Turrialba is in the center of Little Switzerland, an area so named for its resemblance to Switzerland with many beautiful mountain vistas, waters falls and cows used to produce the famous local cheeses. It is the the principal town in the Turrialba Canton, situated in east-central Costa Rica between San Jose and the Caribbean coast town of Puerto Limon. The elevation is about 646 meters above sea level, and lies at the foot of the Turrialba volcano and Turrialba mountain range. The volcano produces a column of smoke that rises into the clouds but it is not considered dangerous. The population of Turrialba town according to the 2012 census was 26,680. The town is home to the University of Costa Rica (Turrialba campus) plus the Willian Allen Hospital, several clinics and five bank branches. According to Wikipedia there are several supermarkets and many smaller stores and restaurants. For more about retiring to this beautiful country see our retirement guide to Costa Rica.
Photo of church courtesy of Wikipedia and Londonalways. |