Archeology Costa Rica
Stone Spheres of Costa Rica: The Mysteries of the Ancestors and Wonders of Culture
Unravel the Mystery of Costa Rica’s Ancient Petrospheres
The petrospheres are among the most intriguing archaeological finds to be discovered in Central America; monumental stone spheres that range in size from a few centimeters to over 2 meters in diameter, weighing as much as 15 tons.
Most are carved from gabbro, a close relative to basalt rock, but these enigmatic formations already represent several milestones of ingenuity and skill from the ancient Costa Rican inhabitants. A few come in forms carved out of limestone and sandstone, further enriching in appeal and diversity.
A Journey Through Costa Rica’s Pre-Columbian Heritage
Carved between 200 BC and 1500 AD, these spheres offer the visitor a unique insight into Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian history. They serve as testimony to the highly developed craftsmanship of ancient cultures that were found together with pottery from the Aguas Buenas and Buenos Aires Polychrome periods. Whether history is a mainstay of your curriculum or you have a casual interest in it, these spheres represent an interesting window into the region’s cultural and artistic accomplishments.
They are now scattered between sites like the Isla del Caño and the Nicoya Peninsula—all over 300 kilometers away from the Diquís Delta, where most of the spheres were first found. These historic landmarks are pretty easy to access and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those seeking more than a run-of-the-mill vacation.
The Legends Surrounding Costa Rica’s Stone Spheres
Besides being important archaeologically, the stone spheres are covered with a shroud of mystery and myth. Some people believe that the spheres are remnants of the lost city of Atlantis, while others attribute them to geological phenomena. Local folklore only adds to that mystique, claiming that ancient peoples used a sort of magical elixir to soften down rocks and shape perfect spheres—a theory yet to be supported by science, but which captures the imagination of many visitors.
According to indigenous Bribri cosmogony, the spheres are “Tara’s cannonballs,” sent in by the god of thunder in defense against the Serkes, gods of wind and hurricane. Such overwhelming stories add to the allure of these ancient marvels and make the visit to the stone spheres one unforgettable cultural adventure.
Discover the lost city of Guayabo de Turrialba. While the stone spheres are one of Costa Rica’s more famous archaeological wonders, still another hidden place that should be explored is the ancient city of Guayabo de Turrialba. Of course, snuggled on the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano, this ancient city was once a lively hub from 1000 BC to 1400 AD. Today, only about a portion of the city has been uncovered, but what is exposed is astounding—the stone-paved streets, aqueducts, circular platforms, and carved stones showing exquisite detail.
In 2009, the American Society of Civil Engineers listed Guayabo as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark; thus, it is an important landmark site to visit for anyone interested in the history of Costa Rica. Exploring Guayabo is like going back into the past and taking a peek at the lives of the ancient civilizations that thrived here. Plan Your Visit to Costa Rica’s Archaeological Treasures The stone spheres and Guayabo de Turrialba represent two manifestations of the cultural patrimony of Costa Rica. Whether you become captivated by ancient myths or are interested in historical architecture, these sites certainly promise a completely different time travel. Ideal for those travelers who like to mix adventure with learning, this archaeological wonder takes precedence in your traveling list for Costa Rica.
Let CRS Tours take you on an adventure today as your local expert in travel, and make the tours to these remarkable sites as enriching as they are memorable. Thanks to the tailor-made packages, it is possible to experience these cultural gems while taking in all the natural beauty and charm that Costa Rica has to offer.
