The tour will begin with us driving south along the Panamerican Highway until we reach the base of the behemoth “Iztaru” (a name of an indigenous village that was situated on the flanks of the volcano, and a likely candidate as a possible origin for the current name of the Irazu Volcano). The winding road traverses fertile lands in which all types and forms of vegetation are cultivated, all the while affording us a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The volcano's summit has several craters. It’s the highest volcano in Costa Rica. The national park contains both primary and secondary montane forests and is home to armadillos, owls, rabbits, foxes, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds. As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica. Then the trip continues to Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Center for investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of other plants.Then we will continue to the Orosi Valley. A deep valley with a humid climate, surrounded by hills and lush vegetation. The cultivation of coffee is the main industry in the area.  We will be able to visit the oldest Catholic church still in use in Costa Rica. The church, Iglesia de San Jose de Orosi, was built in 1743 during the time the country was a Colony. After this visit, we will stop for lunch in one of the local restaurants.

Transportation, entrance fees, and bilingual guide.

10 hours

Comfortable warm clothes, hat, jacket, walking shoes, raincoat,  insect repellent, binoculars, and camera.

Lunch