In February of 1963 President John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica.  On the very day he arrived the towering Irazú Volcano began an eruption that lasted until 1965.  The volcano has been rather quiet since then, but who knows when the collosus will awaken again.  Irazú is the tallest of all Costa Rican volcanoes.  The volcanic soil is some of the richest in the country and on the slopes of Irazú is where most of the country’s vegetables are grown.  A drive up to the volcano seems to take you to the top of the world with the entire Central Valley spread out below.  Being inside the crater at the summit gives one an other worldly feeling, as if you have landed on another planet.  This is even more so when you peer down into the crater with the lake that is of the hue of green pea soup.  The air at the top is fresh and clean and cool, but as you walk around you quickly notice the lack thereof.  It is quite an experience going so high to view a living breathing mountain that could awaken and swallow you up at any moment, but that my friends is part of the magic that is Costa Rica.

Irazú Facts

• First recorded eruption: 1723
• Last Eruption: 1963 and continued until 1965
• Elevation: 3,432 metres (11,260 ft)
• Location: In the province of Cartago

Irazú Photos
Google Map

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