San José, Cartago
Location
10 Hours
Duration
English, Spanish
Languages
All Year Availability
Dates

Visit a side of Costa Rica that not many travellers have the privilege of seeing. From San Jose, join us as we head a just a little down south to Cartago and visit Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica’s largest stratovolcano, followed by a visit to Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, the alluring Lancaster Gardens, and the scenic beauty of Orosi Valley.

Picked up from San Jose, we will head south to the city of Cartago and the up the mountain range to Irazú Volcano National Park. Standing at an incredible 3,432 m (11,260 ft), Irazú is Costa Rica’s active highest volcano. It was originally named “Iztaru” by the indigenous people which lived at the flanks of the volcano, but it’s also known by Costa Ricans as “El Coloso” or “The Colossus” for it’s sheer size and power. Now days it’s a popular tourist destination which attracts many visitors from far and wide. Get to see the crater lake far above the clouds along with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys on a clear day.

Next we will transport you back down the volcano for a visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a Roman Catholic basilica based in the city of Cartago. This beautiful famous peregrination site is dedicated to the Virgen de los Pardos, otherwise known as Virgen de los Ángeles (the Lady of the Angels). Many people of faith from all across Costa Rica make the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels to pay their tributes and respects. Here you will have the opportunity to explore and take in the stunning architecture, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass windows of this remarkable Basilica.

After visiting the Basilica, your guide will transport you a little further south east to beautiful Lankester Botanical Gardens. Operated by the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the Lankester Gardens acts as a major research center for orchids throughout Central America and the Carribean. Here the gardens protect and research over 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of plants.

Finally, head a little further south to Orosi, home of one of the oldest communities in Costa Rica, along with the unapparelled scenic beauty of Orosi Valley. Here you will be able to enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant and a stop at one of the few remaining colonial churches in the region. Finally, rejoin your group and head back to San Jose where your tour will conclude.

PICK UP TIME 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.
END TIME Approximately 5:00 PM – 6:00PM.
BRING Light rain jacket or poncho, hat, sunglasses, repellent, camera and money for additional purchases (optional).
INCLUDED
Return Transportation Bilingual guide
A typical Costa Rican lunch. Entrance Fee to all activities
NOT INCLUDED
Additional activities or purchases
Tour guide gratuity (optional)

Please note that Irazú Volcano National Park is often subject to inclement weather conditions due it’s geography and it’s not always possible to view inside the crater, particularly in the wet season.

Pick ups are available from your hotel throughout San Jose and the greater area. If your accommodation falls outside of the pick up area, then we will arrange a pick up location where you can meet your driver/guide.

Child pricing is between the age of 3 to 11 years of age. For infants under the age of 2 years of age their is a charge of $18.00 USD. Private tours for groups are available on request – please use the contact form on our contact page to request a quote. Tour is subject to minimum numbers of 2 adult passengers – if numbers are not met, then you will be put on stand by until we can confirm or arrange an alternative date of departure.

Cancellations must be made a full 48 hours prior to the tour embarking, otherwise a penalty of 100% will be applied. Likewise there will also be a 100% penalty for no shows.

Additional information

Ticket TypeAdult, Child, Infant
1

6.00AM to 7.00am

Picked up from your hotel at San Jose or the surrounding area and then embarking south west to the city and province of Cartago.
2

9.00AM

Drive up the Cartago mountains until you arrive at the summit of Irazú Volcano National Park where you will be able to explore the area and, weather permitting, take a look inside the crater. On a clear day you may even be treated to some unbeatable views of the central valley and the Cartago province.
3

10.00AM

Join your group and head back down the volcano towards Cartago city to where you will be able to spend some time at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the surrounding courtyards. 
4

11.00am

From here your group will travel the short distance to Lankester Gardens where you will be able to explore these beautiful gardens and learn about the research that is conducted here.
5

1.00PM

Next you will travel from Lankester Gardens to the beautiful countryside of Orosi Valley which affords some truly stunning scenic views. Here you will be able to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Orosi’s typical Costa Rican restaurants as well as a visit to one of the few remaining colonial churches of this area.
6

4.00PM

Head back at your accommodation where your tour will conclude.
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* Please note that all times are approximations

Irazu Volcano
Our Lady of the Angels Basilica
Basilica Cartago
Irazu Volcano Crater
Irazu Volcano
Lankester Botanical Gardens
Lankester Gardens
Orosi Valley Cartago
Orosi Valley Costa Rica

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