Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Turrialba Review

Although you can't drive up to its summit as you can at Poás and Irazú, Volcán Turrialba is worth visiting, albeit with some precautions these days. The volcano has been increasingly active since early 2010 it spewed out enough steam and ashes to close off the surrounding area, both to farmers and visitors. In late 2011 another burst of activity closed the surrounding National Park. Since the road up to the summit has not been repaired, visitors cannot visit the summit at this writing. If and when the road is serviceable, volcanologists suggest visits be limited to a 20-minute max because of the heavy content of sulfur dioxide in fumes emanating from the volcano, a phenomenon that has taken its toll on plant and animal life here. The reward for the steep climb is an eerie lunarscape with unique plants that have adapted to this challenging environment. Check to be sure the road and the park is open before you make the climb. If you suffer from any type of heart or respiratory condition or are pregnant, stay away. On the road that runs from Pacayas to Turrialba through Santa Cruz, there is a signed turnoff at La Pastora, west of Santa Cruz, that leads up the mountain. The drive up is 14 km (8¾ mi) and starts paved, but the road gets worse the higher you go. In most cases you'll need a 4WD to make the last section before the trailhead, which is in a very small community called La Central de Turrialba. The road veers left toward the Volcán Turrialba Lodge, and a washed-out road leads right, toward the summit. If you want to take the latter route, you can park on the left just after the school; usually someone is around to charge you a few dollars for the privilege, but, as elsewhere in the country, this in no way guarantees your car's safety. We recommend parking at Volcán Turrialba Lodge—they don't charge, they'll point you in the direction of some safe hikes on the lower slopes of the volcano, and you can rest up with some snacks and hot chocolate at the restaurant when you're finished. Get an early start and dress for the weather—it can get chilly up here even during the day.