At first glimpse, Guayabo, Costa Rica, appears from a mist-enshrouded backdrop, appearing every bit the ancient lost city that it is. Just a few steps into the city and one will immediately feel the sense of antiquity that that hangs over the rock walls lining this highland jungle.
The earliest structures in Guayabo date from about 3,000 years ago. Between 800 and 1300 AD, around 5,000 people made their home here. When the Spanish first made their arrival in 1502, the city had been abandoned and had become overgrown. What remains today are foundations, cobbled roadways, fountains, aqueducts, and drainage systems. While they were built 3,000 years ago, the waterworks in Guayabo still function. The bathtub-sized pool remains a large reservoir that once served as the royal bath for queens and kings.
Today, relatively little is known about the culture that once flourished here, as much of the archaeological context has become lost over the years, with locals either re-purposing or looting much of the more intricate objects. It was not until 1973 that Guayabo was declared a national monument. Prior to that, a cattle pasture filled the site.
While little archaeological evidence remains in Guayabo, petroglyphs can still be seen carved into large stones. One of the carvings is believed to represent a map of the community. It was only after NASA images were taken from space and later analysed that the extent of this ancient community was truly realized. Based on those photographs, it was possible for archaeologists to determine that one excavated portion likely served as the center of the ancient community. Thanks to the assistance of NASA space photographs, several similar communities have also been discovered nestled along connecting cobblestone roads.
Only a small portion of the community has been cleared from the encroaching jungle. An even smaller portion has been excavated fully. The first excavations of the site began in 1882 when the director of Costa Rica's National Museum, Anastasio Alfario, began digging at the site shortly after it was discovered by local farmers. Later, the University of Costa Rica began conducting excavations in 1968. Today, excavation is currently being conducted by the University of Costa Rica in conjunction with the National System of Conservation Areas. American and British researchers have also been involved in excavation work at the site.
As part of that excavation, some small gold and jade ornaments have been located along with larger stone statues depicting animal shapes. It is believed by anthropologists that these statues may have held political, shamanistic, and religious significance.
Situated 1,150 meters above sea level, the atmosphere at Guayabo is somewhat cooler than the surrounding area. The damp air here makes it difficult for any items of wood or fabric to last long. A few structures have been restored, including stone foundations that form a circular pattern.
In order to reach Guayabo, visitors must first travel to Turrialba. Home to about 30,000 people, Turrialba offers a bus that leaves the main station in mid-morning. For visitors who prefer to drive, Highway 1 from San Jose can be taken through Cartago and Turrialba. Guided tours are available twice daily at an admission price of six dollars. The area also boasts a nature trail that offers glimpses of a variety of wildlife. For the adventurous sort, the opportunity is also available to camp near Guayabo's ruins, but visitors should be aware that facilities are limited to picnic tables and restrooms.
Tourism to archaeological sites such as Guayabo has been on the rise on Costa Rica in recent years. With the opening of the Park and Museum of the Stone Spheres earlier this year, a number of other sites are now being considered for interpretation and excavation.
