haya, La Playa, El Lawn, La Lagunilla, La Pirosca, and Honda. The first major eruption of Irazu Volcano occurred in 1732. It was recorded to have lasted for 10 days and destroyed nearby settlements along the slopes of the volcano. Around this time Irazu Volcano's crater lake was also created, and it's still one of the largest in Costa Rica. In the following centuries, Irazu Volcano had a period of intermittent eruptions with long episodes of inactivity. The last significant eruption happened in 1963 and lasted 16 months. During this period Irazu Volcano spewed ash which reached as far as some cities in Panama. Modern day Irazu Volcano continues to be active and it's monitored by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI). The park around Irazu Volcano was also established as a protected reserve. With its diverse wildlife and stunning views of the volcano and surrounding volcano, it is a popular tourist destination. You must visit one of these historical places in Costa-Rica on your Costa-Rica tour

Interesting facts:

1. At 11,260 feet (3,432 meters), Irazu Volcano is the tallest active volcano in Costa Rica. 2. Irazu Volcano is part of the three main volcanic mountain range that stretches the entire length of Costa Rica. 3. Irazu Volcano is almost a full kilometer above the second-highest volcano in Costa Rica, Arenal. 4. It has erupted frequently throughout the years, with its most recent eruption occurring in 1994. 5. In its earliest recorded eruption, Irazu Volcano completely covered the city of Cartago in ash and mud, killing over 1,000 people and destroying buildings. 6. The summit of Irazu Volcano is home to a large volcanic crater, known as the “Irazu Crater”, that measures 1.8 kilometers in diameter and 300 meters deep. 7. On clear days, Irazu Volcano offers stunning views of both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. 8. In 1848, The first recorded ascent of Irazu Volcano was made by the famous naturalist Alexander Von Humboldt. 9. Irazu Volcano was declared a national park in 1955. 10. The Irazu Volcano National Park is an important source of bullfrogs, which are a source of food for many local Costa Rican communities. Visit one of the famous monuments of Costa-Rica with your friends and family.