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The verdant Turrialba Valley is nestled against the Caribbean slopes of the Cordillera Central, just 40 miles east of San José.

Rains throughout the year have created thick pockets of primary forest connected by important biological corridors whilst the wild waters of the Reventazon River irrigate the valley to sustain extensive plantations of sugar cane, coffee and macadamia.

It also provides some of Costa Rica's most exciting white-water rafting.

Landscape and agriculture

Rancho Naturalista, TurrialbaA combination of reliable rainfall, numerous powerful rivers and rich volcanic soils have made Turrialba an important agricultural region which has been carefully developed to ensure a balance with nature and conservation.

The lush mountainous landscapes, pristine tropical forests, thundering rivers and wildlife ensures that there is plenty to do in Turrialba; but it is also a great place to discover the agricultural side of the country with a visit to one of the plantations to sample some of the best organic produce in Costa Rica.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Chris

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Turrialba by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists

Suggested itinerary featuring Turrialba

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Turrialba, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Turrialba

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Turrialba

    Our expert guides to exploring Turrialba

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Turrialba, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Turrialba at its best.

    • What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide
      Red eyed tree frog, Costa Rica

      What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide

      What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide

      One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica attracts nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike. Country specialist, Nik, picks out some of the country’s highlights, from white-water rafting to wildlife spotting in the cloudforest.

      5 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Turrialba

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Turrialba. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    • Honeymoon Suite, Pacuare Lodge, Pacuare Lodge
      Responsible Choice

      Pacuare Lodge

      Turrialba
      First Class

    Ideas for experiencing Turrialba

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Turrialba, and which use the best local guides.

    • CATIE Agricultural Research Station
      Turrialba, Costa Rica

      CATIE Agricultural Research Station

      CATIE Agricultural Research Station

      Enjoy a guided tour of CATIE, one of the leading tropical and agricultural research stations in the world. Walk the winding paths, spotting many tropical bird, insect and reptile species along the way, and learn about the cutting-edge research and techniques being used by the centre.

      View details