Turrialba Volcano National Park

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Turrialba Volcano National Park

Known for the largest craters in Costa Rica, Turrialba Volcano National Park is located 40 miles east of San Jose and only a hop, skip and jump from Irazu National Park. The proximity makes these two volcanoes ideal scenery for a day trip that leaves plenty of time to return to San Jose for dinner and drinks. At 10,985 feet above sea level, it has three distinctive craters that are deep and well forested. The center crater is the deepest and most active, pouring steam and vapors into the atmosphere each day, so it is closely monitored by government agencies.

Turrialba is a stratovolcano or "composite" volcano because of its conical shape built up over many layers of hardened lava, pumice and volcanic ash. The last major eruption took place in the late 1860's, but fumarole activity still takes place at the summit craters. The trail head to the crater viewing area is next to the small cafe inside the park office. There are no other facilities or accommodations in the park at this time. (2013)

Area		Approx. 3,900 acres
Max. Elevation		10,958' above sea level
Temperature		60ºF annual average
Precipitation		120 - 150 inches annually
Location		Central Valley - Cartago Province
Created		30 July 1955