Central Valley
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Central Valley - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza
A good place for bird-watchers and garden enthusiasts, the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center—better known by its Spanish acronym, CATIE—is one of the leading tropical research centers in Latin America, with headquarters here and affiliates in nine other countries. You might catch sight of the yellow-winged northern jacana or the purple gallinule in the lagoon near the main building. The 10-square-km (4-square-mile) property includes landscaped grounds, seed-conservation chambers, greenhouses, orchards, experimental agricultural projects, a large swath of rain forest, labs and offices, and lodging for students and teachers. The most popular attraction is the Botanical Garden Tour, a two-hour guided walk to taste, smell, and touch tropical fruits, along with cacao, coffee, and other medicinal and stimulant plants. A favorite stop is the "miracle fruit" tree, whose berries magically make anything sour taste sweet. Reservations are required for guided tours.
Turrialba, Cartago, 30502, Costa Rica2558–2000Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $15, Daily 7–4 -
2. Guayabo National Monument
On the slopes of Turrialba Volcano lies Costa Rica's only true archaeological site. The city, once home to possibly 10,000 people, was abandoned in AD 1400, probably because of disease or war. Starting from the round, thatch-roof reception center, guided tours will take you through the rain forest to a lookout from which you can see the layout of the excavated circular buildings. Only the raised foundations survive, since the conical houses themselves were built of wood. As you descend into the ruins, notice the well-engineered surface and covered aqueducts leading to a trough of drinking water, which still functions today. Guayabo has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a feat of Latin American civil engineering second only to Machu Picchu. The hillside jungle is captivating, and the trip is further enhanced by bird-watching possibilities: 200 species have been recorded.
Turrialba, Cartago, 30507, Costa Rica2559–1220Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $5 -
3. Turrialba Volcano National Park
Although you've never been able to drive up to its summit as you can at Poás and Irazú, Volcán Turrialba is an impressive sight from a distance. The park reopened in 2022 after being closed for 10 years, a combination of increased volcanic activity and COVID precautions. The volcano became increasingly active in 2010. A series of explosions from 2015 well into 2020 spewed out steam and ash to far reaches of the country and periodically closed Juan Santamaría International Airport. (Volcanic ash can corrode airplane engines.) Sulfur dioxide fumes emanate from the volcano, a phenomenon that has taken its toll on plant and animal life in the immediate vicinity. While the park is open again, entry comes with major restrictions. Advance reservations and the services of a park guide are required. Tours depart hourly from 6 am to 10 am and take you on a trail 4 km (2½ miles) in length, billed as a "moderate to difficult" hike. Although you can still not go directly to the crater, observation platforms allow for viewing from a safe distance. Park authorities constantly monitor Turrialba's rumblings and close the park at the slightest hint of abnormal activity. If you suffer from a heart or respiratory condition or are pregnant, stay away.
Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica8534--1063-to reserve tour and mandatory guideSight Details
Rate Includes: $12, plus $10 per group for guide -
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