Without a doubt, the city and province of Cartago are considered some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. While in the city you will find some of the most culturally and historically important spots in the area. In the rest of the province you can discover some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country.
You can enjoy a complete trip with a wide variety of sights to see and activities to do, both in and out of the city. You’ll be impressed by its rich history, culture and nature as you visit its narrow streets, landmarks and stunning forests. If you want to find out more about Cartago, keep reading this post!
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Things to see in Cartago Costa Rica
Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
The Basilica de la Virgen de Los Angeles is considered one of the most important churches in all of Costa Rica, and is located right in the centre of the city of Cartago. Also known as “La Negrita”, this landmark is one of the main places to see on your trip.
This church’s facade and interior decoration perfectly represent the architectural style of the country. As an important fact about this place, on the first day of August every year, a pilgrimage takes place, an act in which thousands of people come to the basilica to thank it or to ask for favours. It is a truly impressive sight to see such a large number of people in front of the church. You can’t miss this beautiful religious building!
Lankester Botanical Gardens
The Lankester Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful natural sites within the city of Cartago. The most characteristic feature of this garden is its distinctive Japanese style. It is located inside the University of Costa Rica.
This garden is the ideal place to spend a morning or afternoon in a totally different natural environment. You can take a walk along its 2 kilometres of paths, in an area covering 11 hectares. You will be fascinated by the wide variety of vegetation, most of which are traditional Japanese species. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Durán Sanatorium
The Durán Sanatorium is located north of the city of Cartago, Costa Rica. This curious structure is one of the places with the most history in the area and undoubtedly one of the most visited, as well as having a unique architectural style.
In the past, this building, which was built in 1918, was actually a sanatorium dedicated to the care of tuberculosis patients, later to become a juvenile detention centre. Something that makes this place a great attraction are the rumours of paranormal events within its walls. Once you have finished your visit to the sanatorium, you can visit the Irazú Volcano, located just a few kilometres away. You won’t regret it!
Plaza Mayor of Cartago Costa Rica
The Plaza Mayor of Cartago is a large and beautiful space in the centre of the city, located in front of the Ruins of the Temple of Santiago Apostle and considered as Historical and Architectural Heritage of the country.
This square is more than 400 years old, having witnessed some of the most significant events of the colonial era and the independence process. You can take a pleasant stroll through this area while admiring the impressive ruins that surround it. Moreover, as it has many trees, it can be the ideal place to stop and rest for a while on one of its benches. A place not to be missed on your trip to Cartago Costa Rica.
Prusia Forest
The Prusia Forest, also located within the Prusia Sector and is part of the Irazú Volcano National Park. It is an impressive forest where you will be overwhelmed by magic.
This forest is located just 30 minutes from Cartago city centre. Unfortunately, there is no bus service so you will need to hire a car. Once there, you’ll be able to enjoy a vast natural setting filled with walking trails, gigantic trees and lookout points, as well as a variety of wildlife. It is the ideal place to escape from the city for a day and immerse yourself in nature. If you are travelling with children, this forest is not to be missed.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Cartago Costa Rica?
Irazú Volcano
The Irazú Volcano, located in the national park with which it shares its name, is the highest volcano in all of Costa Rica. At almost 3,500 metres, this natural monument has been dormant for years.
Once you get to the park, you’ll walk along a wooden path surrounded by the jungle, which will make your trip to the volcano a very pleasant and beautiful visual experience. When you reach the top, you will be able to see from the viewpoints some volcanic terraces that were once calderas. Finally, you will reach the viewpoints of the Main Crater, where you will be able to admire the majesty and grandeur of its lagoon. A natural treasure not to be missed on your trip to Cartago, Costa Rica.
Orosí viewpoint in Cartago Costa Rica
The Mirador de Orosí is one of the most attractive spots in the province, located just 5 kilometres from the centre of Orosí. As its name suggests, it is a place where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and the Río Grande.
It’s the perfect place to get away from Cartago and lose yourself in nature. You can spend a peaceful day surrounded by the most beautiful vegetation in the country; if you love photography, coming here can be the perfect opportunity to put your creativity to the test. It is the perfect place to breathe fresh air and appreciate the Orosí Valley from an unbeatable location.
Cerro de la Muerte
The Cerro de la Muerte, located very near the centre of Cartago, is one of the most beautiful natural places to see in the surroundings of the city. This natural paradise offers an impressive landscape full of the most typical indigenous flora and fauna.
This place offers different activities, from hiking along its numerous trails, to horseback riding and getting lost in nature. We recommend climbing to the top of the hill, where you can see a beautiful lake surrounded by nature. Spending a sunny morning out of the city is a great plan, walking along its beautiful trails and ending the day enjoying a picnic among the trees. What more could you ask for?
Ujarrás Ruins
The Ruins of Ujarrás are impressive remains of the first church built in Costa Rica during colonial times. This monument is of incredible historical value to the country.
Located near the town of Paraíso, in the province of Cartago, these ruins hide many legendary stories. Technically, the remains of this church date back to 1575. It was later abandoned, a fact that has made it gain fame and value over time. You can stroll around these ruins and the beautiful garden that surrounds them, and even stop for a picnic after your visit. You will be fascinated by the beauty of the city.
What to see in Cartago Costa Rica in 1 day?
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
- Walk around the Plaza Mayor
- Discover the Durán Sanatorium
- Go to the Lankester Botanical Gardens
What to see in Cartago Costa Rica in 2 days?
- Walk through the Prusia Forrest
- Admire the Irazú Volcano
- Climb to the topof the Cerro de la Muerte
- Discover the Ujarrás Ruins
- Escape to the Orosí Viewpoint
Tips for your trip to Cartago Costa Rica
- Consider distances when travelling from one point to another.
- Bring mosquito repellent, as the country is quite prone to mosquitoes due to the tropical climate.
- Try to get a good mobile data plan because there are many places without WiFi.
- The most commonly used currency is the dollar, so make sure you have enough dollars.
- Check the transport links and timetables between locations in advance.
Frequently asked questions for a trip to Cartago Costa Rica
A ticket to the Lankester Botanical Gardens costs around €13/person, although there are sometimes 2 for 1 offers available.
There are several ways to get to the Irazú Volcano.
– You can choose to take the bus that leaves at 8:00 am from San José, in front of the Hotel Costa Rica. It arrives at the volcano at 10:00 am and returns at 12:20 pm. You can also take a bus from Cartago at 12:00 pm from the Tierra Blanca bus stop.
– Another option is to rent a car from Cartago to go to Volcán Irazú. The drive takes about an hour and a half, and you will pass through different towns.
The best time to travel to Costa Rica is from December to April, the driest months of the year. You’ll be able to avoid the rain and enjoy the beaches and nature of Cartago.
– One of the best places to eat in Cartago is La Posada de la Luna restaurant. Here you can find the best tortillas with cheese, an authentic Costa Rican dish. And the prices are really cheap.
– Another place you shouldn’t skip is the restaurant Bocadito del Cielo, where you can enjoy the best meat and roast dishes, as well as a wide range of delicious desserts.
– Finally, we recommend El Novillo Alegre. Although it is not typical Costa Rican food, here you will find incredible Argentinean dishes in a very lovely restaurant. Don’t miss it!
How to plan what to see in Cartago Costa Rica?
Along with referring to this blog post, you can find more suggestions on the Passporter website. There you will find a wide variety of ideas and inspiration on what to see and what to do in Cartago, Costa Rica.
You can order your selection by preference and organise your routes through this beautiful province.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use and get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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