Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica

The drive up from Cartago to Costa Rica´s highest volcano is magnificent. Volcanic eruptions over the millennium have blessed the slopes with fertile soil and farmers try to use every inch of land. The route is quite long 32kml on winding road above the valley, to a hight altitude, 4,332 meters above sea level. Bring warm clothes to layer as you get higher, it can get very cold at the summit. Each switchback offers a photo opportunity and there are numerous pull-overs. As you get closer to the summit, the temperature drops and the crops change from semi-tropical to temperate to cool/cold-weather produce.

Near te park entrance you ´ll find restrooms in a small coffee and gift shop next to the parking lot. The landscape up here is lunar; nothing but lichens and the odd plant grow in the gray cinder soil. Follow the path to the long wooden fence that separates you from the deep active crater. In its center is a round lake of bright pea-gree water with a couple of fumarolas that emit hot sulfur gas and steam.