Turrialba Volcano
Volcano Active stratovolcano east of Cartago
An active stratovolcano east of Cartago, Turrialba has produced intermittent ash emissions in recent years. Tourists join guided trips for distant crater views, nearby rafting and coffee-region tours while heeding local safety advisories.
Turrialba Volcano is an active stratovolcano in Cartago Province, Costa Rica, located in the central volcanic region east of the Central Valley. It is one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes in recent decades and has a complex crater system that has produced explosive ash emissions.
The volcano’s eruptions in the 21st century have included repeated ash‑producing episodes that affected nearby towns and agriculture, and occasionally disrupted air travel and closed access routes. At times the summit area and crater rim are closed to visitors for safety during periods of heightened activity.
Turrialba sits east of San José in the Cordillera Central, within Cartago Province; its summit and surrounding slopes are a prominent feature of the local landscape and lie within the broader volcanic corridor of central Costa Rica.
- Recent activity: The volcano produced intermittent eruptive episodes in the 21st century that generated ash plumes affecting nearby areas and air traffic in Central Valley airports.
How to Get to Turrialba Volcano #
Turrialba Volcano is in Cartago Province, roughly 70-90 km east of San José depending on route. From San José take Route 2 east toward Cartago then Route 230/219 toward Turrialba; local roads lead up toward the highlands and vantage points. Because access to the crater rim is often restricted for safety, most visitors use official miradors and guided tours from Turrialba town or nearby communities.
Tips for Visiting Turrialba Volcano #
- Check local volcanic alerts (Costa Rica's national seismological service) before planning a visit; activity can close trails at short notice.
- View Turrialba from the Cariblanco road or Mirador El Tablazo when ash is visible - distant observation is safer than attempting to approach the crater.
- Combine a volcano watch with a visit to nearby Cartago (Ruins of Santiago Apóstol) and Irazu Volcano if time permits.
Best Time to Visit Turrialba Volcano #
Visit outside of stormy afternoons; volcanic activity can make any planned approach unsafe at short notice.
Weather & Climate near Turrialba Volcano #
Turrialba Volcano's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (2302 mm/year), wettest in June with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 24 mm.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (278 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (376 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (227 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (245 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (326 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (259 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (233 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).
