Irazu Volcano, Lankaster Gardens and Orosi Valley

This tour is the combination of the Irazu Volcano National Park and the Orosi, Lankester Garden tours. To that end the tour offers the mystique of the Irazu Volcano, and the enchantment of the lush gardens in Orosi. The tour will begin with us trekking 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. And, at the very top of the summit, on a clear day, one can be privy to an unforgettable bird’s eye view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica – a famous peregrination site for many believers, some of which travel for days or even weeks on foot, in a pilgrimage of faith, to the site. The Basilica has large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass windows, and is a must see. Next, after we visit the Basilica we will stop at the 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 Valley of Orosi, an area that overflows with unparallel beauty. We will be able to visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and we will stop to enjoy a scrumptious typical lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Excursion Highlights