Established in 1973, Guayabo National Monument is located in the Cartago Province. The monument encompasses some 536 acres and was created to protect the largest archaeological site in Costa Rica, which was once home to approximately 2,000 people.
The original village at the site of the Guayabo National Monument is believed to date back to more than 3,000 years. Artifacts and remnants suggest that the people were skilled in many aspects such as architecture and civil engineering. Though the structures were made out of wood and have long since deteriorated, visitors can view stone roads and a fairly advanced drainage system. There are also petroglyphs that contain various carvings of animals.
Guayabo National Monument is open from 8 am till 3:30 pm daily and has basic facilities. The park entrance fee is 10USD. A guide is highly recommended for this experience.
Many consider the Central Valley to be the most comfortable climate in the world with temperatures usually hovering in the upper 70s during the day and lower 60s at night. The rain season here runs from May through November, though the heavy rains are generally during September and October.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt.
Fun Fact: There are still areas of Guayabo National Monument that are being explored so only a portion is presented to the public.
| Turrialba | 20 km |
| Heredia-Poas | 76 km |
| Alajuela | 76 km |
| San Gerardo de Dota | 110 km |
| San Jose | 100 km |
Latitude: N 9° 58' 13.87"
Longitude: W 83° 41' 25.98"
The original village at the site of the Guayabo National Monument is believed to date back to more than 3,000 years. Artifacts and remnants suggest that the people were skilled in many aspects such as architecture and civil engineering. Though the structures were made out of wood and have long since deteriorated, visitors can view stone roads and a fairly advanced drainage system. There are also petroglyphs that contain various carvings of animals.
Guayabo National Monument is open from 8 am till 3:30 pm daily and has basic facilities. The park entrance fee is 10USD. A guide is highly recommended for this experience.
Unsure of what to do? Let us make you a free custom trip plan!