ARCHEOLOGY
Ancient Ruins

Guayabo National Monument

On the southern slopes of the long extinct Turrialba Volcano 17 k (11 miles) from Turrialba lie the ruins of the ancient town now known as the Guayabo National Monument. For 2400 years between 1000BC and 1400AD the town was occupied by up to 10,000 inhabitants and while this site does not match the excitement of the Myan ruins it is significant and well worth seeing. The site exhibits stone walkways and a main street leading from the entrance gates to the center of the village which points exactly to the peak of the volcano. Cone shaped bamboo houses resembling teepees were built on a foundation of stones with walkways between them. The water supply was composed of a large tank and aqueducts still in operation after more than 1500 years. One fascinating artifact is the large rock on which an ancient artist has carved a picture of a jaguar and an alligator.