Guayabo National Monument
Guayabo National Monument, Archaeological site in Turrialba Canton, Costa Rica.
The 232-hectare site features stone foundations, aqueducts, roadways, tombs, and petroglyphs on the southern slope of Turrialba Volcano at 1135 meters elevation.
Initial settlement occurred in 1000 BCE, reaching its peak around 800 CE with an estimated population of 10,000 inhabitants before abandonment in 1400 CE.
The excavated structures reveal advanced engineering knowledge through circular stone foundations, water management systems, and animal-themed petroglyphs representing Pre-Columbian civilization.
The monument opens daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with entrance fees of 1130 colones for Costa Rican residents and 5.65 dollars for international visitors.
The American Society of Civil Engineers recognized the site as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2009 for its pre-Columbian infrastructure achievements.
Location: Turrialba Canton
Location: Cartago Province
Elevation above the sea: 811 m
Website: https://sinac.go.cr/ES/ac/accvc/mng/Paginas/default.aspx
GPS coordinates: 9.97244,-83.69140
Latest update: May 12, 2025 00:56
South America preserves a monumental heritage that reflects centuries of history, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the contemporary era. This collection includes archaeological sites, colonial-era religious buildings, public squares, and modern artistic creations scattered across the continent. Each monument tells a part of South American history, whether it be ancient fortresses, Baroque churches, or recent sculptures. Among these sites are the Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala, a 17th-century construction that once connected two convents; the Public Market in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a functioning 19th-century commercial building; and Desert Hand in Chile, a contemporary sculpture of 11 meters rising from the Atacama Desert. The Middle of the World monument near Quito, Ecuador, marks the equator line, while the Christ of the Pacific overlooks Lima from its hill. These monuments, whether of pre-Columbian, colonial, or modern origin, provide tangible insight into the cultural and architectural development of the South American continent.
Costa Rica presents diverse photography subjects: volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and waterfalls. Arenal Volcano rises above the rainforest. Rio Celeste displays its blue color from minerals. Manuel Antonio beaches combine coast with wildlife. Monteverde Cloud Forest features rare plants. Tabacon hot springs emerge from volcanic activity.
Irazú Volcano
17.2 km
Turrialba
9.4 km
National Museum of Costa Rica
41.9 km
Braulio Carrillo National Park
37.4 km
Irazú Volcano National Park
19.1 km
Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
27.1 km
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
42.5 km
Orosi Church
26.5 km
Castillo Azul
41.9 km
Parque del Este
35.1 km
Tapantí National Park
25.4 km
Cerro Zurquí
38.2 km
Castillo del Moro
42.4 km
Parque España
42.1 km
Plaza Cleto González Víquez
42.3 km
Barbilla National Park
29.9 km
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
41.9 km
Lankester Botanical Garden
26.4 km
Turrialba Volcano National Park
10.7 km
Biblioteca Nacional Miguel Obregon Lizano
41.9 km
Las Mercedes
23.1 km
Students Promenade
42.4 km
Maroy Building
42.4 km
Omar Mosque and Islamic Center of Costa Rica
41.2 km
Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, Cartago
28 km
Iglesia de San Diego (La Unión)
34.9 km
Torre Latitud Los Yoses
41 km
Spirogyra Butterfly Farm Park Garden
42 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes