Learn About Ancient Costa Rican History at Guayabo National Monument

Costa Rica’s history stretches back centuries. Ancient artifacts have been found throughout various places, the most notable ones being the stone spheres in the South Pacific and Osa Peninsula. But near the Caribbean side lies the most important archeological site in the country, the Guayabo Ruins.

The Guayabo National Monument is perfect for a day trip from Turrialba to learn about ancient Costa Rica history, a bit of hiking and to see wildlife.

Location

The Guayabo National Monument is about a 30 minute drive from Turrialba, 17 kilometers. The road is paved for most of it and gets unpaved for a small section but you do not need a 4×4.

A Little History About Guayabo National Monument

First discovered back in 1968 by a Costa Rican archeologist, Carlos Aguilar Piedra, this 232 hectare site was declared a national monument in 1973. Yet archeologists and scientists have only been able to make speculations about the monuments as small traces of evidence and no official records were…