Day trip

San José: Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes with Guayabo Tour

Activity provider: Oropopo Experience
Day trip

San José: Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes with Guayabo Tour

Activity provider: Oropopo Experience

From US$ 160 per person

Indulge your eyes in the picturesque views of the Cartago Province farmlands. Experience a unique history and culture, shaped by the tallest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 11 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Spanish
Pickup included
Pickup available from hotels in San José Province and Cartago.
Private or small groups available

Experience

Highlights
  • Marvel at the interior of Irazú Crater, the tallest volcano in Costa Rica
  • Visit the "Central Town" at the foothills of the active Turrialba Volcano
  • Travel between the windy and colorful roads of Cartago's farms and fields
  • Visit the Guayabo Archeological Site
  • Experience an important milestone of pre-Hispanic culture
Full description

After getting picked up at your hotel, head to the Irazú Volcano National Park where you can admire and even enter the crater of the highest volcano in the country. You will also be able to experience the unique miniature fauna and flora of Paramo, a tropical dwarf forest nestled in the highlands. Afterward, take the back road to Turrialba Volcano. Here, visit the "Central Town" located at the foot of the volcano. Enjoy time to explore and take some photos of the eerily abandoned town, still filled with farmhouses and buildings. Next, stop for dinner at a family-run grill house for a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Finally, before beginning the drive back to San José visit the Archaeological Site of Guayabo, declared a Civil Engineering World Heritage landmark and the most important milestone of pre-Hispanic culture in the country.

Includes
  • Private 4WD transportation
  • Biologist or certified guide
  • National Park parking free
  • Entrance fee to National Park (adults $17; kids $7 only in cash)
  • Entrance fee to Archaeological Site (adults $5; kids $5 only by card)
  • Traditional lunch ($8-$13 per person)

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Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Credit card
  • Water
  • Jacket
  • Cash
  • Sunscreen
Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 15 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

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Unfortunately, the day was very foggy so we were not able to see the crater at the Irazu volcano. It was also too cloudy to see the Turrialba volcano. It was still a great experience as we got to see lagoons and drive through several fincas before going to Guayabo. Guayabo was one the highlights of our entire trip to Costa Rica and would wholly recommend. We were lucky to have the same guide we had on a previous tour. Rigo, our tour guide, is very knowledgeable and engaging.

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April 1, 2023

This is an absolutely fantastic Tour and I would highly recommend!! :) Not only did I visit and experience the incredible Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes, from which you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean lowlands and coasts when the clouds are clear, I also visited Guyabo, which is a truly special and fascinating ancient archaeological site. I was able to experience both some of the best of Costa Rica's mountains and also some of its richest history in one day! :) Pedro was such a brilliant and kind, and such a knowledgeable guide. His knowledge of the biodiversity and the cultures of Costa Rica is superb. In helping me to spot and observe all the fauna and flora that lives both in the mountains and in the Guayabo forests sometimes using cameras and binoculars, and also the features which define these microclimates, and also in helping me to understand the context for the different aspects of the ancient city, my experience was really enhanced. I had a great time! :)

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April 1, 2023

We did not know when booking this was a personal 1 on 1 tour with just the guide/driver and us. It was simply an incredible day! We went places and experienced real Costa Rica with Marcelo other tours simply can’t do. We had a wonderful day and experienced sights other tours don’t offer. Thumbs up to this company for what they are offering for a great price.

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April 1, 2023

Product ID: 270977