Cartago (Costa Rica)


 * For other places with the same name, see Cartago (disambiguation).

Cartago is a city in Costa Rica's Central Valley. It used to be the national capital before that honor went to San José and is one of the few places in the country where more than a handful colonial era buildings have survived to the present day.

By bus
Take the Lumaca buses in San José. There are many buses running between San Jose and Cartago. For ₡750 (colones) and up, you will be able to catch a bus in San José downtown along Avenida 2. They run every 15 minutes, and take 45 minutes. "Indirect" buses from San Isidro de El General to San Jose stop on the outskirts of Cartago next to a stop for local buses.

By car

 * From San José (and the rest of the Central Valley) to Cartago through Ruta Nacional 1 (Interamericana).
 * From the south (Pérez Zeledón, Panamá, etc.) also take Ruta Nacional 1 (Interamericana).
 * From the Caribbean, go through Turrialba.

By train
There's a commuter train from San José. The train has a handful of stops between its Terminus at Estacion Atlantica in San José and Cartago and a few trains continue on to a place called Los Àngeles. Unfortunately there is no train in either direction between 10:00 and 15:00 and the last train leaves Cartago at 18:30 so if you want to take the train, you'll have to arrange your visit to fit the train schedule. The service doesn't get affected by rush hour traffic but it is far slower than taking a bus or driving a car.



Get around
Cartago downtown is perhaps the smallest of the main cities in the Central Valley, it is possible to walk all around the city in short time.

By bike
There is an effort by the local city government to make Cartago a bicycle-friendly city, because of that and thanks to a donation, the city constructed a bicycle-only loop track around the city.

Cartago Downtown

 * Basilica de los Angeles.jpg
 * Old Ruins in Cartago, Costa Rica by Daniel Vargas - 27.jpg

Irazú Volcano area

 * Main Crater Lagoon 1, Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica - Daniel Vargas.jpg

Paraíso Canton

 * Lankester Japanese Garden.JPG

Orosi Valley
A beautiful valley town 12 km east of Cartago, with amazing views from the hills. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and coffee plantations. It is easy to find hostels, hotels and restaurants in the area.


 * Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion Ujarras.jpg

The next two scenic overlook points are on the road to and from Orosi valley. It is possible to visit one, then go to the valley and visit the other. The usual way to visit the area is to do a loop using National Route 224, which starts and ends in Paraíso.



Cachí

 * RepresaCachí.jpg

Do
Good Friday Procession: A massive spectacle beginning with the Romans marching into the city early in the morning arriving in the center of town around 09:00. They arrive at the church and then carry Christ off around 10:00 taking a long route to the Basilica.

Romero: Starting the end of July some 1.5 million people walk to the Basilica in Cartago to honor the Black Virgin. Streets are filled, traffic redirected, vendors are out in force. The final day of the walk is 2 August (see above for the legend).

Return of the Virgin: After the Romero the Virgin travels around Costa Rica for a month. Then she returns to Cartago. Another procession from the church in the center of town to the Basilica. Before the procession begins the path of the procession is decorated. Sand paintings, flowers, paper sculptures... a beautiful and unique expression of adoration for the Virgin.

Buy
Go to the Basilica de los Angeles and buy a souvenir there. "Casa del soñador" Dreamer's House is a must-visit in Cachi.

Eat
Ask for "comida tipica" or typical food when you get to Cartago. These restaurants are found specially on the way to the tourist areas as Irazu Volcano, Paraiso, Orosi or Turrialba.

In Cartago downtown besides typical restaurants and International food you can find chains like Burger King, McDonald`s, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Pollos Campero and Pollos AS.



Drink
"Chaguite" is the name of a beverage that was invented in Cartago many years ago. This drink is hard to find nowadays but you can go to the central market and ask for it. It has a sweet flavor like anis.

"Guaro Cacique" is the national drink of Costa Rica and is like a vodka. This drink can be found in bars, restaurants or supermarkets.