
Turrialba Volcano
This protected area is located in the canton of Turrialba, in the province of Cartago, in the easternmost part of the Central Volcanic Range, 24 kilometers northwest of the city of Turrialba.
The Turrialba volcano forms a unique system in conjunction with the Irazu volcano. It is an oval-shaped stratovolcano and its formation is due to explosive and horrific lava events, presents three craters with the presence of lava in its flanks. On its slopes, two possible cones have been developed: Cerro Tiendilla at 2971 mm And armed at 2750 mm, where it is possible to find two life zones, according to the Holdridge classification: humid tropical forest and very humid Premontane Forest.
It has a maximum altitude of 3340 mm, being the second highest volcano in the country, it has an average temperature of 16 ºC, as well as an average precipitation of 3000 mm to 4000 mm.
The Turrialba Volcano National Park was created by Article 6 of Law No. 1917 of July 30, 1955, published in La Gaceta 175 of August 9 of the same year, indicating that its perimeter is given by two kilometers in diameter Around the active crater, which gives a total of 1256 hectares.
Its name is due to the Spaniards who called it in the White Tower or Alba Tower of first instance.
Currently, it is a volcanic activity that begins in the 80s and gradually increases until January 5, 2010, when it causes the first eruption, mainly gas and ash; Moment of which it is considered active, reporting a new eruption on January 12, 2012.
During 2013, new eruptions were reported as part of normal activity without causing risks or damage, mainly with the production of gas and ash in small proportions, the highest on May 21, causing the largest volume of expulsion of Materials and gas, until that time.
During the morning of October 29, 2014, there was a fairly strong eruption, with several subsequent secondary eruptions at dawn and the next day, forcing the entire rescue corps in the canton to be dislodged and alerted at the national level, for the extent of the expulsion of gases and ash.
On March 12, 2015, three large eruptions occurred, which even forced the closure of the Juan Santamaría International Airport due to the expulsion of large amounts of gas and ash with a content of juvenile material, signaling for the first time the exit of magma , determining its entry into a new stage.
During the month of October 2015, it entered a period of eruptions with a shorter time, but with a higher level of explosiveness.
Schedules:
Due to security conditions, entry to the park is currently not permitted.
Prices:
$12 Non-Residents over 13 years old.
$5 Non-resident children (2 to 12 years old).
Prices established in accordance with Executive Decrees No. 38295 and 38546, but as indicated, due to safety conditions for the visitor, the park is closed to the public.