Turrialba
Costa Rica · Cartago · 630 m
Description
Turrialba is a lush mountain region east of Costa Rica’s Central Valley and one of the country’s leading destinations for whitewater rafting, agriculture, and outdoor adventure. The area is known for the Río Pacuare, which winds through spectacular gorges and dense tropical rainforest, as well as the active Turrialba Volcano, which towers over the surrounding landscape. Fertile volcanic soils and a mild highland climate support the region’s renowned coffee production and traditional dairy farming. With Turrialba Volcano National Park and the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Guayabo, Turrialba combines dramatic volcanic scenery, adventure, history, and the rural character of Costa Rica away from the country’s major tourist hubs.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Pacuare River white-water rafting
- Guayabo National Monument
- Turrialba Volcano National Park
- Reventazón River rafting & kayaking
- Irazú Volcano National Park(Day trip)
- Guayabo archaeological trails & aqueducts
- Tapantí National Park(Day trip)
- Turrialba Volcano viewpoints
- Turrialba coffee plantation tours
- CATIE Botanical Garden
- Aquíares coffee estate & waterfall(Day trip)
- Pacuare River jungle lodges & rainforest
- Birdwatching around Turrialba
- Turrialba cheese tradition
- La Marta Wildlife Refuge(Day trip)