Explore Iconic Irazú & Hidden Turrialba Volcanoes with a Local

4.9 (30 reviews) 7–9 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

30 reviews

4.9

Explore Iconic Irazú & Hidden Turrialba Volcanoes with a Local — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Explore Iconic Irazú & Hidden Turrialba Volcanoes with a Local, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover Costa Rica’s Iconic and Hidden Volcanoes in One Unforgettable Day

This full-day adventure takes you to the iconic Irazú Volcano—the country’s tallest and most visited—and the rarely seen Turrialba Volcano, a raw and dramatic hidden gem that few tourists ever experience. From the sweeping views of Irazú’s crater to the untamed beauty of Turrialba’s active slopes, this tour offers an unbeatable contrast of Costa Rica’s volcanic wonders. Along the way, explore the historic city of Cartago and hear stories of culture, nature, and geology from your passionate local guide.

Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure travelers seeking more than just the typical tourist route. Small groups, epic views, and exclusive access make this a must-do experience for those wanting to go beyond the ordinary.

Two volcanoes. One epic day. A lifetime of memories. Book this unique tour and experience Costa Rica’s volcanic best like a local.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Car Tours Small Group Excellent Quality Adventure Tours

At a glance

Duration: 7–9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 7 people
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Adrian Gutierrez

Ages: Adults (12–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Bottled water
Included: We will shot you great photos on the best spots.
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Entrance Tickets (Irazu and Turrialba Volcanoes Entrance Tickets $35 per person)

Not included

Not included: We pretty recommend you to have a good breakfast before the departure otherwise we can stop for some fruits or snacks but we will no able to stop for a complete breakfast.
Not included: Guide tip
Not included: Traveling With a Local is an unique and flexibility experience, we prefer to give you the freedom of what to eat, we will take time for lunch together and recommend some places in base of your wishes.

Itinerary

Ruinas Sanatorio Carlos Duran

Passing by

We will stop in a viewpoint to see the Sanatorio Duran Ruins.

Sitting in a beautiful area of the Cartago mountainside is the mysterious Finca Sanatorio Duran. Many people who visit Irazu Volcano drive right past it thinking it’s another abandoned farm when in reality, it was an important hospital back in the 1910’s – 1920’s for tuberculosis patients.

Since the hospital closed in the 1960’s, it has decayed and now lays abandoned. Only in recent years was it turned into a tourist attraction for those curious and brave enough to venture into this place called the most haunted building in Costa Rica.
Irazu Volcano National Park

2 hours Admission not included

During the journey of approximately one hour we will observe beautiful natural landscapes and agricultural fields on the slopes of these brother volcanoes, to go to our first destination, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, the Irazú Volcano.

After observing the main crater and walking around the different craters of this volcano surrounded by an amazing lunar landscape we will go to the restless Turrialba Volcano where we will observe his volcanic cone with its characteristic activity of gases and ash.
Turrialba Volcano

3 hours Admission not included

Once in the Turrialba Volcano we will venture to walk through the impact zone of the 2014 and 2016 eruptions where we will be able to appreciate the destruction that these eruptions left as well as the changes in the vegetation and the affectation to the life of the local people.
Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles

Passing by

We will visit the Basilica, it was constructed in honor of the apparition of the Virgin of the Angeles in 1635 who is the patron saint of Costa Rica. The stone statue is located in this church. The first building (chapel) was erected in 1639 and was later expanded, rebuilt and renovated.

The current building is in Byzantine style and was constructed between 1912 and 1930 and designed by the architect Luis Llach. The facades were designed by the engineer Fabio Garnier. It was declared a historic architectural heritage site of Costa Rica in 1999. Our Lady of the Angels Basilica is a first-rate National Sanctuary. Hundreds of thousands of Costa Ricans make the pilgrimage to this site to profess their faith. It is one of the most important religious events in Costa Rica.
Ruinas de Cartago

Passing by

We will visit the Cartago Church Ruins, built in 1575, Las Ruinas de la Parroquia's outer walls only remain today after being destroyed by two earthquakes, but the unique architecture and intricate design is still worth a visit. This isn't the only area of ruins that are worth a peek. Las Ruins of Cartago has a deep-rooted past that began with two brothers who were fighting over the same woman. After one brother killed the other one night, he decided to build a church on the site. Each time it was constructed, an earthquake destroyed it. After devastation in 1910, the ruins were left as they were, and it remains as the town square today.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hotel Portal Colonial
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu
Aparthotel Casa Reflejos
Canal Grande Lodge
Posada Nena Santa Ana
Studio Hotel Boutique
Hotel Villa Los Candiles
Eco Hotel Puerto Urbano
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Forum by IHG
Aloft by Marriott San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica
Hotel Luisiana
Hotel Bougainvillea

and 192 more pickup points

We pick you up in your hotel, hostel or Airbnb, I will set in advance the pick up time at your place, it could be any Hotel, Hostel or Airbnb in San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela or Cartago metropolitan areas.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Options

Explore Iconic Irazú & Hidden Turrialba Volcanoes with a Local

Pickup included
Private service

Private: Enjoy an exclusive adventure exploring the majestic Irazú & Turrialba Volcanoes with a private local guide and transportation

Pickup included