Half-Day Trip to Irazu Volcano and Cartago from San Jose
4.5
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About
Nature lovers and history buffs can visit two Costa Rica highlights in one day on a combo tour to Irazu Volcano and the historic city of Cartago. Ideal for visitors who want to see two of the top attractions nearby San Jose without the hassle of renting a car or driving in the city, this your covers all the logistics for you so you can focus on enjoying the attractions.
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
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Highlights
- Visit the summit of the highest active volcano in Costa Rica and see the historic city of Cartago
- A guide shares the historical stories and details you would likely miss on your own
- Enjoy panoramic views and photo opportunities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off make the tour hassle-free
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- On the arrival at the hotel the tour guide is going to ask in the reception of the hotel for the client
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3171P44- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Due to the pandemic, this tour is subject to availability. A minimum of passengers is required for the tour. But you can check our availability. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3171P44
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4.5
22 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
3
Average
4
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Terrible
0
bighack
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico81 contributions
We had a wonderfully enlightening tour by our driver Luis and learned a lot about Costa Rica as well. There was a short hike on a paved surface after we arrived at the volcano. Dress warmly and prepare for high altitudes. The visit to the cathedral in Cartago was an added plus. The trip door-to-door was 5 hours.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear bighack, thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us! We’re so glad you had a good experience.
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LtcAnc12
Loveland, CO23 contributions
Feb 2018
Mixed group of Spanish speaking and English speaking guests. Guide had to divide his narrative between 2 sets of guests. Jimmy worked hard at providing adequate narrative to both but spent most time speaking to 4 Spanish speakers much less for the 16 English speakers. The Aerial tram was a very good experience despite the rain. It was a RAIN forest after all. One big problem was that people all over the city of San Jose had to be picked up at their hotels so we spent too much time on the van.
Written 1 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will P
5 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
We loved seeing Irazu, but we only drove past the Basilica and didn't stop. I understand that there were lots of people there for the annual walk to the Basilica, but it would have been nice to know that we were not going to be able to stop there before we scheduled the trip. We were in a van, and it was just our family of six which was nice, but it would have been nice to have the tour guide actually tell us a little more about things as we were traveling. He didn't tell us much at all.Definitely take a jacket for Irazu. It is cold up there! We also did not see any ruins.
Written 1 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy K
4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Helpful and informative guide. Incredible landscape that reminded me of photos of the moon. Beautiful mountains and scenic drive up.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tia B
7 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
This is definitely a must do if you are going to be in the San Jose area… Along the way you will see beautiful scenery so make sure your phone battery is charged or you bring a Camera… Once you make it to the volcano you will feel the difference in the temperature so make sure that you either layer clothes or bring a warm jacket .. the wind is brutal plus you’re in a higher elevation.
The tour guide and driver were nice and provided information along the way.
If you were looking for something to do that won’t take up your whole day, I highly recommend this tour.
The tour guide and driver were nice and provided information along the way.
If you were looking for something to do that won’t take up your whole day, I highly recommend this tour.
Written 30 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adriana S
Stroud, UK151 contributions
I was really looking forward to this trip as I wanted to visit a volcano and also the former capital of Costa Rica. We were very lucky with the weather and got 100% visibility in Irazu which was amazing. Ricardo our guide was very knowledgeable and provide us with valuable history on the volcano and the area. We spent 1 hour there before descending to Cartago to visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Our Lady of the Angels Basilica) where we have only 20 minutes to have a look (it was Sunday and there was a mass, so I couldn’t see inside properly or take many pictures). For my disappointment and annoyance the tour didn’t stop at the ruins as stated on my booking confirmation. So be aware of this when considering this tour.
Written 19 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ganesh S
Saint Louis, MO13 contributions
Dec 2019
Simply phenomenal experience at 11,000 ft. At least 10 degrees cooler at that elevation. The drive up to the Volcano is very scenic with views of the City of Cartago and San Jose Valley. One has to be careful as the elevation can cause some light headedness. The hollow sounds of the lava floor was definately a new experience. The clouds prevented the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Carribean side of the Atlantic Ocean. Definately a must visit.
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear GAPS1128, Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. It means so much when our best customers share their experiences.
Written 17 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
959hannelied
Hermanus, South Africa7 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
A knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide and perfectly clear weather made for an incredible day. We were lucky enough to not only find Irazú completely visible, but we were fortunate enough to see the Atlantic ocean in the distance. Our guide took an unplanned side-trip thanks to the weather playing along, and we had the opportunity to see Turrialba volcano as well. Fantastic!
Written 16 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 959hannelied, We're happy you had a fantastic time with us!
Thanks for your trust, we're thankful for amazing customers like you.
Written 17 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tabacconist
Bonaire23 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
the day was perfect no fog @ all, the Volcano is beautiful but it doesn't look that is active, the water is not there anymore, Cartago beautiful church
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristine G
Central Oregon, OR41 contributions
Jan 2019
We enjoyed the drive to Irazu probably more than the actual volcano although the views at Irazu are beautiful. The city of Cartagena is much more pleasant than San Jose, and the Basilica de nuestra senora de Los Angeles is a must-see, built sometime in the late 1700’s I believe. It is beautiful inside and out.
Written 29 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Algun teléfono para comunicarnos?
Written 20 February 2021
Hi, is this trip available on 17 February please? I'll be staying in Alajuela?
Written 14 December 2020
Hola, me interesa solamente conocer el volcán, ya conocí Cartago, a donde me puedo comunicar. ?
Written 28 October 2020
Hello. I have a team with 15 persons. Could us have a discount? Our ideia is to do the visit on 21/03/20.
Thank you
Written 11 March 2020
Will you pick up at the Courtyard hotel by the airport?
Written 17 February 2020
I assume that the driver will pick up anywhere in San José, but you should check with the tour provider.
Written 18 February 2020
What time do you get back to San Jose from this tour?
Written 19 December 2019
Hola, a que hora llegamos de vuelta a San José?
Written 17 October 2019
el volcan irazu es cerca de san jose yo lo hice con mi auto pero si lo haces por excursion te llevaran a cartago o previo o post irazu pero queda de paso con lo cual es una excursion corta
Written 18 October 2019
hola si sales de san jose el camino te hace pasar por cartago que tiene unas iglesias hermosas y un mercado de verdura y otras cosas hermosas, luego el camino es subiendo mucho al auto le cuesta mucho pero la vista es preciosa, en algun momento estas arriba de las nubes o viendo los pueblos muy chiquitos, al llegar al parqque de volcan irazu te cobran entrada y el costo del parking este ultimo en colones de ahi puedes subir con el auto por un camino dificil pero corto y llegas a la cima , ves el crater del volcan y el otro volcan que esta junto al irazu, luego puedes bajar con el auto al parking, ahi hay baños y una pasarella donde ves nuevamente el crater y puedes caaminar por arena volcanica
Written 7 May 2019
ivete2013
Panama City, Panama
Hola cuánto tiempo hay que caminar para llegar al volcán
Written 29 March 2019
Is the hike to the volcano very steep or rugged .
Do you pick up at HOTEL SUITES Cristina
Written 7 March 2019
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