The Turrialba Volcano was named after the region of Costa Rica in which the volcano is situated. The stratovolcano is 3,329 metres high and is about 45 minutes from the Atlantic slope town of Turrialba. The summit has three craters, one of which has fumaroles and sulphur pits. Turrialba Volcano is one of the few volcanoes in Costa Rica where the visitor can actually descend into one of the craters. The hike takes about one hour. Below the summit is a mountain range and cloud forest, with ferns, bromelaids, lichens and mosses. The last major eruption was in 1856, but in January 2001, the volcano reported increased activity, displaying strong fumaroles in the central craters. This volcano is one of the least visited in Costa Rica due to the long journey on foot required to reach the summit.

Getting there
From Santa Cruz there is a road and then a rough trail to take you to the top of the volcano, most people hike up but it is possible to take a 4WD most of the way.