Nestled among rivers, mountains, and the lush greenery of Costa Rica’s Central Valley is the farming town of Turrialba. Although not as popular as San Jose or other renowned rainforest and wildlife attractions in the country, Turrialba still has much to offer tourists. This small farming town is filled with rich and vibrant local traditions — many of which are centered around the artisanal Turrialba cheese. And for those seeking amazing outdoor adventures, exploring the slopes of an active volcano or rafting the region’s wild rivers is also available. Turrialba invites visitors to slow down and soak in the essence of Costa Rica’s pura vida.
Turrialba is filled with many wonderful historical sites and landmarks, such as the National Monument of Guayabo still honoring their Indigenous ancestry. But perhaps nothing captures the town’s spirit more than its cheese. Turrialba cheese is so important here that there’s an annual fair held every year where both locals and tourists can have a taste of this wonderful delicacy. Turrialba is also rich with crops like coffee, sugarcane, and macadamia nuts, and as a fun fact, the famous Rawlings baseballs are also manufactured here.
Turrialba’s surrounding nature also makes it perfect for enjoying outdoor activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, or hiking around the Turrialba Volcano. Although climbing to the top of the volcano is not available at the time of writing due to its unpredictable nature. If you’re set on enjoying the many experiences Turrialba has to offer, the town stands just two-and-a-half hours away from the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose.
Enjoying Turrialba’s famous cheese and volcanic great outdoors
Turrialba’s geography is mostly made up of mountains, rivers, and valleys. The weather also makes it an ideal destination for dairy farming. More specifically, the making of cheese in Turrialba dates back to the 1800s. And quite honestly, the local cheese is something you must definitely try when visiting the town.
The famous Turrialba cheese can be tasted during their annual Cheese Fair — also known as the Feria del Queso Santa Cruz — held on the first weekend of July. Of course, visiting the local dairy farms such as the La Flor Agroecological Farm overlooking the Turrialba Volcano is another great way to experience cheese-tasting. Here, the making of cheese is combined with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, like those at this family-run coffee farm near the Arenal Volcano. La Flor also hosts a volunteer program and yoga retreats, and offer cozy lodgings for those interested in longer stays.
Of course, you need to pay a visit to the Turrialba Volcano — Costa Rica’s second-highest volcano — while here. Although its erratic activity makes climbing the volcano a no-go, you can still enjoy outdoor activities in the area. For example, birdwatching. More than 80 different bird species can be seen around the Turrialba Volcano National Park, and other wildlife such as coyotes and armadillos can also be spotted from time to time. Biking and hiking are also big in Turrialba, with the national park offering some of the most exciting routes in the area.
Other attractions to visit in Turrialba and lodgings recommendations
