Turrialba Volcano National Park

Location: 10 miles northwest of Turrialba; 45 miles northeast of San Jose

Size: 3,900 acres

Date of Creation: 1955

Elevation: 10,918 feet  above sea level

Part of:  ACCVC: Central Volcanic Conservation Area

About:

Turrialba Volcano, seated northwest of Cartago’s Irazu Volcano National Park stands at almost 11,000 feet above sea level. In 1955, a national park was founded to protect the volcano and its surrounding rain and cloud forests. Though less than 4,000 acres in area, the park is home to 84 bird species and 11 species of mammals.

Turrialba Volcano’s peak contains three well-defined craters, the largest of which measures a massive 164 feet in diameter. Though the volcano’s flanks are painted with greenery and dripping with moisture, Turrialba’s summit is best compared to the moon’s cratered, rocky landscape. Take note that temperatures fall as altitude increases; the top of the volcano averages a chilly 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures often dip much lower.

Called White Tower (“Torre Alba”) by the Spanish, the once fuming and sputtering Turrialba Volcano entered a dormant period in 1866. For almost 150 years, Turrialba Volcano ruled the valley quietly until, in 2001, it again showed signs of gentle activity; fumaroles billowed and the crater steamed, but the volcano remained safe for exploration.

In December 2007, the volcano erupted again, spewing gas, vapor and white ash down its mountainside. No animals, crops or humans were hurt during the eruption, but access to the national park was immediately restricted, and scientists descended upon the again-active Turrialba Volcano for research purposes.

As of early 2009, Turrialba Volcano National Park is open to the public (no admission fee), but there is a 30-minute maximum stay for safety purposes.

Weather:

The volcano’s peak can get very chilly (average 59 degrees Fahrenheit); it is best to bring a sweater or jacket.

Activities:

Turrialba Volcano National Park is among the country’s least visited parks, though not for lack of sightseeing. Those that brave the rustic hiking trails are treated to incredible views and scenic panoramas, some stretching out to the neighboring Irazu, Poas and Barva volcanoes. A lodge on the slopes of the volcano offers a variety of hikes and horseback rides through the park.

Facilities:

The park has no ranger station, though park rangers may be found at the volcano’s summit.

Trails:

Turrialba Volcano National Park has a few unmarked hiking trails leading toward the Eastern Crater and the Central Crater. Be aware that the park is very rustic with relatively little tourism, so care for your safety must be taken on the trails.

Fees and Schedule:

There is no admission fee to Turrialba Volcano National Park which is open during daylight hours. As of early 2009, Turrialba Volcano National Park enforces a 30-minute maximum stay for safety purposes.

Getting There:

Turrialba Volcano National Park can only be reached via private vehicle, 4WD taxi or a difficult hike. The easiest approach begins from Santa Cruz, just 8 miles from Turrialba. The 11-mile road leading to Turrialba’s summit is paved for the first 6 miles; the final 5-mile ascent is very rough, and requires a 4WD vehicle.

Nearby Parks:

Irazu Volcano National Park

Guayabo National Monument

Contact Info:

Turrialba Volcano National Park currently has no ranger station. Visitors may call the ACCVC: Central Volcanic Conservation Area for information. Tel: 2290-8202