Full Day Irazu Volcano Hiking and Cartago City Guided Tour From San Jose

Costa Rica’s natural wonders are on full display with the Full Day Irazú Volcano Hiking and Cartago City Guided Tour from San Jose. Travelers can take in the breathtaking views from the country’s highest volcano before exploring the historic city of Cartago, home to the renowned Basílica de los Ángeles. With convenient hotel pickup and guided support, this tour offers an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventure and culture. Those seeking to uncover the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Costa Rica won’t want to miss this exceptional opportunity.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour from San Jose to explore Irazú Volcano, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, and visit the renowned Basílica de los Ángeles in Cartago.
• Opportunity to hike to the top of Irazú Volcano at an elevation of 11,260 feet, offering stunning views and geological wonders.
• Tour includes exploration of ancient ruins in Cartago, providing insights into the city’s colonial-era history and architecture.
• Suitable for participants with a moderate fitness level, but not recommended for individuals with mobility issues due to the challenging terrain.
• Tour package includes hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and all necessary fees, making it a convenient and comprehensive experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day guided tour takes visitors from San Jose to explore the iconic Irazú Volcano and the charming city of Cartago.

The tour includes a visit to the Basílica de los Ángeles, a renowned pilgrimage site, and the ancient ruins in Cartago.

Irazú Volcano, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, is the primary highlight of the tour. Travelers will have the opportunity to witness the volcano’s dramatic landscape and learn about its geological significance.

The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and all necessary fees, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Tour Details

The Irazú Volcano Hiking and Cartago City Tour is operated by Costa Rica Itinerary, with prices starting from $139.08 per person.

The all-day tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, local taxes, National Park fees, bottled water, lunch, and gratuities.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase.

Travelers must be in good physical health and possess a moderate fitness level, with a minimum of 2 people per booking required.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Health and Accessibility

Travelers must be in good physical health and possess a moderate fitness level to participate in this tour.

The tour involves hiking to the top of Irazú Volcano, which stands at an elevation of 11,260 feet. The terrain can be challenging, with steep inclines and uneven paths.

A minimum of two people per booking is required. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so individuals with mobility issues may have difficulty.

However, the stunning views and unique geological features of Irazú Volcano make this an unforgettable experience for those who are up for the adventure.

Pickup Information

The tour starts at 8:00 AM, with pickup available from select locations in San Jose.

Booking your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

Once you complete your booking, you’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

• Tour pickup locations: Select a convenient pickup point during booking.
• Confirmation time: You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours.
• Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Basílica De Los Ángeles

Basílica de los Ángeles is a renowned pilgrimage site located in Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the basilica draws thousands of visitors annually.

Its iconic façade, featuring ornate columns and intricate carvings, reflects the country’s colonial Spanish heritage. Inside, the basilica’s serene atmosphere invites reflection and prayer.

Pilgrims come to seek blessings and miracles, as the site is believed to hold a miraculous image of the Virgin. Visitors can explore the basilica’s tranquil gardens and purchase religious souvenirs.

This historic landmark represents Costa Rica’s deep Catholic roots and provides a glimpse into the nation’s cultural traditions.

Cartago Ruins

After exploring the iconic Basílica de los Ángeles, the tour moves on to the ancient ruins of Cartago.

The site contains remnants of a once-bustling colonial-era city that was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823. Visitors can wander through the ruins, discovering:

• Foundations of demolished churches and public buildings
• Sections of the old city wall that encircled Cartago
• Weathered stone archways and architectural fragments

These evocative ruins provide a glimpse into Cartago’s storied past, offering a thought-provoking contrast to the modern city that has grown up around them.

Irazu Volcano

Towering above the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, the Irazú Volcano stands as the highest active volcano in the country. Reaching an impressive elevation of 11,260 feet, the Irazú Volcano is a popular destination for adventurous travelers.

The tour takes visitors to the volcano’s crater, where they can marvel at the striking contrast of the bright green and turquoise-colored lagoons. Visitors can explore the unique volcanic terrain, hike along scenic trails, and learn about the volcano’s geological history and ecological significance.

With its stunning vistas and opportunity for outdoor exploration, the Irazú Volcano is a must-see attraction on any Costa Rican itinerary.

Reviews Summary

The tour’s reviews paint a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 4 reviews.

While travelers raved about the tour’s beauty and lunch quality, some felt the guide could’ve been more informative.

Key highlights include:

• Unique discoveries and the beauty of the walled garden in Cartago
• Positive feedback on the stunning scenery of Irazú Volcano and Cartago
• Mixed views on the guide’s level of engagement, with some feeling they were guided more than informed.

Sum Up

This full-day tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s natural and cultural wonders. Hiking the challenging terrain of Irazú Volcano rewards visitors with stunning views, while the historic Basílica de los Ángeles and ancient ruins in Cartago offer a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. Convenient hotel pickup and guided support ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers seeking to enjoy the beauty and history of this remarkable destination.