Turrialba
Turrialba has long been known as the launching point for rafting the wild Reventazón and Pacuare rivers. But it is much more than just a rafting destination. The Turrialba area offers an active volcano, an indigenous archaeological site, gorgeous scenery and small-town hospitality. The town was once a main stop on the now-defunct San Jose-Limón railroad, but today Turrialba has become a hidden, off the beaten track destination. Some must see spots include:
Guayabo National Monument:
Costa Rica's most important archaeological site dates back a thousand years. You'll see paved sidewalks, petroglyphs, aqueducts (which still work!), and more. Birdwatching is good nearby.
CATIE (Centro Agronómico Tropical A Investigación. This is one of the world's largest tropical research centers. They offer a not-for-profit botanical garden that boasts around 5,700 samples that represent over 350 species from around the world. www.catie.ac.cr
Turrialba Volcano:
The 3,339-meter massif is more remote than the country's other active volcanoes, but it is definitely worth a hike. The last eruption was in 1866, but Turrialba has shown increasing activity lately, so be sure to check with locals before climbing.
How to get there:
By Bus: 2 hours from San Jose, leaves from calle 13, avenida 6/8. Tel. San Jose: 222-4464 Turrialba: 556-0073
By Car: 1 hr. 45 min. from San Jose, via Cartago.
Geographical Division 
