Mirador Caribe
The highest point.
Luis Manuel Madrigal Mena — CC BY 3.0 · Fbolanos — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Madrigal Mena — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Madrigal Mena — CC BY-SA 4.0
A huge active volcano rising about 3,340 metres east of the Central Valley, its crater venting steam and gas and sometimes ash that drifts as far as San José. Its park closed in 2012 as eruptions increased, then reopened after about eight years with a limited number of visitors a day. The road climbs through green dairy farms and pastures on the slopes, then visitors walk with guides along the Chusquea trail to the Mirador Caribe, the highest point allowed in the park, with views over the grey crater, ash-scorched slopes and, on clear days, the Caribbean plains in the distance. Around the park, small farming villages are known for their cheese, and Turrialba town in the valley sits by two famous rafting rivers. The Guayabo archaeological site lies nearby. The park closes as a precaution when activity rises, as it did in August 2026 before reopening, so check its status before going. It is cold at the top, so bring a jacket.
The highest point.
Steam and ash.
Cheese and dairy.
Turrialba Volcano National Park, north of Turrialba town, about two hours from San José
It reopened with a limited daily number of visitors and closes as a precaution when activity rises, so check before going.