Irazú Volcano is one of our favorite day trips from San José, and not just for a view of the crater.
Located 4 km from Sanatorio Durán, the Prusia sector of Irazú Volcano National Park is an excellent destination for hikers, trail-runners and those who just want a breath of fresh air.
Prusia has 10 miles (16 km) of well-maintained trails of varying difficulty through a forest unlike what you’ll find elsewhere in Costa Rica. Full of pine and cypress trees, Irazú Volcano National Park’s Prusia sector feels as if it has been transplanted from the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to hiking trails, the Prusia sector has picnic areas, restrooms and potable water.
The National Park is open every day from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Entry is 1,000 colones for Costa Rican adults or permanent residents, or $15 for adult non-residents.