Location
Between Irazu and Poas Volcanoes, near Braulio Carrillo National Park.
13 miles (21 km) Northeast of San Jose.
Altitude
2,906 meters (9,535 feet)
Description
Barva Volcano
Barva Volcano, called "Cerro Las Tres Marias," is the remains of a calderic structure that forms the end wall of a the Central Valley. The area is famous for its panoramic views of surrounding cities and cattle farms, of Cacho Negro Mountain (located northwest of Barva Volcano, known for its perfect conical shape), and for its cypress and pines tree forests.
The Barva is believed to be the oldest volcano in Costa Rica, though it has not been active since 1492. Many of the Barva Volcano's craters have filled with clear, cold water, among them, Barva Lake 700 meters (2,297 feet) wide with clear waters, and Danta Lake 500 meter (1,641 feet) wide. The jungle of trees, moss and vegetation growing all around the area will make you feel you've drifted into an enchanted land. It is a hiker's volcano, though you'll need a four wheel drive vehicle to get you near enough to make the climb to the top of the volcano.
Barva Volcano
Located within Braulio Carillo National Park, the Barva Volcano is the only one of the Central Valley's four volcanoes that has not erupted since colonial times. The volcano is located 13 miles north of San Jose and rises to a height of 9,500 feet above sea level. The volcano is easily identifiable by its three volcanic promontories known as Cerro Las Tres Marias (Three Marys Hill). The climb to the summit of the volcano is fairly popular among hikers and provides panoramic views of the Central Valley and rural countryside. Use the park entrance via San Jose de la Montaņa. From the road, foot trails go to the summit of the volcano.
The surroundings of Barva house two precious lagoons, Barva with a diameter of 100 meters and Danta with 500 meters. It is the only volcano of the Central Mountain Range that has been inactive for the past 400 years.
Costa Rican Volcanoes 
