TURRIALBA - mountain community in central
Costa Rica
Turrialba is located on the Atlantic slope side of Costa
Rica, and is world famous for its incredible river rafting
and kayaking on the Reventazon and Pacuari rivers. This mountain community is just an hour and a half from San
Jose, the country's capital, and serves as an ideal location
for those interested in enjoying Costa Rica's outdoors while
studying Spanish. The town itself has a population of about
50,000 which makes it a fairly large city in the country.
Coffee and sugar cane plantations dot the mountainsides and
valley that surround Turrialba. In the centre of town there
are a number of stores, restaurants, churches, bars and parks
that serve as an ideal setting for students seeking a truly
Costa Rican cultural experience.
TURRIALBA– Campus
Our campus is located on the immense grounds of our proud
host CATIE, (Central Agronomic Tropical Investigation Ensensia).
This is Central America’s oldest and most respected
research facility with over 450 acres of agriculture, administrative
centres, housing, schools, laboratory, pool, library, club
and lake. All facilities and the entire grounds are open to
our students to enjoy and utilize
The school has a reception area with general information
about CATIE and the surrounding countryside, Internet access,
sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and three indoor classrooms.
There are also three outdoor classrooms or ranchitos and a
porch. In the back of the school the ranchitos are shaded
by two very large and very old trees, which create a wonderful
backdrop in which to have classes.
Our students are able to utilize the different services available
at CATIE such as the bank, post office, office, library and
cafeteria. They can also pay an extra fee to utilize the fully
equipped gym, which has a sauna, aerobics and dance studio.
There is also a club that students can join for $10 a month
which entitles them to use the Olympic size swimming pool,
table tennis and pool tables as well as an international restaurant.
As members of the club, students will be able to attend all
special events and parties such as their Mother and Father’s
Day celebrations.
TURRIALBA - Area
The name Turrialba is derived from the indigenous word "Torriulka" which means white columns of smoke and water. Attractively hidden from the main flow of tourism, Turrialba’s location lies on the border between the provinces of Cartago and Limon in a mountain valley on the Atlantic slope at an elevation of about 650 meters (2000 ft).
To the north lies Braulio Corrillo National Park, which features over 6,000 plant species that account for half the total amount in the country. The park is also full of primary forests, cloud forests and rain forests full of different types of animals.
To the south lies the second highest peak in Central America, the 12,900-Ft. high Mount Chirripo. From its summit on a clear day, hikers can see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, truly one of the most amazing sites in all of Costa Rica.
Eastward the mighty Reventazon River churns and rumbles its way downward towards the Caribbean coast paralleled by one of the top 10 rivers in the world to raft and kayak: the majestic, wild and breathtaking Pacuare River.
There are over 70,000 inhabitants of the Turrialba valley and the town is its social, political, economic and cultural heart. Here, the people are famous for their love of life, outgoing natures and devotion to family. This spirit radiates to all who visit and spend time here.
The central part of town is a 10 square block area, which encompasses the soccer stadium, 2 theatres, 7 gymnasiums, 4 banks, numerous churches and a central park. There are also over 23 restaurants and bars as well as 3 dance clubs for those seeking excitement and nightlife. For the more adventurous, the surrounding countryside has become a focal point for many different outdoor activities. Just a few minutes from downtown you will find mountain biking, rock climbing, repelling, bungee jumping and horseback riding.
>> Calculate your investment in a course in Costa Rica
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Important links:
>> Arenal
>> Playa Dominical
>> Tamarindo
>> Turrialba |
