Guayabo
Guayabo is the only park that preserves an important archeological site. It features well preserved stone mounds, roads and aqueducts that are evidence of the Pre-Columbian culture of this land. It is thought to be an important religious or commercial center. Guyabo is located in the foothills of the Turrialba volcano. This park rewards its visitors with amazing views of the volcano and the archeological site.
The pinnacle of the civilization was during 800 -1000 AD. This date coincides with the construction of the cobbled roads (calzadas), and the stone mounds (montículos) characteristic of the place. Guayabo is located in a rainy place, therefore the management of the water was of great importance. It is reflected in the precise aqueducts found in Guayabo. Many of the aqueducts still function.
The stone objects found in Guayabo reveal a highly developed art. There are stone tables, tombstones, and human shapes. One of the most impressive objects is a monolith that represents the head of a crocodile on one side, and the head of a jaguar on the other side. The crocodile was a symbol of the earth and the fertility and the added jaguar head is supposed to add a divine status to the earth (the crocodile). Besides, all the stone sculptures and architectonical features, the monument could be considered modest if compared to the great architectonical structures preserved in Mexico or Guatemala.
The fauna in Guayabo is not extremely diverse, because the purpose of the place is to protect the archeological site; the forest was removed to facilitate the excavation. Although, there are tepezcuintles, armadillos, coaties, fer-de-lance and bocaracá snakes, boas, and several species of birds.