One of the least developed parks and therefore one of the least visited is the Turrialba Volcano National Park in the province of Cartago. The park guards the Turrialba Volcano which last erupted in 1866. The park’s main attraction is its composite volcano, or strato volcano. The volcano has a total of three volcanoes, which unlike most of the rest, can be easily accessed and explored.

When the weather allows it, the sight from the top of the volcano can be quite impressive. Visitors will delight in a perfect view of the park’s surroundings, exuberant green vegetation and the Poas, Irazu and Barva Volcanoes in the distance.

The Turrialba Volcano is Costa Rica’s second tallest volcano after the Irazú Volcano. The volcano got its name from the early Spanish settlers who would see constant smoke columns emerge from therefore calling it Torre Alba which later merged into Turrialba. Climate in this area varies from montane cloud to rain forest and provides a perfect habitat for numerous exotic floras which range from ferns to bamboo and bromeliads. Bird watchers will also find this park a great place to spot a number of bird species and other curious wildlife.

Getting to the park is half the adventure. Visitors will need to drive to the town of Santa Cruz in Turrialba. From Santa Cruz you will need to continue for 18 km. The last section of the road and the entrance of the park is dirt road, so a 4 wheel drive might be a good idea. Turrialba offers a number of quaint Victorian and typical style hotels with relaxing views of the volcano and surrounding nature.

One of Costa Rica’s largest and most popular archeological sites is the Guayabo National Monument located in the province of Cartago. The park is accessed through the uprising tourist town of Turrialba, at just 19 kilometers from Turrialba near the base of the Turrialba Volcano lies the Guayabo Park.

Due to Costa Rica’s location and topography, it is believed that the area was a meeting point for several native tribes. The Guayabo Park quietly displays influences from northern and southern American tribes. Research in the area reveals that the region was inhabited from 1,000 years B.C to around 1,400 A.D. Guayabo’s area encompasses 218 hectares from which only 20 hectares represent the archeological findings. Costa Rican government declared the region as a National Monument in 1973 in order to protect structures such as paved roads, bridges, aqueducts and such.

Further research has revealed interesting findings such as water reservoir tanks, tombs, stairways, petroglyphs, monoliths, and sculptures as well as opened and closed aqueducts. Scientists believe that this area was inhabited by a specialized pre-Columbian tribe headed by a cacique and with a certain political and religious influence in the region. Little is known about how and why the area was abandoned but much is believed it had to due to sickness and war brought by the Spaniards during the colonization era.

The park’s vegetation is quite dense and evergreen and its wildlife includes species such as toucans, armadillos, rabbits, coyotes, snakes and lizards. The Guayabo National Monument site may be visited from Monday through Sunday from 8am to 3:30pm. Entrance Fee is approximately $6 per person for a guided tour.

We chose the Orquideas Inn for our first night of our second trip to Costa Rica. It was a good choice, and very good value. Not a destination hotel, but fine for a night or two, and much better than being at a generic chain hotel.

Having someone from the hotel at the airport to greet us was definitely a plus, given how chaotic it can be at SJO. There was a short wait until the free shuttle van arrived, to whisk us away from the Americanized development around the airport, through bustling Alajuela, up into the hills. Quiet, great view, helpful multi-lingual staff — a nice start to our vacation.

Our standard room was $79/night plus tax. It was basic, clean and pleasant conveniently located near pool and main building and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Decorated in a Spanish hacienda style with vibrant colors of green, orange, yellow, and terracotta; two queen beds, a bath with tub and shower, TV. air conditioning, ceiling fans, satelite television, phones, hair dryers, coffee makers and safes

Comfy lawn chairs to enjoy the view were located 30 seconds away, and there also were some sitting areas upstairs, and in the courtyard near the small pool. Lots of birds and flowering plants on the grounds, and there is a short walking trail.

Dinner at the restaurant was fabulous, as mentioned earlier, the staff was friendly and helpful. In particular, Miguel he worked the front desk, the bar, the restaurant, and the shuttle van. We recommend that you ask him to make his special tropical fruit rum punch — fresh blended papaya, pineapple, mango and banana!

We went to Doka Coffee Plantation, Poas Volcano, Sarchi and Grecia one day and into San Jose for some museums the next. My girls didn’t want to leave!

We will definitely stay here again, overall it was very relaxing and I felt very well taken care of.

This place is fantastic. Everyone gets their own cabin with a lovely wood patio and great views of the volcano. The cabins are spacious and comfortable and afford a great deal of privacy. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Reservations include a large buffet breakfast with fresh fruit and an omelet station.

Don’t be alarmed by the hotel’s distance from the main road or the rocky path to the reception area. It’s not that far and the accommodations are well worth the trip.

I had to pat myself on the back when we pulled up to this place - it was exactly the place I would have chosen if I’d had the opportunity to drive through the area and hand pick a spot.

I cannot say enough good things about Cuna del Angel! It is one of the most beautiful locations that I have ever been to, with the waves of the Pacific crashing onto the rocks all day, and lit at night by lights, what an amazing show!

In addition to the amazing location, the staff took every measure possible to ensure that we had everything that we needed, or wanted. The staff brought in a massage therapist, and manicurist for us and booked dinners and tours.

We loved it so much that we are already planning our next trip to Costa Rica to stay at Cuna del Angel.