If seen from its foothill, the Turrialba Volcano may seem to the observer as the perfect volcano always used to illustrate books; its sandy, almost perfect cone is a picture that cannot escape the lens of the visitor's camera.
The Turrialba Volcano belongs to the Central Mountain Range Conservation Area, which is located, as indicated by its name, in the central part of the country and that includes seven volcanoes. The top of the Turrialba Volcano is 3,325 meters over the sea level and it is the last volcano towards the northeast part of the Central Volcanic Range and since it is an easily accessible area, during the year it receives the most touristic visits of all.
It is said that originally it was named "Torre Alba" (White Tower) by the Spaniards since it presented large columns produced by old eruptions which from the distance looked like an enormous white tower. This name evolved phonetically into the actual one.
To reach the volcano you can use public transportation, taking a bus that leaves San José often and that will take you to the city of Turrialba in about 2 hours; once there you must take another bus that will take you to the foothill of the volcano. For years, it was thought to be impossible to reach the top of the Turrialba, now using a 4X4 vehicle it is fairly easy to reach the very cone of the mountain. And if you wish to exercise, you can climb the massif in a couple of hours.
The view from the top is magnificent. You will be able to see the Atlantic Ocean, the Talamanca Mountain Range, the Guarco Valley, the Central Volcanic Range, the town of Turrialba and the Central Valley.
Streams, wild animals, trees "decorated" with parasites and vines accompany a landscape of green forests that sometimes turns mysterious as the fog starts covering its hillside; a total twist is found by visitors when reaching the top, they face a landscape devoid of vegetation, sole witness of the violent eruptions that once swept the area.
Smoky Story
This region was colonized by indians of the Oriental Huetar Kingdom and later by the Spaniards. Legends say that when the colonizers arrived, the volcano was constantly active and it was part of the custom to cross oneself when listening or observing any strange activity in it.
Some vapor eruptions were reported in 1723, 1847, 1853, 1855 up to 1861; at present there are no signs of activity nor traces of eruptions. Nevertheless, close to the crater you can observe internal fires in some of the cracks.
Characteristics of the Area
The whole Canton of Turrialba is characterized by an irregular landscape, alternating between valleys and abrupt areas, with warm and humid weather and very fertile soils. Coffee, corn and mostly sugar are typical plantings in the area. Close to the volcano there are cattle raising farms, an industry that flourished rapidly because pastures are abundant and very well developed in the region.
The farms closest to the volcano are Los Quemados and La Central. The only hotel that offers lodging close to the foothill of the massif is the Volcán Turrialba Lodge, which used to be a lechería (milk farm), offering all basic services for tourist to venture into the green immensity of the surrounding lands of Turrialba.
Costa Rican Volcanoes 
