Cartago
,Cartago is a charming city located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. It was the former capital of the country before San Jose. The city is known for its historic sites, including the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a popular pilgrimage site.
Cartago also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is a great starting point for exploring nearby natural attractions.
- "Pura vida" - Pure life
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¡Adiós!" - Goodbye!
- "¡Hola!" - Hello!
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Cartago
morning
:Start your day with a visit to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a significant pilgrimage site. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and learn about its history.
afternoon
:Head to the Lankester Botanical Gardens, where you can explore diverse plant species and enjoy a peaceful walk. Pack a picnic to savor amidst the vibrant surroundings.
evening
:Dine at a local restaurant featuring traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Experience the local flavors and relax as the day comes to a close.
Nature & Adventure
morning
:Set out for a hike in the stunning Irazu Volcano National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views and the unique volcanic landscapes.
afternoon
:After lunch, visit the nearby Orosi Valley for a scenic drive. Stop at the historic Orosi Church and take in the beautiful surroundings.
evening
:Return to Cartago and stroll through local markets. Sample street food and shop for souvenirs to remember your trip.
Highlights
Good
- Rich historical significance, with landmarks like the Ruins of Cartago and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles.
- Beautiful natural scenery, surrounded by mountains and greenery.
- Cooler climate compared to other parts of Costa Rica, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities.
- Less touristy compared to coastal areas, allowing for a more authentic Costa Rican experience.
- Access to nearby attractions such as the Irazú Volcano and Turrialba Volcano.
Bad
- Less developed infrastructure compared to larger cities like San Jose.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
- Fewer international dining options, with a focus on local cuisine.
- Public transportation may be less frequent or convenient than in bigger cities.
- Risk of natural disasters like earthquakes given the area's tectonic activity.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in Tapanti National Park
Explore lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife in this beautiful national park located in the Cartago province.
Visit the Orosi Valley
Take a scenic drive or bike ride through this picturesque valley, dotted with coffee plantations, hot springs, and charming little towns.
Adventure at Irazu Volcano
Embark on a hike or drive to the summit of the Irazu Volcano for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and its craters.
Explore the Ruins of Ujarras
Discover the historical Ujarras Ruins, a colonial church dating back to the 16th century, situated in a serene and beautiful setting near the town of Ujarras.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Cartago with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Irazú Volcano
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and on a clear day, both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts can be seen.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
Provides a beautiful backdrop for photos with its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Orosi Valley
Features stunning landscapes, including mountains, coffee plantations, and the Reventazón River, making it an ideal spot for photos.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Gallo Pinto
A quintessential Costa Rican dish made of rice and beans, often flavored with cilantro, onions, and peppers. It is commonly served at breakfast and accompanies many meals throughout the day. Sample this iconic dish at local sodas (small, casual eateries) like Soda Tapia or Soda El Tenedor.
Must-Try!
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef stew featuring cassava, corn, plantains, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered in a rich broth. You can savor this soul-warming dish at traditional restaurants such as Mirador Ram Luna, where it's prepared with authentic flair.
Chifrijo
A delectable appetizer composed of seasoned rice, black beans, diced pork, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of Lizano sauce. Delight in this local favorite at La Calle or Antojitos de Maíz.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cartago better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Feria del Agricultor Cartago
This bustling farmer's market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, local cheeses, artisanal bread, and other gourmet delights. Make sure to savor the diverse array of fruits and grab a snack from one of the many food stalls offering empanadas, tamales, and tropical fruit smoothies.
Parque de los Abuelos
Throughout the park, you'll find numerous street food vendors dishing up authentic Costa Rican snacks such as tamales, arreglados (sandwiches), and ceviche. Take a leisurely stroll to sample the diverse offerings and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting people with a friendly kiss or handshake
In Cartago, it's common to greet people with a friendly kiss on the cheek or a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Respecting personal space
It's important to be mindful of personal space and to avoid standing too close to others, especially when interacting with people in Cartago.
Using polite language and manners
Showing respect through the use of polite language and manners is highly valued in Cartago, so it's important to say 'please' and 'thank you' in conversations.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cartago with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Cartago, Costa Rica, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants if the service charge is not included. Tipping for other services such as taxi rides and hotel staff is not expected but can be given as a gesture of appreciation.
Payment
Payment in Cartago, Costa Rica is primarily done in cash. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and in more remote areas. ATMs are available for withdrawing cash, and currency exchange services can be found in most tourist areas.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cartago.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season (December to April)
Best time to visit Cartago, Costa Rica with sunny days and minimal rainfall. Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring.
Green season (May to November)
Expect frequent rainfall, lush vegetation, and fewer tourists. Good for experiencing the natural beauty of Cartago, Costa Rica.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Irazú Volcano National Park
A stunning park featuring the Irazú Volcano, which is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. The park offers several trails with breathtaking views of craters and surrounding landscapes.
Turrialba Volcano National Park
This park includes trails that lead to the Turrialba Volcano, offering unique views of the volcano and lush tropical forests. It’s a great spot for hiking and observing diverse flora and fauna.
La **Hoya** Trail
A local favorite, this trail is situated in the hills near Cartago, providing a moderate hike with beautiful views of the Central Valley and surrounding mountains.
Cerro de la Muerte
A more challenging hiking destination, known for its beautiful landscapes and native pine forests. The trails offer opportunities to see unique wildlife endemic to the area's high elevations.
Orosi River Valley
Offering several trails along the Orosi River, this area combines natural beauty with cultural history, featuring old landmarks and scenic views of the river and mountains.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cartago through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Cartago by plane.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Located in Alajuela, about 20 km northwest of Cartago, this is the main international airport serving Costa Rica.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Situated in Liberia, approximately 215 km northwest of Cartago, this airport serves the northwestern region of Costa Rica.
Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ)
Located closer to San José, about 25 km from Cartago, this airport primarily handles domestic flights but also some international traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Spanish Speakers
The majority of the population speaks Spanish, being the official language of Costa Rica.
Costa Rican Nationals
The population primarily consists of Costa Rican nationals, representing the country's rich cultural heritage.
Indigenous Peoples
There are small communities of indigenous peoples, such as the Bribri and Cabécar, residing in and around the Cartago region.
Expats
A growing number of expatriates from various countries, including North America and Europe, have settled in Cartago.
Youth Population
A significant portion of the population is made up of young people, particularly due to the presence of educational institutions.
Elderly Citizens
There is also a considerable demographic of elderly citizens, contributing to the community’s diversity.
The Soul of Cartago
Discover the essence of Cartago through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (Soccer)
The most popular sport in Cartago and Costa Rica, with a strong local presence and famous teams like C.S. Cartaginés.
Cycling
Biking is a popular sport due to the scenic routes and mountainous terrain, with many events and competitions held in the area.
Volleyball
An increasingly popular sport in schools and recreational leagues, enjoyed by both men and women.
Basketball
A widely played sport in Cartago, with local schools and amateur teams engaging in various tournaments.
Track and Field
Athletics are popular in schools, with students participating in various events like running, jumping, and throwing.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While traditional Costa Rican cuisine heavily features meat, many restaurants in Cartago offer plant-based alternatives. Look for dishes like vegetarian casado (a typical meal with rice, beans, and plantains), vegetable stews, and fresh salads. Notable establishments catering to this dietary preference include Restaurante Quimbaya and La Casona del Cafetal.
Gluten-Free Choices
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy a variety of gluten-free options at eateries such as Café Azahar and La Fonda de Acosta, which offer gluten-free bread and pasta, as well as clearly labeled menu items to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Cartago with these cultural adventures.
