Turrialba has an area of 1,642.67 km²[4] and a mean elevation of 768 metres.
Turrialba is the eleventh largest canton among the eighty two cantons that comprise Costa Rica. The Turrialba River and Atirro River establish major portions of the canton's western border, and the Chirripó River delineates its long southeastern border. The region is home to the active Turrialba Volcano.