Located in the province of Cartago, southeast of San Jose, Turrialba is known as the door to the Costa Rica Caribbean lowlands.  The area is home to the Turrialba Volcano and the Guayabo National Monument which is considered the most important pre-Columbian archeological site in Costa Rica, located in the middle of the jungle.

The area is known as well for its popular white water rafting trips on the Reventazon and Pacuare rivers, although other adventure activities such as horseback riding, canyoning or biking tours are also available for visitors through Visit Costa Rica Hotels.

Highlights

Guayabo National Monument
The 220 hectares Guayabo National Monument is considered to be the most important Pre-Columbian archeological site in Costa Rica. The park, surrounded by tropical wet forest is an ideal place for travelers looking for a combination of history, archeology and nature all at once. The region was populated by indigenous agricultural societies of approximately 1000 inhabitants up to the XI century and then mysteriously abandoned. Excavations reveal rock mounds that may have been used as the commercial and administrative center of the settlement. A lookout point offers a superficial view of the village with its working aqueducts and terraces. Visitors can easily access the park through trails and paths of different lengths, with pavement and stairs in the steeper areas.