Guayabo National Monument is Costa Rica's premier archeological site. Although not on a par with the large-scale pre-Columbian architecture found in some other parts of the New World, Guayabo offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who once populated the region.

The peaceful park-like setting of the area adds to the pleasure of contemplating the raised mounds of earth supported around their bases by large rounded stones and interconnected by cobblestone walkways. It is assumed that buildings once stood atop these mounds, but because they were built of perishable materials, no evidence of them remains. Other preserved features include a still-functioning aqueduct system, burial sites, and numerous petroglyphs. Many high-quality examples of pottery, gold, and stone workmanship on display at the National Museum came from this site. Archeologists estimate that half of the village area still awaits excavation.

Given that the monument only protects 217 hectares of land, wildlife viewing potential is rather limited. Among the creatures that might be seen at Guayabo are the Nine-banded Armadillo, Montezuma Oropendola, Central American Coral Snake, and Blue Morpho Butterfly. A variety of orchids also grow in the trees in the wooded portions of the monument grounds.

To get there: From the town of Turrialba (64 kilometers east of San José), it is 19 kilometers to Guayabo. Signs mark the way over a road that is paved as you leave town and eventually becomes a gravel road that is passable year-round.

Climate: Guayabo is located in the premontane rain forest life zone, and as such has mild temperatures and abundant rain fall.

History: The monument area was first given government protection in 1973 when 65 ha. were preserved due to their archeological significance. In 1980, another executive decree enlarged the site to its present 217 ha., principally to protect areas of forested habitat along the Guayabo River canyon.

Although there is evidence that people may have lived in the area since as much as 2,500 years ago, it was only during a 500 year period from 1200 to 700 years ago that Guayabo reached its zenith both culturally and politically. Based on the geographic position of the site, in the mountains between the Atlantic coast and the Central Valley, and the excellent quality of the craftsmanship found in excavated pieces of ceramics, stone, and gold, it is thought that this chieftanship was one of power and privilege. However, for unknown reasons, prior to the beginning of the Spanish Conquest in the New World, this once thriving indigenous settlement slid into decline and finally abandonment.

The site was discovered in the late 1800's, presumably by colonists who were clearing the land for coffee plantations, and in 1882 the first excavations took place under the guidance of Anastasio Alfaro, director of the National Museum. Following those initial digs, many years passed until in 1968 Carlos Aguilar, working through the University of Costa Rica, established a program of permanent excavations on the site. Much of what is known today about Guayabo is owed to the efforts of Aguilar and his colleagues.