 The Irazu Volcano National Park as the
name suggests is a park built around the volcano. The most
spectacular thing about the park is the lunar landscape. A trip to
the Irazu Volcano National Park is a trip to another world. The
only reminder of the fact that you are still on earth is the low
vegetation around the place. The park was created in 1955 to
protect the 2309 hectares of the circular shape around the
volcano.
Location: The Irazu National Park is 32 kms away from the city
of Cartago. The park is near San Jose. Infact many people come on a
day trip to this famous Park.
Topography of the park: the volcano stands in the middle
of the park. The volcano has a documented past since the year 1563
with its last activity dating back to as recent as 1960's. As of
now, the volcano doesn't pose any threat, but the craters keep on
releasing toxic steams. The Principal Crater of the volcano is 1050
meters in diameter and 300 meters deep. The Diego de a Haya Crater
is 690 meters in diameter and 100 meters deep. It also has a small
green lake, which changes colors to red on certain days. The
craters are surrounded by twisted and gnarled trees, giving the
place a very bizarre feel. The volcanic activity has also resulted
in the fertile soil of the area. As you move along the southern
slope you'll spot potato and cabbage fields and as you move higher
- dairy farms.
Flora and fauna: There are certain species that inhabit this
landscape as well. You could spot here coyotes, armadillos,
porcupines, tiger cats, long-tailed weasels and certain species of
birds like the clay-colored robins, owls, hummingbirds and volcano
juncos. The vegetation around the place is premontane and montane
forest, which is covered with lichens, grasses and shrubs.
Attractions around: One of the chief attractions near the
park is the Bar Restaurant Linda Vista. The restaurant has a
breathtaking view, as it is constructed at a height of 8000 feet.
The innovation < however,does not end at the location; the
decoration of the place includes a collection of hundreds of
business cards pinned to the wall. You could also visit the
Lankester Botanical Gardens situated outside Cartago. The Gardens
have some beautiful orchids.
Climate: The temperature of the place is around 7 degrees
or so yet it's common to have frost in the nights. The best months
to visit the park are the dry months of March or April.
|
