Cartago Highlights: Irazu Volcano and Small Towns. Private Tour

Explore the captivating beauty of Cartago Province on a private tour that showcases the region’s natural and cultural highlights. From the majestic Irazu Volcano National Park to the charming Spanish-colonial towns, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey. Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, you’ll explore the diverse ecosystems, rich history, and local traditions that make this part of Costa Rica so unique. With personalized insights, a delicious lunch, and exclusive transportation, the "Cartago Highlights: Irazu Volcano and Small Towns" tour offers an immersive and tailored experience that will leave you wanting more.

Key Points

• Explore the Irazú Volcano, the second-highest peak in Costa Rica, with its impressive crater views and diverse flora and fauna.
• Visit the Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, an iconic church attracting pilgrims and featuring stunning Spanish-colonial architecture.
• Discover the colonial-era town of Orosi, the former capital Cartago, and the quaint village of Ujarrás, each with their own historic churches and plazas.
• Enjoy a personalized and private experience with a professional naturalist guide who tailors the itinerary to your interests.
• Includes private transportation, Irazú Volcano entry, and a local lunch, ensuring a seamless and worry-free day.

Tour Overview

This private tour in Cartago Province, Costa Rica, offers a chance to explore the highlights of the region, including the majestic Irazú Volcano, historic settlements, and stunning Spanish-colonial churches.

It’s a full-day excursion with a professional naturalist guide, providing a personalized experience for only your party.

You’ll visit the Irazú Volcano National Park, admire the impressive crater views, and discover the Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, an important temple housing the Virgen de los Ángeles.

The tour also includes stops at multiple historic sites and a delightful local lunch, with transportation provided in a private, deluxe vehicle.

Irazu Volcano National Park

The Irazu Volcano National Park is the highlight of this tour, standing as the second-highest peak in Costa Rica. Visitors will marvel at the impressive crater views from the volcano’s summit.

The park offers a unique landscape, with vibrant green vegetation contrasting the stark gray volcanic rock.

Some key features include:

1. The main crater, which spans nearly a mile wide and 1,050 feet deep.
2. The Diego de la Haya crater, a secondary crater that formed during the 1960s eruptions.
3. Opportunities to hike along well-marked trails and explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
4. The chance to witness the ever-changing conditions of this active volcano.

Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora De Los Ángeles

Adjacent to the Irazú Volcano National Park lies the Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, an important temple that houses the Virgen de los Ángeles – Costa Rica’s patron saint.

This iconic church attracts pilgrims from across the country, who come to pay their respects and seek blessings.

The sanctuary features stunning Spanish-colonial architecture, with intricate details and a serene ambiance.

Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the historic altars, and learn about the site’s religious significance.

The tour includes a stop at this remarkable landmark, providing an opportunity to take in Costa Rican culture and spirituality.

Historic Settlements and Churches

Beyond the striking Santuario Nacional, the tour explores the historic settlements and charming churches that dot the Cartago province.

Visitors will discover the colonial-era town of Orosi, home to the picturesque Iglesia de San Francisco de Orosi, a 17th-century church renowned for its unique architecture and religious artwork.

The tour also highlights:

1. The former capital of Costa Rica, Cartago, with its impressive Spanish-style cathedrals and plazas.
2. The quaint village of Ujarrás, boasting the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción, a stunning example of colonial religious architecture.
3. The centuries-old ruins of Pueblo Viejo, once a thriving indigenous settlement.
4. Several other historic churches and sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Personalized and Private Experience

A key highlight of this tour is the personalized and private experience it offers. Rather than joining a large group, you’ll be the sole participants, ensuring an intimate and tailored adventure.

Your professional naturalist guide will cater the day’s itinerary to your interests, providing in-depth insights and allowing you to explore at your own pace. The private transportation further enhances the exclusivity, as you’ll travel comfortably in a deluxe vehicle without the interruptions of other guests.

This personalized approach promises an enriching and memorable journey through Cartago’s captivating landmarks and stunning natural wonders.

Transportation and Logistics

For this tour, pickup is arranged from all hotels in the San Jose area, with custom arrangements available for unlisted accommodations.

The tour starts promptly at 7:00 AM. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the tour.

The tour includes:

1. 100% private deluxe transportation throughout the day.
2. Entrance fee to Irazu Volcano National Park.
3. Lunch at a local restaurant, with alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
4. Tips for the professional naturalist tour guide.

With these logistics in place, travelers can look forward to a seamless and personalized experience exploring the highlights of Cartago Province.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes several key features that enhance the overall experience. Visitors will enjoy the services of a professional naturalist guide, private deluxe transportation, and entry to Irazú Volcano National Park. A local restaurant lunch, with alcoholic drinks available for purchase, is also provided. To ensure a seamless and worry-free day, tips for the tour guide are included in the package.

Included	Excluded
Naturalist guide	Airfare
Private transportation	Travel insurance
Irazú Volcano entry	Personal expenses
Lunch at local restaurant	Additional activities

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive guest reviews underscore the tour’s excellence, with an impressive 5.0-star overall rating. The tour has received three 5-star reviews and one 4-star review, praising its personalized experiences, educational insights, beautiful views, and enjoyable lunch at Rancho Orosi.

Reviewers highlight:

• Personalized experiences tailored to the group’s interests
• Knowledgeable and engaging tour guide providing valuable information
• Breathtaking vistas of the Irazú Volcano and surrounding landscapes
• Delightful local dining experience at Rancho Orosi

The consistently high ratings and glowing feedback from past participants demonstrate the tour’s ability to deliver an exceptional and memorable experience in Cartago’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is only for your party, which ensures a personalized experience. According to the tour overview, the group size is limited to your party alone, providing a private and customized excursion.

Does the Tour Include Any Entrance Fees Besides Irazu Volcano?

The tour includes the entrance fee to Irazú Volcano National Park. It also covers lunch at a local restaurant, though alcoholic drinks are available for purchase separately. No other entrance fees are mentioned in the tour details provided.

Can the Tour Start Time Be Adjusted to Accommodate Early/Late Flights?

The tour’s start time can be adjusted to accommodate early or late flights. Guests can coordinate with the tour provider to arrange a custom pickup time that best fits their travel schedule.

What Type of Vehicle Is Used for the Private Transportation?

The private transportation for this tour is 100% deluxe, which typically means a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle such as a minivan or SUV that can accommodate your party. The specific type of vehicle used will depend on the size of your group.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Lunch Options Available?

The tour provider offers vegetarian and vegan lunch options. Travelers with dietary restrictions can request these alternative meal choices when booking the private tour to ensure their dietary needs are accommodated.

Recap

This private tour offers an immersive experience exploring Cartago’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the majestic Irazu Volcano to the charming historic towns, the tour provides a personalized and exclusive journey with a knowledgeable guide. Travelers can expect stunning scenery, insightful commentary, and a delightful local lunch, making it an unforgettable way to discover the highlights of this captivating region.