Thanks to its proximity to the metropolitan area, this excursion offers the possibility to visit the province of Cartago, the smallest in Costa Rica but with the essence of combining different natural attractions in one day as Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley, and the amazing Lankester Garden.
Upon reaching the summit of the Irazu Volcano National Park, a walk around the craters will allow you to learn about the different eruptions and admire its scenary.
The remarkable Lankester Botanical Garden is the next stop. British botanist and orchid enthusiast Charles Lankester established the garden in 1917, then, it was transferred to the University of Costa Rica (UCR) to establish a Botanical Garden dedicated to research and conservation of the rich flora of the tropics.
From here, the road drops steeply into the laid-back Orosi Valley. In the center of village stands the simple but beautiful 1743 San José de Orosi Church, the oldest church still in use in Costa Rica. The adjoining former Franciscan monastery is a museum displaying religious art and artifacts.