Lots in Turrialba

Lots in Turrialba starting at 21usd/m2
All the lots have water, electricity and are ready to build.
Why should you consider buying a property in Turrialba?

Turrialba is a small, laid-back town in Cartago province, about two hours from San José, where locals embrace the "Pura Vida" ethos - living simply, joyfully, and connected to the land. The town’s rural charm, with its coffee and sugarcane fields, old adobe houses, and friendly street corners, fosters a tight-knit community vibe. It’s less touristy than other spots, so you get an authentic slice of Costa Rican life, perfect for those who love a slower pace with deep cultural roots

*** SPORT AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Turrialba is Central America’s adventure-sport capital, and it’s not just hype.
- Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare and Pejibaye rivers is world-class, with rapids ranging from family-friendly Class II-III to adrenaline-pumping challenges.
- Kayaking is huge here, Costa Rica Kayak School offers lessons for beginners to pros, and you might catch local competitions with kayakers flipping and spinning like it’s a river circus.
- Mountain biking is practically a religion, with the Ruta de los Conquistadores race showcasing the area’s rugged trails.
- Canyoning, rappelling down waterfalls, and horseback riding through coffee fields are also big draws.
- If you are into climbing, there’s a jungle gym for all skill levels. The guides here aren’t just pros - they are national rafting champs, Olympic kayakers, and passionate locals who live for adventure.
- Hiking trails in Turrialba Volcano National Park offer jaw-dropping views of the active volcano (last erupted in 2016) and distant peaks like Irazú and Poás. La Marta Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem for hiking, swimming in rivers, or exploring old gold mine ruins without the crowds.
- Birdwatching is first class — Rancho Naturalista alone boasts over 450 bird species, including hummingbirds and toucans.
- You can zip-line through canopies, go canyoning in a dozen beginner-to-expert canyons, or horseback ride through forests and plantations.
- For a chill day, the CATIE Botanical Garden lets you stroll among rare plants.
- The Guayabo National Monument, a pre-Columbian archaeological site from 1000 BC, is a must for history buffs, with ancient aqueducts and mysterious ruins.

*** EDUCATION:
Turrialba is a hub for learning, especially if you are into agriculture or sustainability. The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) is a global leader in tropical ecology and sustainable farming, with a massive campus that includes a botanical garden bursting with exotic plants and a pond teeming with herons. You can take biking tours through CATIE to learn about coffee, cacao, and even rare Robusta coffee. For students, there are programs like the School for Field Studies, where you can dive into ecological resilience, conservation, and climate change research. Spanish language classes are available, too, and while you don’t need to be fluent, the community’s welcoming vibe makes it easy to practice. There is also a focus on environmental education, with locals and visitors alike learning about biodiversity and sustainable practices

*** HEALTH SERVICES:
Costa Rica’s healthcare system is solid, and Turrialba benefits from it. The town has local clinics and access to hospitals in nearby Cartago or San José, with affordable, high-quality care that’s a draw for expats. The Association of Residents of Costa Rica offers healthcare referrals for newcomers, which is handy if you’re settling in. The focus on eco-lifestyle and outdoor activities promotes a healthy, active life—think fresh air, hiking, and stress-free living. Plus, the area’s sustainable practices, like organic farming and clean water initiatives, contribute to overall wellness.

*** CLIMATE:
Turrialba’s climate is a sweet spot—tropical but not sweltering, thanks to its Central Highlands location. At elevations from 300 to 3,820 meters, you get cool mountain air mixed with Caribbean humidity, perfect for coffee and sugarcane crops. Expect warm days, cooler nights, and a rainy season that keeps everything lush. The rain doesn’t stop the fun—rivers swell for rafting, and trails stay vibrant. It’s a climate that invites you outside year-round, whether you are hiking or just sipping some local coffee on a porch.

*** COST OF LIFE:
The cost of living in Turrialba, a rural town in Costa Rica, is about 25–40% lower than in tourist hotspots, primarily due to cheaper housing, food, and entertainment. For those seeking an affordable, laid-back lifestyle with access to nature and local culture, Turrialba is a compelling choice

*** GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION:
- Distance to San Jose: About 1.5 to 2 hours by car. San José offers urban amenities like international airports (Juan Santamaría International Airport, SJO), major hospitals, shopping malls, and cultural attractions. It’s close enough for day trips or accessing services not available in Turrialba.
- Distance to Cartago: About 45 minutes to 1 hour by car. Cartago, Costa Rica’s first capital, has historical sites like the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, plus hospitals, universities, and larger markets. It’s a quick trip for healthcare, education, or cultural outings.
- Distance to the Caribbean beaches: Roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours by car. The Caribbean coast offers laid-back vibes, Afro-Caribbean culture, and beaches like Playa Cocles or Cahuita National Park. It’s a great weekend getaway for surfing, snorkeling, or relaxing.
- Distance to the Pacific Coast: About 3 to 4 hours by car

Turrialba’s spot in the Central Highlands gives it a perfect balance—close enough to San José and Cartago for urban needs, yet immersed in nature with rivers, volcanoes, and forests at your doorstep, it is a sweet spot for those wanting a rural base with access to Costa Rica’s best.

Please get in touch with us for more information about this undiscovered gem of Costa Rica.
.

Print PDF