The Turrialba Chamber of Tourism (CATUR initials in Spanish) as been developing an interesting strategy with the sole urpose to position this region as a first order tourist destination, not only for the local market, but internationally as well. The beauty of its landscapes and the endless tourist attractions are spectacular.
Turrialba
Adventure tourism has developed the most rapidly in the area, considering the fact that during recent years visionary entrepreneurs have made visible economic efforts to provide high quality services for its different products; which are already being promoted in the main trade shows, and international tourism activities, as a tactical established plan by CATUR for the following years. This beautiful borough, washed by the Colorado and Turrialba rivers, is located 64 km Southeast of San José and 108 km West of Puerto Limón.
It is named after a valley alongside the Reventazón river. The city is 600m above sea level, consequently structuring part of the area's high humid tropical forest. As a result it has on indefinite dry season, though between February and April heavy rain fall drops considerably.
Turrialba has an approximate population of 80.000 throughout on area of 1,665 km2, and it is known as "El puerto sin mar" (The port with no sea) due to the weather. The economy is based on commercial businesses, sugar cane crops, coffee, macadamia nut, vegetables and dairy products.
For the tourists delight there are many natural and cultural attractions:
Turrialba Volcano:
It is the last volcano along the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. Located 3,329m above sea level it is the second highest situated 24km Northeast of the city. Going up towards the volcano the trip becomes a thrill ride, as you observe small dairy farms, remains of the cloud forest, a variety of birds, epiphytes, and a grand spectacle of three big craters. As you go 50m down the main crater it is possible to observe at a close distance 90° C (194° F) smoke plumes. The last eruption recorded was in February 1866. Currently it has smoke plume activity.
Reventazón River:
Reventazón River
It is one of the most reckless rivers in the country. Its force, outside or inside the region, is used for the construction and development of hydropower projects. This river possesses well appreciated boating and kayaking conditions.
Other rivers like the Pacuare, Pejibaye and Chirripó also provide stunning natural scenery.
Aquiares waterfalls:
These are just two of the many waterfalls in the area. They are a tourist attraction of definitely great beauty. The first fall is near the city and it is 15m high. In order to get to the second fall, which is 30m high, you must travel o total of 6 hours (round trip). This is one of the prized jewels of Turrialba because it offers on excellent example of a waterfall within the tropical rain forest. You may take pleasure in swimming in the natural pool at the base of the fall.
Guayabo National Monument:
This site has important archaeological remains of a pre-Columbian city. Surrounded by a secondary forest it is I 9km Northeast of the city in a passable road throughout the year.
CATIE:
It is located 3km from downtown Turrialba. This is on investigation and instruction center of international nature. Settled in a scenic 1000 Ho. land CATIE's qualities are scientific and educational, in which the fundamental purpose is to provide research and graduate degrees in the agricultural science and renewable natural resources applied to the American tropic.
Viboraza Serpentarium and Park:
Situated in the small town of Pavones, a 20 minute ride from the city of Turrialba. The Camacho family runs this serpentarium with on incredible collection of exotic snakes, frogs, and orchids. This place gives you the opportunity to appreciate the meaning of rehabilitation and education of wild life, and what you can do to preserve it.
Other sites.
There are other places of interest in the district such as the University of Costa Rica (UCR) headquarters for the Atlantic region. In addition sugar refineries, coffee treatment plants, dairy farms, sugar mills, etc.
