San José: Irazú Volcano, Orosi Day Tour & Lankester Gardens

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ID: GYG988384-1533148
Category:
Country: Costa Rica

Duration: 1 days


Description

Discover Costa Rica's natural wonders and historical sites. Visit Irazú Volcano, Cartago's Basilica, and enjoy a traditional lunch in Orosi Valley.
Embark on a journey filled with history, nature, and culture, exploring some of Costa Rica’s most iconic sites. We begin our tour from San José, taking the Pan-American Highway South, as we ascend toward the Irazú Volcano, the highest in the country at 3,432 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level. Along the way, we pass through fertile farmlands, where crops such as potatoes, onions, and garlic thrive, showcasing the richness of the volcanic soil.

At the summit, you will witness its main craters: Irazú, Playa Hermosa, and Diego de la Haya. On clear days, this natural lookout offers a breathtaking view, where you may see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans simultaneously, a rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon.
We then descend to Cartago, Costa Rica’s former capital, founded in 1563. Here, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a significant pilgrimage site since 1635, home to the revered image of the Virgin of the Angels, Costa Rica’s patron saint.
Our next stop is the Lankester Botanical Garden, a renowned research and conservation center managed by the University of Costa Rica. Established in the 1940s by British botanist Charles Lankester, this sanctuary is home to over 800 species of orchids, bromeliads, and other epiphytic plants, making it a paradise for plant lovers.

We conclude the tour in the Orosi Valley, a scenic region surrounded by mountains, coffee plantations, and sugar cane fields, with a history deeply rooted in colonial times. Here, we visit the Ruins of Ujarrás, the remnants of one of the country’s oldest churches, before enjoying a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a charming local restaurant, soaking in the valley’s breathtaking landscapes.
An unforgettable experience where nature, history, and culture come together in one incredible day.

Book your tour today!

Highlights

  • Feel the thrill of standing atop Irazú Volcano
  • Witness the rare view of two oceans from the summit
  • Explore Cartago's historic Basilica and its significance
  • Discover the botanical wonders at Lankester Garden
  • Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch in Orosi Valley

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Estimated Departure from San José: 6:00 a.m - estimated return to San José: 4:30 p.m.
Minimum of 2 participants required
Bring a copy of your passport or driver's license
Wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat
INCLUDED
  • Round-trip transportation
  • Bilingual guide
  • Entrance fee to Irazú Volcano
  • Entrance fee to Lankester Gardens
  • Lunch
NOT INCLUDED
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional beverages

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.