 Irazu Volcano National Park
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.
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