Area:  1,206.9 sq. miles
(Sixth province in size - 6% of national area)
Population:  432,923 (2000)
Main City:  Cartago
Population Density:  358.5 per square mile
Elevation:  4.708 feet
Average Temperature:  66.6°F
Annual Rainfall:  59-79 inches

Guayabo National Monument is the site of an archeological excavation of a pre-Columbian village.  Maps are available for a self-guided tour of the site.

At an altitude of 3432 meters, the Irazu Volcano is Costa Rica's tallest active volcano.  In the eye of the crater is a mineral lake tinted green or even reddish-rust, depending on the mood of the mountain's molten heart.  You can drive all the way to the summit, park, and walk the short distance to the rim.  In Tapanti National Park, steep and rugged trails lead you through rainforest that is home to the quetzal and many more bird and mammal species.  Spotting a Quetzal is rare and would be the highlight of any Costa Rica vacation.  The Quetzal is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world - in fact it is the national bird of Guatemala.

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