Irazú and Carthage Volcano Tour from San Jose: Small Group

Hike Irazú's three craters and walk through Carthage's forgotten history in a single morning and afternoon

A small-group tour from San Jose combines a guided hike through Irazú Volcano National Park with visits to Carthage, Costa Rica's first capital. You climb to three craters with panoramic views, then explore the Sanatorium Durán, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, and the Ruins of St. James the Apostle. The tour runs eight hours with a local guide in English or Spanish, air-conditioned transport, and bottled water and snacks included.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 185 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Premium Tour to Irazu and Carthage Volcano, departing from San Jose 08:00 Guide in English or Spanish Includes pickup

Private service 08:00 Guide in English or Spanish Private guide and transportation: Explore the impressive Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes on an exclusive outing that offers full flexibility and comfort. Pickup is included

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Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Irazu Volcano and Carthage

• Guided tour of Irazu Volcano
• Explore Sanatorium Durán
• Stop for lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
• Discover Ruins of St. James the Apostle

What’s included

• Guided hike through Irazú Volcano National Park with visits to three craters.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• bottled water and snacks on board.
• entry to Irazú Volcano National Park, the Sanatorium Durán, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, and the Ruins of St. James the Apostle.
• local guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup in San Jose.

Times

• Every day 08:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 4

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Ages Adult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Adrian Gutierrez

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 5 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

You start in San Jose and drive to Irazú Volcano National Park, where a guide leads you on a hike across the crater rim. The three craters sit at elevation with views that stretch across the Central Valley. The guide points out the best spots for photographs and explains the geology as you walk. This is the physical core of the day. The hike itself is moderate and suited to most fitness levels, but it is the reason the tour leaves early and the reason the landscape matters.

After descending, you head to Carthage, the colonial capital that sits in the hills outside San Jose. The Sanatorium Durán is a historical structure with stories tied to Costa Rica's past. The guide walks you through it and explains what you're seeing. You stop for lunch at a local restaurant (you pay for your own meal here). Then comes the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, the country's most important religious site and home to the venerated Virgin of the Angels, the patron saint of Costa Rica. The guide covers the history and the significance before you move to the final stop: the Ruins of St. James the Apostle and the Central Square of Carthage, where you see what remains of the original settlement.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and stays with the group throughout. Bottled water and snacks are provided on board. The tour runs eight hours total, and your guide speaks English or Spanish depending on which option you book. Children from age eight are welcome.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the hike at Irazú Volcano actually like?

The hike crosses the crater rim with views of three craters and the Central Valley beyond. It is moderate in difficulty and suited to all fitness levels. The guide leads you to the best vantage points and explains the volcanic landscape as you walk.

Can I visit Irazú Volcano and Carthage in the same day from San Jose?

Yes. The tour combines both in one eight-hour day: you hike Irazú in the morning, then drive to Carthage in the afternoon to visit the Sanatorium Durán, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, and the Ruins of St. James the Apostle.

What is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels?

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is Costa Rica's most important religious temple and a center of veneration for Costa Ricans. It houses the Virgin of the Angels, the country's patron saint, and the guide explains the history and significance during your visit.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included. You stop at a local restaurant and pay for your own meal. Bottled water and snacks are provided on the vehicle throughout the day.