LOCATION
TURU BA-RI Tropical Park is located in the province of San José, just 47 miles from the metropolitan area. If you take the highway to Orotina via Puriscal, you will enjoy a gorgeous ride. You’ll pass through the picturesque villages of Ciudad Colon and Puriscal, both of which are historical towns. If you’re coming from the Central Pacific area, we’re located just 6 miles from Orotina, 22 miles from Caldera, 28 miles from Puntarenas and 31 miles from Jaco.
DESCRIPTION
TURU-BA RI Tropical Park (Turu-ba ri means “Clear Moon River" in the Huetar dialect) is a theme park aimed at adventure and ecological tourism. It opened on April 15, 2003, and currently covers 583 acres of land, of which 247 acres consist of the tropical garden. Beautiful scenery surrounds it. The park is bordered by the Rio Grande del Tarcoles on the northeast, and the Turrubares Hills and Carara National Park to the southeast. The Gulf of Nicoya lies to the west, and you can actually see the ocean from the highest point in the park.
TURU-BA RI’s pristine setting is the perfect place for visitors to learn about Costa Rica’s natural history, discover our ancestor’s lifestyle, have a true adventure experience or just enjoy some remarkable scenery. You’ll have an entertaining, unforgettable day, and at the same time you’ll learn more about Costa Rica’s rich tropical biology and culture. The park’s entrance is located on the property’s highest point, and visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding transition forest. Access to the tropical garden is by an aerial tram, which began to operate on July 26th, 2003.
For more than 15 years, this property was used to raise dual-purpose cattle (mainly for meat) and for agriculture (mainly mangos, papaya, oranges, sugar cane and corn). In 1997, a decision was made to change this focus and instead develop a sustainable tourism project which would help preserve our planet and bring socioeconomic benefits to a low-income community.
The project began with a massive reforestation effort that included planting over 45,000 trees, generating flowers and fruits that attracted birds, pollinators and many other animals. It’s worth mentioning that during the reforestation process, the species of trees found here were not introduced into the forest. Rather, they were reincorporated into their natural habitat by selecting species that lived in the two patches of existing forest in the park. This, together with the various botanical collections and the huge amount of ornamental plants spread out throughout the grounds; give a grand total of more than 70,000 plants that today comprise TURU-BA RI Tropical Park.
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
TURU BA-RI Aerial Tram: The tram was designed, built and guaranteed by the French company POMA Galski, a world leader in this type of attraction. This tram is known as the Hummingbird Model, and it is 620 meters long, reaching a maximum height of 80 meters. Eight gondolas with a capacity of six persons and 480 kilos make the entire trip in 20 minutes. The tram has the ability to move up to 200 persons per hour. Each cabin has its own automatic opening and closing system that guarantees visitors’ safety. Completely enclosed, the gondolas offer large windows that open to panoramic views throughout the voyage. You can see the entire tropical garden, the surrounding areas and the Rio Grande de Tarcoles, which is one of the largest watersheds in Costa Rica and is recognized both nationally and internationally for its large crocodile population (crocodrilus acutus). The TURU-BA RI tram is fed by a three-part electrical system. Given the possibility that a blackout could occur, an alternate energy source uses a second diesel motor that ensures continuity of service. Additionally, the tram boasts a specialized rescue system that consists of specially designed devices. Our operators were trained by POMA.
Butterfly Garden / Length: 490 feet / Duration: 30 minutes: The butterfly garden is comprised by an impressive 1,150-square-meter structure, which makes this one of the largest butterfly gardens in the country. Our butterfly garden boasts the country’s largest variety of species, with an average of 35-40 different species of butterflies, depending on the season. In this area, visitors can observe these creatures and learn about their entire life cycle. These fascinating beings posses an interesting trait, and that is that they pass through a complete four-stage metamorphosis, including the egg, larva, pupa (or chrysalis) and adult. Just by visiting the Butterfly Garden and observing the wide array of colors fluttering about in magical flight is fascinating. This, together with the possibility of learning about these spectacular creatures makes this place a must-see while visiting the park.
The butterfly garden also boasts a special irrigation system that consists of a series of foggers, which transform regular water into a mist. This technique ensures that large drops of water won’t harm the delicate crystals that cover the butterflies’ wings. TURU BA-RI’s butterfly garden is located in a privileged spot in comparison with other butterfly gardens. The area’s climate and temperature are perfect for all stages of the insect’s development. A few of the most relevant pieces of information that visitors will learn about while visiting our garden are life cycle, predators, feeding, defense mechanisms, management, reproduction, and more.
The La Loma Trail: This trail runs 1,970 feet and takes around 20 minutes. The Hill of Contrasts is an extremely interesting place where you can experience an area that is representative of Costa Rica’s dry forests. The massive amount of rocks and boulders allow us to illustrate the incredible adaptation processes that many plants go through. For example, they develop different net-shaped root systems that allow them to gain hold in rocky soil. Another example is losing their leaves during the driest months so they don’t lose moisture (deciduous species). The hill reaches an impressive elevation, allowing guests to observe the contrast this trail has with the Indian Trail. The latter is quite humid, which doubtlessly makes a strong difference between the two trails. One of the most important traits of this area is the sample of forest canopy, with giant species like kapok trees, guayabones, espaveles, and others. The dense biodiversity that is found in these elevations is difficult to see from the forest floor.
Among the rich examples of flora on the Hill Trail about whose natural history visitors can learn includes the Naked Indian, Chaperno, Monkey Comb, and others.
Javillos Trail: With a total length of 885 feet and taking about 20 minutes to walk, this trail is used as the arrival path for the orchid gardens. However, during the trip you can enjoy fascinating explanations about the javillo trees, which are essential feeding grounds for the scarlet macaw (Ara Macao). These birds, in fact, are beginning to return to the area. Visitors will learn about their taxonomy and natural history of these interesting plants, as well as other explanations regarding termites, cornizuelo beetles, passion fruit and the important relationships that exist between our forests’ ecosystems (symbiotic relationships).
Orchid Garden (aprox. 15min): This is a 2,400-square-meter area with around 918 feet in trails. The trails have been cultivated with trees from the botanical genus Bahuinia, which is used as a host plant for the orchids. There are over 500 host trees, which house some 1,100 plants that pertain to this important family. There are some 1,200 species of orchids in Costa Rica, and around 35,000 in the world. Within the most common types of orchids are the Oncidium, Vanilla, Cattleya, Catasetum, Guareante, and others that fit into the category of Guareante skinneri. These plants are extremely important for the country, and the guaria morada is the national flower. This garden offers the chance to observe and get to know these colorful, interesting plants and their intricately shaped flowers. The orchid’s flowering season depends on the species. However, the months from December to April see the most flowers.
Indian Trail (45min): This trail is a 2,625 feet loop, situated in a patch of natural forest, making this the perfect place for bird watching and to get to know more about its fascinating natural history, the different aspects of our forests as well as seeing giant centuries-old trees. Guides will direct the tour, explaining as guests go along and addressing any questions they might have. This trail is paved, allowing persons with difficulty walking or in wheelchairs the chance to enjoy this attraction. Additionally, this trail doesn’t have any inclinations or hills, allowing for even more peace and comfort. Seven wooden bridges cross two streams, adding to the sensation of being in the midst of an incomparably humid, green forest filled with the ancient trees of this privileged country.
Bromeliad Garden (aprox. 15min): This spacious area measures 2,500 square meters and houses some 180 varieties of bromeliads located in 81 stone mounds. The mounds were designed not only for their esthetic appeal but also to improve drainage and prevent water accumulation that could hurt the plants. This place represents a large percentage of the 210 non-flowering species of bromeliads found in Costa Rica. The plants in this garden are located are known as “tank” plants, called such due to the fact that water accumulates between their leaves. This accumulation allows these plants to essentially become mini ecosystems for a large variety of organisms that depend on them in order to develop, such as spiders, ants, frogs, certain types of snakes and others that feed on these organisms.
Palm Collection: With the passage of time, thousands of people around the world have developed an interest in the huge amount of palm trees that exist. As such, TURU-BA RI has developed an ever-increasing collection comprising more than 250 species. In fact, we soon hope to have the world’s largest collection. The area’s climate and temperature make this the perfect place for the development of these symbols of the tropics. It’s worth noting that the palm trees cultivated in TURU-BA RI are divided into two groups, sun and shade trees. The former are mainly located in one area that is dedicated to them, and the latter are scattered throughout the Indian Trail and in a few other parts of the garden. It’s important to note that signs denoting the tree’s scientific name and geographic distribution accompany this collection.
Stream Trail: Measuring 800 feet long and taking around 20 minutes to walk, this area is used to join the palm tree nursery with the collection of sun palms and the Garabito restaurant. Here, visitors will have the chance to see a young forest in the process of natural regeneration, which is marked so that people can begin to understand the complexity involved in letting a forest regenerate by its own. At the same time, visitors will be impressed by several interesting aspects of the forest, including being populated by small plants, a large amount of vines, grasses, and other species that form simple-yet-interesting ecosystems. These ecosystems are popularly known as thickets. Costa Rica’s thickets give life to a wide variety of organisms. This site also offers the chance to pass through a stream that becomes a veritable island of life between the sun and dryness of the area, where a large number of animals such as herons, lizards, turtles and others enjoy the fresh shade that the trees that surround the stream provide. Later on, heading towards the restaurant, visitors will walk the Parrot Trail (cojoba arborea), a little more than 100 meters long. This trail offers a very special type of shade.
Countryman’s Farm (30min): Measuring 9.90 acres with 1150 feet of paths, our visitors will be able to enjoy an exquisite traditional lunch and intimately get to know our ancestors’ culture and lifestyle. This complements the other historical activities offered here like the making of sweets, vegetable gardens, medicinal plants, henhouses and much more, making this a special stop.
Palenque Vegetable Garden (area of 10x10 = 100mts²): This area is a recreation of the old indigenous residences, which even after the Pre-Colombian era were used by rural farmers. This structure has an attic (sleeping place), a thatched roof and wood frame. In general this structure is as close to the original palenques (indigenous dwellings) as possible. Within the palenque one can find different items that the indigenous and rural farmers used in their daily activities, like grinding stones, fireplaces, tiquis (type of container made with jícara rinds), marimbas, sinks, and others. The palenque is an ideal place for visitors to Turu Ba-Ri to learn about our indigenous people’s lifestyle, customs and history. On one side of the palenque, one can find a rustic well, which was necessary in those times to get water. On the other side there is a small coffee plantation which is used to explain the impact that this crop had on Costa Rica’s socioeconomic history.
Trapiche (Sugar Mill): In this area of the country farm you will find a manual sugar mill as well as a mechanical one made of iron and powered by oxen. There is also a sugarcane plantation on site. When there are large groups present, a task (name of the process and time of work together with all the activities it entails) is frequently performed. This task represents the perfection of the entire process in which processed sugar is made, which generally includes cutting the sugarcane, extracting the juice, cooking the juice and using molds to give the final shape to the famous tapa de dulce (a molasses-like product) and other byproducts such as sobados, melcochas, and other sweets, all of which are faithful representatives of the Costa Rican identity.
Herb Garden: This is a special place for both local and international visitors. Here, they can get to know the properties and importance of a wide range of food plants such as cilantro, green peppers and oregano, among others. Additionally, visitors will learn about the plants’ medicinal uses, knowledge that has been passed down by indigenous and rural farmers. Medicinal plants, in fact, currently make up a branch of modern medicine. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something to cure what’s ailing you.
Organic Vegetable Farm: This is a complete system of sustainable management. Traditional crops are used here, such as rice, corn, peppers, yucca, tiquizque, and others. We only use organic fertilizers, which offer a higher production rate. More importantly, these fertilizers don’t damage or contaminate the environment as agrochemicals do. The reason for having this area like this is to ensure that visitors learn. Additionally, the products cultivated here are used by the complex’s restaurants, greatly enhancing the quality and healthfulness of Turu Ba-Ri Tropical Park’s food.
Religious Mazes: Near by the park’s entrance and the restaurants are mazes with religious origins. These mazes, which symbolize life, are very well known at church entrances in southeastern Europe. As you explore them, you’ll begin to understand the message.
Fun Maze: This is a fun, interesting structure that measures 32x32 (1,024 square meters) made of amapolas (poppies). Here, visitors can put their sense of direction to the test. Within this maze there are 27 ways to get lost. Watch out: if you can’t get out in four minutes or less, you’ll have a refreshing surprise when the sprinklers turn on.
Cactus Collection: Here you’ll find a mount made of stone, gravel and earth especially designed to house some 150 plants that represent 30 species of cactus. These species serve as examples of the 14 genus and 36 species of cacti in Costa Rica. In this area there are explanations covering all the general information and characteristics of these interesting plants. These plants have adapted to many types of climates, and because of this they have been able to survive in some of the harshest areas in the world, such as deserts. They also share other habitats, including humid areas. This illustrates that our associations of cacti with deserts and sand aren’t always true. These plants have developed survival strategies that include having thorns instead of leaves, converting these in true symbols of the world’s driest areas.
Rio Grande de Tarcoles Overlook: This is one of Costa Rica’s most important rivers. It houses a huge wealth of flora and fauna, including crocodiles, one of the utmost representatives of the area’s animal life. Over time, crocodiles have made the Tarcoles one of the rivers with the highest crocodile populations in the world (over 80 individuals per mile of river). From the overlook you can often see these giant reptiles sunbathing, and at this time our guides will instruct visitors on these animals’ history as well as that of the huge number of aquatic birds that line the riverbanks looking for food.
Bamboo Field: There are few places where one can enjoy such a perfect harmony with nature as in Turu Ba-Ri’s bamboo field. Here, visitors can enjoy the mystic sound made when the wind passes through the tops of these gigantic plants. The gentle rustling of these trees makes this place a special spot, perfect for relaxing and meditating on the course of the day, thinking about the wealth with which this small but important country called Costa Rica is blessed. The tour normally ends here. In addition to these important plants, they are used for a myriad of purposes, of which many are still unknown. For example, did you know that some types of bamboo are edible to humans, or that many of these plants are used to make houses? Bamboo is actually very useful, and when you visit you’ll get to know it.
Restaurants Garabito and Biriteca: The restaurants have a rustic structure that boasts a wood-burning stove, which is used to prepare some 16 delicious local dishes, including meats, picadillos, several types of beans, tortillas, and others. Other dishes include four varieties of salads (green salads, cold salads and others), four types of dessert such as flan, rice with milk, and coco and papaya honeys. The restaurants have a capacity of 240 persons, and depending upon the number of visitors up to 300 persons can be accommodated.
Los Mangos Restaurant: It has a capacity of 200 persons, with one type of cuisine that is similar to that which the Garabito Restaurant serves. This restaurant offers the chance for visitors to get to know the park, have lunch or just enjoy a beverage without having to go into the park. Breakfast is also offered here, and breakfasts are based on traditional foods and fruit plates.
OTHER SERVICES
Restrooms
Los Mangos Sector: Separate facilities for men and women.
Men: 2 urinals, 3 toilets (one for handicapped persons) 6 sinks, 5 soap dispensers and one hand dryer.
Women: 5 toilets (one for handicapped persons) 6 sinks, 5 soap dispensers and one hand dryer.
Aerial Tram Sector: Separate areas for men and women.
Men: 2 toilets (one for handicapped persons), 2 urinals, 1 soap dispenser and 2 sinks.
Women: 2 toilets (one for handicapped persons), 2 sinks and 2 soap dispensers.
In addition to these services, there is a room that has been conditioned to attend to persons who are experiencing sun- or fatigue-related problems.
Garabito Sector: Separate areas for men and women.
Men: 3 urinals, 3 toilets (one for handicapped persons), 4 sinks, 3 soap dispensers and 1 hand dryer.
Women: 5 toilets (one for handicapped persons), 5 sinks, 3 soap dispensers and 1 hand dryer.
ADVENTURE CENTER
In addition to the park’s entrance fee, or as an independent tour, visitors can enjoy the following adventure activities that have been designed to include the highest safety standards. These activities are administered by our trained guides, who will make this an unforgettable adventure.
Sensational Cable: Measuring a kilometer long and with a maximum height of 315 feet, guests will reach a top speed of 55 miles per hour. The trip lasts an average of one minute. This adventure deserves its name, and the experience of doing it really cannot be explained. It’s like a Superman-style run where you’re flying. This tour is different for everyone, but one thing is certain: you will love it.
Canopy tour: Our canopy tour boasts two options. The first is called the Turu Ba-Ri canopy and is 4,910 feet long, spread out over 7 cables, 12 platforms and one tower. It lasts approximately one hour. The second option is for more daring individuals. The pure adrenaline canopy is 7,490 feet long, spread over 13 cables, 21 platforms and 2 towers. In this option, visitors will have the option to perform a 65 feet high rappel. The entire tour takes about two hours. Whichever of the two options that our visitors prefer, they will have the opportunity to walk along three hanging bridges and several trails in the mountain. The tours finish in our garden after running the last cable, which measures 2,135 feet long. It is important to repeat that these adventures have been designed with safety in mind. As such, our guides are highly trained in this type of activity. Additionally, the canopy’s structure has a special kind of braking system which allows braking without any effort from the visitor; the guides can do it for him/her. All of the above make the Turu Ba-Ri canopy tour the longest and safest one for adrenaline and adventure lovers. Visitors will have an unforgettable experience under the strictest safety and quality guidelines. The time it takes to do the tour varies according to the number of people who do it. We can handle groups of up to 30 persons.
Tropical Garden Horseback Ride: Measuring 8,335 feet and lasting between 45 minutes and one tour, this is a great alternative for those who like unite ecology with adventure. During this trip, guides will offer an expert interpretation of everything observed during the journey. For example, they’ll point out the differences in forests according to the level of plant development, as well as general explanations about the flora and fauna that can be observed. It is important to mention that even children can participate in this tour as our horses are trained to offer the safety, peace of mind and comfort that our guests deserve.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We suggest that visitors arrive early in the morning. They should bring comfortable footwear for the hikes, light clothing, hat, sun block and insect repellent. If guests elect to take the horseback riding tour they should use long pants, socks and closed-toed shoes. Guests are advised to drink water during the hikes.
CLIMATE
Turu Ba-Ri is located in the driest part of the transition forest (dry to tropical humid). The climate is hot and humid. The average annual temperature is 30 Celsius/86 Fahrenheit, and during the months of May to October it rains a little, mainly in the afternoon.
SCHEDULE
The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The latest guests can enter the park is at 3:00 p.m. Previous authorization is required for groups to enter the park earlier.
RESERVATIONS
For reservations, call our San José, Costa Rica offices at (506) 250-0705, fax (506) 250-8643, or visit our website at www.turubari.cr
