Silhouette of a Costa Rican volcano at dusk
All day tours

Irazú Volcano & Cartago Old Metropolis Day Tour

Discover the spiritual and historical province of Cartago in the middle of Costa Rica. Visit the highest volcano (3,432 meters) and walk by its crater. Walk to the country's most revered basilica, Our Lady of the Angels Basilica, and the scenic Orosi Valley viewpoints.

At a glance

Pickup
Where you're stayingPickup included wherever you're staying: your hotel, rental or another meeting point you choose.
Duration
Full day – ~9 hoursDuration measured from the San José area. Timing changes with your pickup point; Jesus confirms it in your proposal.
Activity level
Easy
Pickup and transportation
Included
Price
Price on requestJesus sends the price for your group with your tour proposal.
Group size
Minimum group size confirmed in your proposal.
Visits
Cartago

What to expect

Cartago is one small province of Costa Rica whose streets take you through hundreds of years of history. Start at the summit of Irazú Volcano, 3,432 meters (11,260 feet) — the country's highest volcano — where on clear days you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans from the Principal Crater viewpoint. Continue to the Basílica de Los Ángeles (Our Lady of the Angels Basilica), the spiritual center of the nation and home of the beloved La Negrita. This scenic drive takes you through the oldest valley in Costa Rica since 1750 — the Orosi Valley — visiting its colonial church from 1767 and enjoying lunch in the area, a typical Costa Rican casado, all surrounded by quiet green mountains and fresh air.

Step by step

  1. Irazú Volcano Crater

    ~2.5 hours

    Guided drive from San José, Alajuela, Cartago or Heredia.

    Visit Costa Rica's highest volcano, Irazú Volcano: on clear days you can see both oceans from the summit and observe its main crater with its stunning landscapes.

    Recommendations Warm jacket (it gets very cold) · Sunscreen · Water

  2. Basílica de Los Ángeles Visit

    ~1 hour

    Walk to the Basilica, the religious center of the country and home of La Negrita, with its Byzantine-style architecture and beautiful gardens.

  3. Orosi Valley, Church & Lunch

    ~2.5 hours

    Scenic drive through the Orosi Valley, stopping at the oldest colonial church of Orosi and ending with lunch in the Orosi Valley.

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Tour guide
  • Lunch
  • Water

Where we meet

Pickup where you're staying. Exact time confirmed in your proposal.

Before you request

  • Activity level: Easy.
  • Minimum group size confirmed in your proposal.

Read cancellation terms

Your guide

Jesus Mora Urbina. I guide in English and Spanish, and I specialize in wildlife, natural history, adventure, national parks and city tours.

Jesus guides your tour himself. If he isn't available on your date, he may suggest another guide he trusts. He'll tell you who before anything is confirmed, and it only goes ahead if you agree.

Meet Jesus

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