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We had a wonderful experience in Peru and we will recommend CAT to our friends.
Liao Pang Ting,
United States
Marc Harrison Travel Specialist & Team Leader

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Central Highlands travel guide

Paramo ForestSan Gerardo de DotaQuetzal San Gerardo de DotaWhite-water rafting TurrialbaBird watching San Gerardo de DotaAncient cityGuayaboSweet treatsTurrialba
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Turrialba, a small mountain town brewing a strong Costa Rican coffee, rests 650m above sea level making it a refreshing climate change from the sun drenched beaches.  Prior to the earthquake in 1991, the nation’s railway, the ¨Jungle Train¨, chugged through this region increasing its prosperity in the coffee trade.  Now that the ¨Jungle Train¨ has retired, Turrialba still produces strong coffees, but has become more popular amongst tourists for its white-water rafting opportunities on the Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers. Frequent sightings of the rare quetzal in San Gerardo de Dota have also brought many bird watching enthusiasts to this cool highland region.

Don´t Miss…

White-water rafting- Reventazon River, starting at 1000m above sea level and running to the Caribbean lowlands, has something for all. On the Pacuare River rafters pass untamed jungle, indigenous villages, and curious wildlife, making it possibly the most scenic rafting route in Central America.

Bird watching - The small farming town of San Gerardo de Dota and its surrounding countryside is famous for attracting many different species of birds. It is the rare quetzal, with its ruby red chest and emerald green tail feathers that most hopeful birders come to see.

The coffee buzz - Pasteleria Merayo, founded in 1928, serves up knock-your-socks-off strong coffee that will keep you buzzing all day long. The crema pastelera (a traditional custard cream flavored with vanilla, lemon, cinnamon or orange zest) is a perfect pairing.

Guayabo - This ancient city was mysteriously deserted prior to the 16th century Spanish invasion.  Very little is known about the civilization that lived there and only 10% has been excavated so far. Let your imagination run wild as you pass still functional aqueducts and decorated tombs along its ancient paved roads.

Testimonials

We had a wonderful experience in Peru and we will recommend CAT to our friends.

Liao Pang Ting
United States

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