Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park

If you are looking for a family adventure for your next vacation, take a look at Costa Rica’s Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park. Located in San Jose, it is an exotic location that is also family friendly. The park is 595 acres full of forest and nature. Over seven miles of hiking trails features hundreds of species of plants, flowers and trees. There are 150 bird species for the bird enthusiast to enjoy. You have your choice of many things to do, from the safe to the adventurous. There are guided nature tours, horseback riding, a canopy tour and something called a “sensational cable.” While there, you can also enjoy a homemade Costa Rican meal at one of three restaurants located within the park. And, at the end of your tour, you can cool off with a swim in the “mountain oasis” swimming pool, built in the side of a mountain.

Be sure to check out our other suggestions for things to do in San Jose.

What to Expect

The nature tour takes between two and three hours. The guided aerial tram, which provides a unique view of the entire tropical forest, is 2.000ft long, and reaches 263 feet at it’s highest point. There are four miles of trails where you can view 25 species of butterflies in the butterfly gardens, bird watching, an iguana pond and many different types of gardens. And don’t miss the riverside balcony, where you can view nine foot crocodiles!

For those who want to enjoy nature and a fun adventure, try a horseback ride through orange and mango plantations, with views of the Tárcoles River, crocodiles and tropical gardens. The ride is over two miles and lasts around an hour. A knowledgeable guide will discuss the surrounding area, while explaining the need to protect the forests for future generations. This is a tour children are able to be included in since the horses are gentle and provide a safe and comfortable ride.

For a more thrilling way to view the park, try the canopy tour. It is over 4910 feet and consists of a series of eight cables, 12 platforms, a tower and three hanging bridges. These structures are carefully designed and held to high standards. The guides are experienced and go through extensive training to ensure your safety. There is also a special braking system which allows the guides to brake at any time in case of an emergency. Get fitted with a harness, helmet and gloves and you are ready to take a trip on this spectacular zip-line!

For the most adventurous of visitors to the park, there is the “Sensational Cable.” It is a mile long cable, reaching a maximum height of 315 feet. The visitor will reach a speed of 55 miles an hour on this trip which takes about one minute.

Choose the adventures that you and your family are most comfortable with. From the safe to the daring, there is something fun for everyone!

Tips for Visiting

Once you are ready to make your trip, there is no need to worry about traveling to and from the park. Round trip transportation is provided from nearby San Jose. As soon as you arrive, you will be treated to tropical fruits, coffee and natural juices. There are bilingual guides to show you the park. And, when lunchtime comes around, you can enjoy a delicious homemade Costa Rican lunch. All visitors should be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunblock and water. If doing the horseback riding tour, long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended. This is a family oriented park, but only for guests age three and up. Remember to bring your sense of adventure because this will be an action-filled, enjoyable time for the whole family!