Turrialba Volcano Cartago Awesome view in early morning 788245216 I had to first register (although tripadvisor won't let me put the national park webpage) so find them on facebook and ask them to send you the link in how to pay. They will send you a confirmation email and then you need to pay it at the bank (if you are a foreigner) and then email them the confirmation. It was easy although a bit of a pain and when I was at the volcano I did see a couple who had just showed up. I slept 200 meters away at a super lodge that charged me as a single just 12,500-Albergue Cortijo El Quetzal 8822-4918. I can't believe it was so cheap and you would need 4X4 for the last bit down their driveway otherwise park on the top and walk. The cabin had a full kitchen, wifi, 2 stories, hot water and very nice host- although bring your own food. I did the first tour at 6:00am to be the weather although the guide said it can vary at any time of the day- but our weather was perfect so going first thing is probably a good idea. There were only 3 in this group and the rest much bigger groups- I went on a weekend. The walk with a guide is really pointless as there is a road all the way to the top but that is the only way. I really enjoyed the trip.

We got lucky, we started early on the drive with photographer friends. Not a cloud in the sky and a spectacular "puffing eruption" on the horizon. That day the volcano belched giants puffs of ash every few minutes creating a trail of puffs from east to west. Drove up to the old park entrance (long closed) and then drove back on the evac route to Irazu volcano. This bit def needs a 4WD. Lots of great photos that day.