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SPECTACULAR SIGHT AND JUST A HINT OF DANGER, IRAZU VOLCANO COSTA RICAJun 04 '02 (Updated May 09 '05) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Exhilarating and surprisingly convenient to reach. "Don't worry" our guide yells out as the mini bus slowly drives up the winding mountain road. "Technically it's a live volcano, but it hasn't erupted since 1963." Great I figure after almost 40 odd years, maybe it's due again. Costa Rica is a land of many attractions, which is probably why it is a major tourist destination. Rain forests, spectacular beaches, friendly people and a stable government draw visitors here in the hundreds of thousands annually. One of the attractions are the tiny Central American country's numerous volcanoes. Costa Rica sits on the juncture of two tectonic plates and one of the five most active volcanic regions on earth. It is home to seven of Central America's forty-two active volcanoes. Probably the most visited of these is Arenal Volcano located in the north of the country. This spectacular natural attraction is best known for it's regular eruptions which throw sheets of flames and molten lava high into the air. It is particularly impressive at night. For this reason tours of Arenal from San Jose the capital are often of an over night nature. For those who don't have the time for this there are day trips available. They usually involve leaving very early in the morning though and returning well past sunset. Volcano Irazu may not be as spectacular as it's northern neighbour but is more convenient to reach. Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu (Irazu Volcano National Park) is located only an hour's drive from the capital. This makes it an easy half day's outing. Or it could be combined with another nearby attraction, such as the colonial city of Cartago, or a coffee plantation and still see one back at your hotel in time for dinner. The volcano last erupted on March 13, 1963. The blast spewed ash and smoke all over the surrounding countryside. Coincidentally it erupted just as then US President John F. Kennedy was arriving in San Jose on an official visit. The eruptions continued for two years and included rain storms triggered by the heat and mud raining down. Later local farmers began to appreciate the event. The volcanic ash and other debris were rich in minerals which greatly benefited the surrounding farmlands. After entering the park, there is a visitors centre beside the parking lot. There is also a snack bar, gift shop and washroom facilities available. These are closed I the evenings as the ranger station at the entrance. No overnight camping is permitted at Irazu. Stretched out in front of you is a massive shallow bowl shaped depression. This is the first crater filled in by ash from the eruptions of the other two. Paths circles around this with it's fine black ash covering. At the far end is the main viewing platform. From here on a clear day it is possible to see the Caribbean coast. Not bad considering you're almost on the Continental Divide and only a couple of hours drive from the Pacific Ocean. On the right is the second crater some 300 metres deep. This deep cavern is a similar in size to the shallow one, although it's depth has allowed some vegetation to flourish. To it's left is the Diego de la Haya Crater, perhaps the most spectacular. Looking almost straight down into it's 100 metre depth the first thing you notice is the lake formed at the bottom. The bright turquoise green colour of the water is a result of the mineral deposits in this crater. Access to either of these two craters is restricted for obvious safety reasons. There are paths around the shallow one though for those who wish to stroll. There are also some excellent vantage points to photograph, or just admire the surrounding countryside. Irazu National Park is open daily. Admission is $6.00 US. Note at this altitude it can get chilly so a light jacket or sweater might be a good idea. More Articles on Costa Rica Best Western Irazu San Jose http://www.epinions.com/content_110247186052 La Esmerelda Bar San Jose http://www.epinions.com/content_2624102532 Bar & Restaurant Linda Vista Cartago http://www.epinions.com/content_14240747140 La Casona del Cafetal Restaurant, Cachi Valley http://www.epinions.com/content_19654741636 Waterfall Canopy Tours Jaco Beach http://www.epinions.com/content_2560598148 Best Western Beach Resort Jaco Beach http://www.epinions.com/content_94698442372 Los Faroles Bar Jaco Beach http://www.epinions.com/content_2038669444 La Bruja Bar Jaco Beach http://www.epinions.com/content_2038603908 La Hacienda Jaco Beach http://www.epinions.com/content_2043453572 Nightlife in Jaco Beach http://www.epinions.com/content_3081216132  |
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