Foothills of the Turrialba Volcano, lays Costa Rica's premier archeological site. Guayabo offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who once populated the region.
Quick Facts and Data
History
The monument area was first given government protection in 1973 when 65 ha. were preserved due to their archeological significance. In 1980, another executive decree enlarged the site to its present 217 ha., principally to protect areas of forested habitat along the Guayabo River canyon.
Although there is evidence that people may have lived in the area since as much as 2,500 years ago, it was only during a 500 year period from 1200 to 700 years ago that Guayabo reached its zenith both culturally and politically.
However, for unknown reasons, prior to the beginning of the Spanish Conquest in the New World, this once thriving indigenous settlement slid into decline and finally abandonment.
The site was discovered in the late 1800's, presumably by colonists who were clearing the land for coffee plantations, and in 1882 the first excavations took place under the guidance of Anastasio Alfaro, director of the National Museum. Following those initial digs, many years passed until in 1968 Carlos Aguilar, working through the University of Costa Rica, established a program of permanent excavations on the site.
Flora and fauna
Flora: Although the Guayabo forest is a premontane rain forest, with dense evergreen foliage alternating with a great diversity of ferns and palm trees, it is a transition point of five life zones
Although coffee plantations have replaced most of the forest, pastureland and cultivated areas, important zones of primary forest are still preserved on the banks of the rivers and streams.
More than 150 species of plants have been described.
Fauna: Hunting has been practiced intensively in this region, which is why many species of animals have disappeared or migrated; yet the area’s diverse ecological environments serve as a refuge for various species.
Twenty species of mammals have been reported.
The birds (more than 160 observed species) are part of the attractions of this place
Approximately 15 species of snakes have been reported. Frogs are especially abundant in the streams, while the little mountain toads and lizards prefer the edges of the trails.
Getting there
From the town of Turrialba (64 km. east of San José), it is 19 km. to Guayabo and signs mark the way over a road which is paved as you leave town and eventually becomes a gravel road which is passable year-round.
Visitors might need a 4WD vehicle for the forty-minute drive to the park off the main road.
Services
The ranger station has camping facilities, restrooms, showers and trails.
Recreational Activities
Visitors may hike to archaeological points of interest.
Interesting Facts
Is the largest and most important archeological site discovered to date in Costa Rica.Some of the features of the buildings point to South America, while Mesoamerican evidence is also present, a common occurrence due to the "land bridge" nature of the Central America geoposition.
The complete archeological collection of Costa Rica was exhibited at the Historic-American Expo in Madrid (1982).
Visitors will see petroglyphs of birds, cats and other animals and ceremonial monoliths carved with the stylized figures of jaguars and alligators.
The site has nine sculptures carved in stone, and a wooden container that was dragged from the water of one of the storage tanks.
Contact information
Phone number: (506) 2290-8202
Website: http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com
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