Turrialba (canton)

Turrialba is a canton in the Cartago Province of Costa Rica. It is located in the eastern part of the country and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty.

History

The area that is now Turrialba was originally inhabited by the Cabécar people, an indigenous group in Costa Rica. The name "Turrialba" is believed to come from the indigenous words "torre" and "alba", which mean "tower of the dawn".

In the 19th century, Turrialba became an important center for coffee production and trade. The Turrialba Volcano, which is located in the canton, provided fertile soil for coffee plantations.

Geography

Turrialba is located in the eastern part of the Cartago Province. It is bordered by the cantons of Alvarado to the north, Jiménez and Limón to the east, Siquirres and Matina to the southeast, and Oreamuno and Cartago to the west.

The canton is home to the Turrialba Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The volcano is part of the Central Volcanic Conservation Area, which also includes several national parks and protected areas.

Economy

The economy of Turrialba is largely based on agriculture. The canton is known for its production of coffee, sugar cane, and dairy products. In recent years, tourism has also become an important part of the local economy, with visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Culture

Turrialba is known for its rich cultural heritage. The canton is home to the Guayabo National Monument, Costa Rica's largest archaeological site. The monument preserves the remains of a pre-Columbian city that was inhabited from around 1000 BC to 1400 AD.

The canton is also known for its traditional music and dance, particularly the swing criollo, a style of swing dance that originated in Costa Rica.

See also

• List of cantons of Costa Rica
• Cartago Province