Volcanoes can be defined scientifically as fissures on the surface (usually in a

mountainous form) with a magma chamber attached to the mantle of a planet, peri
odically erupting forth lava and volcanic gases onto the surface. However, they
are much more than just geological formations. They are part of beautiful scenar
ios and landscapes throughout the world, and known as natural attractive in many
places.
In Costa Rica, there are around 112 volcanoes, some of the most popular are Aren
al, Irazu and Poas, which are also national parks, however, with so many volcano
es, the number of places to visit is much more longer, Turrialba Volcano, for in
stance, is located in the Province of Cartago, and is listed as one of the large
st of the country.
The Turrialba volcano is located in the Central Mountain Range of Costa Rica and
reaches an altitude of 10,955 feet. It is one of the five active volcanoes in t
he country. The volcano covered in dense vegetation looks out over approximately
3,900 acres (1,577 ha) of mostly montane rain forest, with ferns, bromeliads, l
ichens and mosses. A large portion of Turrialba Volcano National Park is made up
of primary and secondary forest, which is where it is most common to view the s
maller wildlife scurrying around. Hiking through the trails allows to see the va
rious lava flows that give evidence to the once flowing rivers of hot magma.
The summit has three craters, one of which has fumaroles and sulfur pits. The mo
st profound crater measures 164 ft (50 m), giving the impression of a lunar land
scape similar to the Irazu Volcano. In fact, many people call them twin volcanoe
s due to their similar characteristics and close proximity. Visitors used to be
able to hike down into the main crater, but increased gaseous activity has cause
d the time at the summit to be limited to no more than fifteen minutes. During t
he 19th century, it explosively erupted several times (1847, 1853, 1855, 1861, 1
864â 1865, 1866), producing pyroclastic flows. The last major eruption was in 1866, b
ut in January 2001, the volcano reported increased activity, displaying strong f
umaroles at the central craters. The volcanic activities have increased since 20
05. In January 2010, the volcano emitted ash, and two villages, La Central and E
l Retiro, were evacuated.
Despite of the fact of being a beautiful and accessible area, Turrialba Volcano
is not visited as much as its neighbor, the Irazu Volcano, but this actually cou
ld result advantageous for those who run away from the crowded touristic places.
The drive to the Volcano is another highlight to visit this area; you will get t
o see amazing views of the Turrialba Valley and the surroundings landscapes. Thi
s truly is the best way to see the most spectacular views of the Turrialba Valle
y and on a clear day the Caribbean coast. This is a trip that can be done by you
rself or on a tour; Explornatura can help you with the last one.
A nice getaway, very easy to get to and explore another site on Costa Rica!!!
By Maricel/Explornatura