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A land of great contrasts and natural diversity
Traveling around Costa Rica is a relaxing experience offering great contemplation of nature, picturesque small towns, close contact with Costa Rican culture and beautiful mountains with natural hidden attractions. With only 51,100 square kilometers, this small and accessible country was generously blessed by Mother Nature, few places in the world present, within such a small area, so many natural variants.
Go far off the beaten path and deep into the Costa Rican countryside to visit places such as Santa Maria de Dota, Turrialba and Bajos del Toro, where spectacular landscapes and traditional culture wait to be discovered.
San Gerardo de Dota is a heavenly place that will provide you with all the peace and quiet you’ve been looking for. Surrounded by mountains and located in an area known as the route of the saints, the stress-free drive to this place will take you through quaint communities unique for their lush vegetation, beauty, history and pleasant climate.
The route of the saints is known by this name because the towns around this area are all named after different saints; including Santa Maria de Dota with lots of coffee plantations; San Marcos with amazing views and the Tarrazú mountains as background; San Pablo, where several little side paths lead you to hidden paradise in the mountain, and San Antonio, where dairy farms dominate the scenery.
Turrialba is located in a valley with the same name, its main attraction is the Turrialba Volcano, a complex of several craters located at 3340 meters above sea level, its name; White Tower is earned because of the many fumaroles rising up out of its 2 active craters. The volcano is surrounded by rich vegetation, nature trails and green fields, the area is perfect for hiking or horseback riding. Turrialba is a region of beautiful rural scenery, impressive natural beauty and many coffee, sugar and macadamia plantations.
In the surroundings of Turrialba you will find world’s best rivers for White Water Rafting. The Rio Pacuare of impressive scenic beauty, abundant vegetation and powerful rapid offers level III-V rapids. The Rio Reventazón and Pejibaye have exciting rapids for the persons who practice this sport for the first time.
Other attractions are the National Monument Guayabo and the CATIE. Guayabo is the most important archaeological site in the country, protecting structures like burial mounds, bridges, and aqueducts; the CATIE, Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Centre, an international institution dedicated to investigation and education in agricultural sciences, natural resources and environment, its mission is to contribute to the reduction of rural poverty and promoting a sustainable use of natural resources.
Bajos del Toro is a tranquil and beautiful place hidden at the head of the valley of the Toro River, located at 1 hour driving from Sarchi; the route is incredibly scenic, and at times overwhelming, as you drive through narrow roads on cloudy mountains. You can also reach Bajos del Toro via a rough dirt road from Zarcero.
Some of the main attractions in this area are the Juan Castro Blanco National Park, created in 1995 to protect the vital watershed on the slopes of Volcán Platanar (2,183 meters). Several endangered species, including the quetzal, curassow, red brocket deer, and black guan exist in the 14,258-hectare park. Bosque de Paz Rain/Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a 400-hectare reserve boasting several hiking trails (2-6 km) leading to waterfalls, a botanical garden, hummingbird gardens, and lookout points.
| Estimated Driving time from San Jose to: | |
| Santa Maria de Dota: | 1 ½ hrs |
| San José - Turrialba (La Suiza): | 2 ½ hrs |
| Bajos del Toro: | 2 hrs |
| Access by domestic flights: | Not available |
Below you will find a complete list of the best destinations around Costa Rica. Costa Rica 4u can make your trip a one of a kind experience! Please check below to find out more of the exciting packages we offer. Expect only the best of the best for an incredible value!
For more information about Inland please fill out the Request Form
or write us at: reserv@crtteam.com | Tel. (506) 2-508-5000 | Fax (506) 2-508-5134
For more information about Inland please fill out the Request Form
or write us at: reserv@crtteam.com | Tel. (506) 2-508-5000 | Fax (506) 2-508-5134