Find the Best Things to Do in Turrialba
By Sophia LaMonica
Costa Rica Local Expert
About Turrialba
Turrialba is a small agricultural town of the lush Central Valley region of Costa Rica, within the Cartago province, 53 km east of the capital city of San Jose. Turrialba has amazing views of Costa Rica’s rural countryside, the rarely visited but worthwhile Parque Nacional Volcan Turrialba, and produces the coveted Turrialba cheese.
See & Do
The Rio Pacuare that runs through Turrialba, Costa Rica offers the most scenic rafting in the country, and some say all of Central America. Virgin rainforests and stunning canyons flank the river as it rushes down the Caribbean slope, a combination of fierce runs interspersed with calm that allow you to take a breath and take in some of the spectacular green scenery that surrounds you. The Rio Pacuare’s rapids can be accesses year round, however June to October are the peak months, and they range in class from II to V. Tour agencies in Turrialba will book your trip, but excursions can also be arranged from most hotels.
Eat
When it comes to feeding that rumbling in your stomach after a day on the Rio Pacuare’s rapids or a trip to the Guyabo National Monument, there’s nothing better than a wholesome meal prepared within the borders of the agricultural village of Turrialba, where there is never a shortage of farm fresh fare. If you have the time, try several of the roadside sodas for different meals of the day, sample the grass-fed cheese, then sit down to a satisfying dinner at Restaurante Don Porfi, and ask Sergio to suggest a great glass of wine to go with.
Shop
The little town of Santa Cruz de Turrialba is the production mecca of the country's most coveted cheese, claiming 250 dairy farms and 150 cheese making operations within its tiny borders. The annual Feria de Queso draws rural tourism enthusiasts and cheese afficionados from all over to taste the eponymous Turrialba cheese, a soft yet firm white cheese often compared to ricotta, but with a distinct flavor all its own. It’s hard to find elsewhere in the world, and makes for an impressive souvenir for foodies. Look for it all year at the Turrialba Farmer's Market, every Friday and Saturday.