THEY CALL THIS VOLCANO TURRIALBA

It's the second highest in Costa Rica and one of the few volcanoes on the planet where it’s possible to walk down into the crater itself.

If you are a bit hardy, this might be one of your most memorable Costa Rica trips.

But first. . .you have to get to the rim.

Fortunately, Costa Rica has built a road to the rim.

Unfortunately, it’s not paved and is so rough you may need a four-wheel drive during the dry season (you can hire people to take you in their car). Volcanoes don't always make things easy for explorers.

Even those on Costa Rica vacations.

But, oh, what a view!

Now, of course, you may want to see an active volcano but aren't all that thrilled about roughing it for several hours walking up to its peak (and, of course, walking back down) or, alternatively, taking a rut filled dirt road.

If I'm talking your language, there's an alternative volcano, though you'll be in a crowd, not alone.

It's much closer to San Jose and, unlike Turrialba, easily reached.

It's the ever popular

Click to visit

Poas Volcano.

But, of course, if you're the kind of adventurer for whom crowds don't provide excited tingles and if you prefer (near) solitude and a good chance to see more birds, sloths, and other wildlife in a lush, gorgeous place, think about Volcano Turrialba.

If the specter of being alone surrounded by wild beauty is appealing, this may be your Costa Rica tourism destination.

Magnificent, and it’s one of the least visited parks in the country. It’s easy to reach and is about half-way between San Jose and Limon on the Caribbean coast.

Don't forget, this volcano Turrialba is where you, intrepid explorer, can walk into the crater itself.

Just like one of those dudes on the Discovery Channel!

The journey into the crater takes about an hour but remember you’re going to be on top of a very high mountain so bring a jacket and rain-gear.

And, don't worry! Though this volcano erupted many, many times (some of them REALLY big!) in the 19th century, the odds are with you. . .I think.

UPDATE

January 2010, Turrialba shot ash over a wide area of the Central Valley as seismic activity increased.

Monitor Turrialba from your home. Live feed pics every 10 seconds of Turrialba Volcano

There's Lots More to Do Around Turrialba

Yea, I think I did, but check it out for yourself.

Take a horse-back tour, bike around, or hike, and the graphic above shows what you'll see around the volcano.

Maybe you’re a canyoneer (or a wannabe), want to rappel down a waterfall, think whitewater rafting is an adventure for you, or like kayaking, you’ll be in the right place here.

There are lots of mountains, valleys, and several rivers.

You can even go mountain-biking here!

It is tropical, wild, lush, and a great off-the-beaten-path Costa Rica vacation.

There's even a real lost city that you can visit. It's called Guyabo National Monument

Center for Tropical Agriculture Investigations and Learning

Set on 2000 acres landscaped acres around a lovely lake at the base of the volcano Turrialba, you’ll find 2,500 species of coffee as well as hundreds of varieties of cacao and plants from around the world.

There are several trails with great bird-watching, filled with orchards, labs, herbariums, and husbandry facilities and guided group tours of five hours are available.

Or, if you'd like to visit the grounds alone, you can do so with three days' notice. At last notice, the price for this tour was $25.

A special place to see on your Costa Rica vacationbut you’ll probably need a reservation.

* * *

Come. Spend some time.

Take a walk--or a ride--on the wild side.

It's not everyday people have 112 different volcanos to discover.

Except in Costa Rica.

So, travel Costa Rica and make sure your trip to Costa Rica includes Volcano Turrialba.

Pura Vida!

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Go to National Parks in Costa Rica v.2

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