Irazú Volcano Half Day Tour from San Jose
San Jose, Costa Rica
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Climbing the tallest volcano in Costa Rica need not be daunting; keep it easy with this guided tour to Irazu Volcano from San Jose. Join this guided tour to the summit of the volcano, an easy hike after the scenic drive, and take your time at the top admiring the views. This tour includes round-trip transportation from San Jose as well as all entrance fees.
- Day trip to Irazu Volcano from San Jose
- Take in the views from the highest volcano in Costa Rica
- Easy hike suitable for all ages
- All entrance fees included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
What's Included
- Tour led by a friendly, professional guide
- Round Trip Transportation from San Jose
- Tour operate with a minimum of 2 people
- Entrance to Irazu Volcano Park
- Meals
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
“Tour departs from hotels in San Jose You must indicate the hotel’s name in order to confirm the booking. Please confirm the pickup time at least 24 hours before the tour.
Operating hours.6:30 am
Itinerary
1
Irazu Volcano National Park
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infant seats available
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- Note: A minimum of 4 people per booking is required to confirm.
- Contact line available for handling hotel pick-up reconfirmations and day-to-day operational matters.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.1
based on 58 reviews
Desirae_D, Apr 2026
This was an excellent and easy half day trip! Our guide was Gary, who was very knowledgeable. The volcano was incredible to see as well as the short tour of the church in Cartago. Bring some snacks and a jacket.
Johannes_B, Mar 2026
I was on half day tour so it was short. Best take full day . Walking inside the crater is part of tour. Going to Cartago and visiting & learning the cathedral history and participating in a few activities was interesting.
Gordon_B, Feb 2026
They are unable to pick you up from an AirBnB so you have to make your way to closest (listed) hotel that they do pick up from. Can be difficult to arrange for their early morning pickup this way. Eric the guide was wonderful, as was the driver, who expertly travelled very the difficult roads up to Irazu. The stop at Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles in Cartago was very special. Wish we could have had a whole hour alotted there. All in all, an amazing 1/2 day trip.
Niro_W, Jan 2026
Great half day tour. Our guide Pedro was very funny and did a lot of explaining during the tour. Unfortunately the rain and fog spoiled the ability to see the crater properly which was outside of anyone’s control. Highly recommend.
Dominique_T, Dec 2025
Pedro was exceptionally kind. No water in the volcano. Very informational. I'd recommend this tour...
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your review and for recommending the tour.
We’re happy to hear Pedro made such a positive impression and that you found the information shared throughout the day valuable. Your note about the water conditions at the volcano is appreciated as well—it’s a natural factor, but feedback like this helps set clearer expectations for future guests.
Nevi_L, Dec 2025
The travel time was around 3 hours. We enjoyed the hike at the volcano site and the stop at the Basillica. We suggest that the hike should be with a guide.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your experience.
We’re glad you enjoyed the volcano hike and the visit to the Basilica. Your suggestion about having a guide during the hike is very helpful. Guided walks can definitely add more context, safety, and insight, and we’ll take this recommendation into consideration as we continue improving the experience.
We appreciate you joining us and taking the time to leave your comments.
Andres_D, Dec 2025
Experience was amazing! Great views! Daniel our tour guide was so nice and full of energy! The volcano views were great & the church was beautiful! Highly recommend when you’re in the San Jose Area
Catherine_K, Dec 2025
On our last day in La Fortuna, we took a chocolate tour at Eden plantation. Unlike other chocolate tours, this one was incredibly interactive. Not only did we tour the plantation, saw the different types of cacao plans that grow there, learned about each step of the processing of the Cacao seeds and finally, we made our own chocolate bars. Our guide was personable and made the learning experience extremely fun which in return made our tour very memorable.
The plantation itself sit next to a river making for incredible pictures.
Highly recommend this particular chocolate tour in La Fortuna!
Sheila_H, Nov 2025
Was a rainy, cold and cloudy day, did see anything. The fog was so thick. Guess it’s a hit or missed.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are sorry the weather worked against you that day — when clouds and fog move in, visibility can change quickly in the mountains, and it can definitely affect what you’re able to see. We understand how disappointing that must have felt.
We hope you’ll consider visiting again on a clearer day so you can enjoy the full experience the tour normally offers. If you ever return to Costa Rica, we’d be happy to help you plan something that fits better with the conditions.
Eric_M, Oct 2025
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a light poncho, just in case. The tour guide was well informed and very sociable.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and that your guide made the experience informative and friendly. Great tip about the comfortable shoes and poncho — definitely useful advice for future travelers.
Maria_A, Sep 2025
Tour guide Phillip, was very informative, friendly and made you feel comfortable. He went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Phillip made such a positive impact on your tour. We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to him—he’ll be delighted to know he made your day unforgettable. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!
Tabata_A, May 2025
I thought the tour was very nice, never been to a volcano crater before BUT the volcano is dry...they sell the tour with a different image so many people think there's water in it, but overall was a nice experience. Very cold up there. And they took us to the Botanical Garden as well, a very nice and calm place.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Milena_M, Mar 2025
the guide was a very nice person, and the tour was well conducted. pickup time had a tiny delay. Irazu volcano is a nice place to visit. and the cathedral is small, but lovely. Could have more time to check the little museum and fountain.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Qubilah_H, Mar 2025
I enjoyed learning about the history of the volcano and being given time to explore the site on my own.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Jane_C, Jan 2025
Amazing tour but Viator needs to update their pictures. There hasn’t been a lagoon in the crater for many years. The tour guide (Gary) was personable, professional and knowledgeable. The driver (David) did an excellent job. Breathtaking views. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Charles_W, Nov 2024
This was the highlight of my visit to Costa Rica. The tour guide was extremely knowledgable, and was able to give the tour simultaneously in English and Spanish (!!). Even though we had poor weather at the top of the Irazú volcano, we learned a lot about the history and geology making it an incredible experience despite getting soaked!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Sue_C, May 2024
Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, the driver safe, the vehicle was clean and comfortable, it just needed a new tyre
it was a short trip, it would have been nice to have had a little longer so we could walk to the highest point or even if they could amend the trip so they drive up there first for 10-15 minutes then down to the crater as there didn't seem enough time to do both
I have been to Irazú before and was fortunate to have seen the turquoise lake but some on the trip were disappointed expecting to see it on this trip but it is not there all year around, I went not expecting to see it but thinking if I did it would be a bonus (I saw in June before)
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you very much for your feedback! We take note of your comments to improve in the
future. We hope soon your return to Costa Rica and provide an excellent experience.
Dean_G, May 2024
We took the half day tour and it was perfect for us. It was an very early start by our standards (630 AM) but it was worth it, and we were back on our own by noon. Great.
Daniel and David were our guide and driver, and they were great. Daniel spoke English very well, was very knowledgeable, kept us engaged and was a very nice guy. David drove the bus steady and safe up the winding roads to Irazu. They even took us off the beaten path to show us another crater that wasn't even listed in the description. Great photos! Irazu' was stunning and worth the trek up there (which also had stunning views and we were lucky we had such perfect weather and could see everything. Spent an hour up there walking around taking it all in. Then we went to Cartago to see the Basilica of Los Angeles church and that was really great as well.
5 stars for these guys!
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
skg, Mar 2024
The views were breathtaking we stopped at a little shop before heading to the volcano
Climbing the steep hills through the mountains were an amazing sight to see.I enjoyed every minute just being up above the clouds seeing the villages and live stock.there's also a gift shop near the volcano stop, you'll need a light jacket.we also got off the bus to visit mercado market
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Jasmine_B, Mar 2024
Host and driver were skilled! Host was knowledgeable and fun! Beautiful views through and through! :)
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Charlotte_D, Feb 2024
Unfortunately it was a cloudy day. So we couldn’t see much. But no one can’t do anything about that! The tourguide did a good job and already in the car to the vulcano he told a lot about the surroundings and later also at the vulcano and at the Cartago Church. But I do think that the tour is a bit expence. Because i was picked up at 7:30 and back at the hostel at 13:00.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you very much for your feedback! We take note of your comments to improve in the
future. We hope soon your return to Costa Rica and provide an excellent experience.
Farina_F, Feb 2024
-Nice view over the Clouds
-sadly Not enough time to walk around at the craters
-Guide told some informations in the bus but only basics
- of you have a rental car, Go by yourself
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you very much for your feedback! We take note of your comments to improve in the
future. We hope soon your return to Costa Rica and provide an excellent experience.
Judy_G, Jan 2024
Honestly this tour was really nice in the beginning I have to say that you know going up the volcano and the small hike was actually nice. I guess my only issue that I had was that I felt like our guide was trying to put us in places where he was making a commission out of us so that in itself is what kind of bothered me a bit but I guess it's part of what some tour guides do but otherwise you know what I would recommend this trip just you know be aware that you're going to probably be stopped at some places to go buy things and told hey buy this buy that it's nothing you don't mind the suggestion it just felt like it was kind of forced sometimes and even some of the prices of where we went were ridiculously high. For example we went to a restaurant to get some coffee and some hot chocolate two hot chocolates and a piece of cornmeal with some cheese on it and it'll cost me over $22 which I thought was a lot considering at the hot chocolate wasn't something that was gourmet you could you can tell that it was like either powdered or something but anyway otherwise the view are makes it the only thing that makes it worth it I would improve on this part you know not just taking your people to places where they can spend money and trying to talk them into buying stuff that and honestly was like price maybe four times the price where it shouldn't be just saying.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you very much for your feedback! We take note of your comments to improve in the
future. We hope soon your return to Costa Rica and provide an excellent experience.
Petra_W, Jan 2024
The trip itself was nice and our guide was great but the price for such a trip was really overrated and I wouldnt go for that for such a lot of money next time. Also the volcan was without water as it was not raining before which of course nobody can influence. Just that it was not as on the picture attached to the trip offer.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Shavon_E, Jul 2023
Fantastic experience! Christopher was a great driver. Daniel was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide.
They provided a welcoming & thorough experience filled with history of San José & the volcanoes themselves. They even took photos! And the experience of walking around near a volcano can’t be beat!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
GRAEME_M, Jul 2023
Our guide, Martin, was very knowledgeable and was great with my kids. Also very punctual with pick up. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Mark_S, Apr 2023
This is a great way to see the volcano and see the surrounding area. It’s just enough time to stroll through the crater.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations.
We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations.
Kind regards,
Customer Service team
Jamie_P, Dec 2022
Great trip, the volcano was a must see on our to do list for this trip! Bring a jacket and water with you.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!.
Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica
jkruse2019, Sep 2019
This was a great tour, the tourguide Donald was great and explained all that would happen throughout the trip and gave great information.
We had great weather and it was really interesting to see the greenish lake inside the volcano.
Nice tour for half a day. Worth it!
Christina M, Apr 2018
The tour was nice, and our guide was very knowledgeable of the area. The views up to the volcano were breath taking and it was really neat to see the volcano. We even saw some fun wildlife while there. My only complaint was we had to switch vans during the tour and the driver we had that took us back to our hotels was not a very safe driver. Additionally, he forget to take one of the passengers to his hotel and then claimed he had already stopped there which he didn't. Then he dropped that passenger off at a corner and told him to walk the 4 blocks back to his hotel from there. I'm glad it wasn't me but I felt really bad for the guy. The driver was on his phone constantly and he drove very fast. I would have thought maybe this is just the Coast Rican way, but I did 2 other tours and this was not the case with the other drivers. We did enjoy the trip to the volcano but the driver kinda soured our experience at the end.
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