The town of Turrialba is known as the gateway to the Caribbean. As a town, it is overwhelmingly dominated by the Turrialba volcano which stands at 3,300m and which last erupted in 1866. However, sulphurous steam still escapes from the crater and so though dormant, you just never know…
It is a relatively short drive to get here from San Jose and along the way you will pass coffee and sugar plantations all with the Turrialba volcano as a magnificent back drop. This area is the base for some of the countries best rafting and kayaking opportunities. The Pacuare river has some world-class white-water conditions together with spectacular canyons lined with lush rainforest.
In terms of culture, the pre-Columbian archaeological site, Guayabo National Monument is worth a look. There are clear trails allowing you to walk around the excavated areas of this ‘lost city’. This 2000 year old settlement was strangely abandoned in AD 1400 and there is evidence that the town might have been at a population of 10,000 at its height.
Not everybody makes it up here during their stay in Costa Rica and so to discover a relatively ‘un-touristy’ part of Costa Rica is a great thing to do and see.
Casa Turire Hotel is a ‘Small Distinctive Hotel of Costa Rica’ and as such is a beautiful boutique hotel which feels more like a home. The hotel is set in a working sugarcane, coffee and macadamia nut plantation. With lush tropical gardens all around, it is a pleasure to stay in one of the 16 guestrooms. More…
