Ruta de los Volcanes

Costa Rica's Central Valley is surrounded by active volcanoes, and this route links them in a loop of mountain roads through coffee plantations and cloud forest before dropping to the Caribbean coast.

From San José you climb toward the craters of Poás, Irazú and Turrialba, then descend through the rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park toward Limón.

Highlights

• The road up Irazú, the country's highest volcano, with views of both oceans on clear days
• Poás volcano and its crater lake
• Turrialba and its farms and coffee country
• Cartago and the Basilica de Los Ángeles
• The descent through Braulio Carrillo to the Caribbean coast

Best time to ride

December to April is the dry season. The green season (May–November) brings afternoon downpours and occasional landslides.

The road

Paved but steep and winding, with potholes, fog and rain on the high sections. Traffic around San José is heavy.

Riding tips

• Ride early: clouds usually cover the craters by late morning.
• Check whether the volcano national parks require advance tickets.
• Watch for trucks and buses on the Braulio Carrillo highway.