Turrialba Region

Reached from San Jose via the scenic and historic Orosi Valley, Turrialba contains  many top attractions: the CATIE tropical plant research station, the eponymous volcano, the spectacular Pacuare River and the Guayabo National Monument, the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Costa Rica. Most easterly and one of the least known volcanoes, Turrialba offers forested slopes, great scenery and hiking trails taking you right to the top to its three craters. Once there, you can walk around the summit and down into one of the craters – a very rare treat.

Pacuare Lodge

Set within the Pacuare Protected Zone, 25,000 acres of pristine rainforest and river valley, the spacious wooden bungalows and main buildings are surrounded by nature. You can arrive by raft for an overnight as part of a two-day Pacuare River Rafting expedition (please ask for details), or by vehicle via a hanging gondola transfer over the river. However you reach it, be prepared for a marvellous experience staying at one of the best rainforest lodges in the country.