Information
City: CartagoCountry: Costa Rica
Continent: North America
Cartago, Costa Rica, North America
Overview
Cartago, once Costa Rica’s capital, brims with history and culture, framed by green hills and cool mountain air.Tucked against the foot of the Irazú Volcano in the lush Central Valley, it ranks among Costa Rica’s oldest and most storied cities.Called the country’s “Spiritual Capital,” it draws pilgrims from far and wide to its ancient temples and quiet stone courtyards.Perched about 1,435 meters (4,708 feet) above sea level, Cartago enjoys cooler air than much of the Central Valley and sits just 24 km (15 miles) east of San José, an easy ride for a day trip.Rolling farmland, rugged mountains, and volcanic slopes frame the city, where the dry season from December to April brings clear skies, and the rainy months from May to November often start with a soft morning mist.Founded in 1563 by Spanish conquistador Juan Vásquez de Coronado as Costa Rica’s first permanent settlement, Cartago served as the capital until 1823 and remains a center of Catholic faith, home to the revered Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.The economy thrives on rich harvests of coffee, potatoes, onions, and flowers, a growing manufacturing sector in the Cartago Free Zone, and steady tourism drawn to its history and nearby parks.Each August 2nd, the “Romería” pilgrimage fills the streets with millions of faithful walking to the basilica; colonial ruins and lively markets keep tradition alive year-round.Highlights include the basilica itself, the haunting Santiago Apostol Parish ruins, the horizon-wide views from Irazú Volcano, and the steaming landscapes around Turrialba Volcano.Nature lovers wander Lankester Botanical Garden’s orchids, the Orosi Valley’s hot springs, and Tapantí National Park’s cloud forests, while history buffs explore the pre-Columbian ruins at Guayabo.The city also hosts the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC), serves up local favorites like olla de carne and sweet chiverre empanadas, and celebrates Holy Week with intricate processions.Well connected to San José by road and train, Cartago is easy to reach, with local buses and taxis ready to take you further.Life here comes with the rumble of occasional earthquakes and the damp chill of misty rains, but its blend of history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes makes it a place you won’t forget.
Landmarks in cartago
