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Botanical Garden in Cartago, Costa Rica
Botanical Garden in Cartago, Costa Rica - Photo by Selina Bubendorfer

Discover the Splendors of Cartago, Costa Rica - An Un

About Cartago, Costa Rica

Cartago is a charming city in the heart of Costa Rica that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the ruins of ancient churches to hiking through lush rainforests, Cartago is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience.

Cartago, Costa Rica is a bustling travel destination that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the Central Valley, this city is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to explore the city's historic landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, or simply soak up the sun on one of the nearby beaches, Cartago has something for everyone.

One of the main attractions in Cartago is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a beautiful basilica that is revered by locals and visitors alike. This stunning church is home to the statue of La Negrita, a revered figure in Costa Rican culture. Visitors can explore the basilica's ornate architecture, or attend a mass or ceremony to experience the city's religious traditions first-hand.

For history buffs, Cartago is home to a number of fascinating museums and landmarks, including the Museo Municipal de Cartago and the Ruinas de Ujarrás. These sites offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture, and are a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about Costa Rica's past.

For those who love the great outdoors, Cartago is surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors can hike through the nearby mountains, explore the city's many parks and gardens, or take a dip in one of the area's nearby hot springs. And if you're looking for a beach getaway, Cartago is just a short drive from the stunning Pacific coast, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the area's many water sports and activities.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Cartago, Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for any traveler. So why wait? Start planning your trip today and experience all that this amazing city has to offer!

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Popular Stays in Cartago, Costa Rica

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Things to do in Cartago, Costa Rica

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I want to invite you to have a wonderful day with us. Discover the beauty of bird watching whether you are an amateur or a professional in the company of expert birding guides. Costa Rica is a favorite destination for bird watching enthusiasts. An eager disposition and readiness to spot some tropical birds and some great binoculars are all you need to see some of the most beautiful birds in the world in some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Come prepared to encounter a colorful array of endemic and migratory birds like the Quetzal, black-bellied hummingbird, Trogons, Macaws and Toucans. All our groups are small. Travelers can choose between one of the areas mentioned above (1. Monteverde, 2. San Gerardo de Dota, 3. Carara National Park).
Turrialba is known for some amazing cultural experiences, unique rainforest as well as being home to some of the most pristine rivers in Costa Rica! The Pacuare River is rated as the 4th best river in the world for white water rafting. A unique experience for any visitor to Costa Rica & the Turrialba area! You will be taken deep into the rainforest where you will experience 29km of the majestic river! Our experienced & certified guides will take all the precautions and provide the appropriate instructions before you embark on this adventure! During the trip, you will see the primary rainforest, pristine waterfalls & unique landscapes only accessible by the river! At the end of the trip, we will have a typical Costarrican lunch waiting for you!
You will be able to enjoy the longest 1-day rafting tour in the world, with its 28 kilometers and a total of 38 level II, III and IV rapids and approximately 4 hours of tour in the middle of exuberant tropical forest, waterfalls and lots of flora and fauna. make the warm waters of the Pacuare River the best rafting tour in Costa Rica for people with or without experience.
We are the first and only commercial winery in Costa Rica and Central America with international quality; as well we produce the first and only liqueur produced from the Golden Berry fruit, also known as the uchuva
**Minimum 2 persons from San José or May pay for 2 persons if solo** All inclusive tour includes a private driver that will pick you up at your specified hotel (pick up times will be confirmed the evening before the tour). We will stop for a typical Costa Rican breakfast and take you to the river by private car. Once we have arrived to the Pejivaje River, you will be greeted by your guides and given instructions to keep your group safe while enjoying the thrill of the river. We will provide bottled water to keep you hydrated during the excursion, fresh towels to dry off with, pictures taken during your experience, and lunch to keep your energy up! The tour will include 2 laps of the river, and approx. 3 hours floating and riding the rapids while taking in the beautiful jungle surroundings. Once finished we will bring you back to your hotel!

Why People Love Cartago, Costa Rica

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Cartago, Costa Rica

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5
Mar 2021
hes the best!amazing tours.professional cheap and safe.he knows al the animals and give u good advice where to travel.
W
WaltraudReise
5
Feb 2021
The tour was excellent! The guide tells you many many very interesting things about the wildlife and the nature. You have the possibility to make Fotos. I would do the tour again and recommend the guide, the tour and that beautiful country!!!
M
michaelsR7373QC
5
Mar 2022
Great experience with guide Adrian in Guanacaste area. We did a half day birding trip with Adrian in the Guanacaste area. The guide picked an excellent area to explore and went very helpful in finding interesting birds. He was personable and easy to communicate with. He was also quite informative...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cartago

What are some popular activities to do in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica is a beautiful destination with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Here are some popular activities to consider: 1. Visit the Ruins of the Santiago Apostol Parish - a significant religious site in the city. 2. Explore the Turrialba Volcano National Park - a stunning park with hiking trails that offer scenic views of the volcano and surrounding areas. 3. Take a coffee tour - Costa Rica is known for its coffee production, and Cartago is home to some of the best coffee farms in the country. Take a tour and learn about the coffee-making process. 4. Visit the Lankester Botanical Garden - a beautiful garden with a large collection of orchids and other plants. 5. Go white water rafting - the Pacuare River offers some of the best white water rafting experiences in the country. 6. Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels - a significant religious site in the city that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. 7. Take a hot springs tour - there are several hot springs in the area, including the popular Termales Recreo Verde. 8. Visit the Orosi Valley - a breathtaking valley with scenic views, hiking trails, and several picturesque villages. 9. Go birdwatching - Costa Rica is home to over 800 species of birds, and Cartago is a great place to spot some of them. 10. Take a tour of the Irazu Volcano - the highest active volcano in Costa Rica, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

What are some must-see attractions in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions to see. Here are some must-see attractions to consider: 1. The Ruins of the Santiago Apostol Parish - a significant religious site in the city that dates back to the 16th century. 2. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels - a beautiful church that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. 3. The Lankester Botanical Garden - a stunning garden with a large collection of orchids and other plants. 4. The Orosi Valley - a breathtaking valley with scenic views, hiking trails, and several picturesque villages. 5. The Turrialba Volcano National Park - a beautiful park with hiking trails that offer scenic views of the volcano and surrounding areas. 6. The Irazu Volcano - the highest active volcano in Costa Rica, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 7. The Guayabo National Monument - a significant archaeological site that dates back over 3,000 years. 8. The Tapanti National Park - a beautiful park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife to see. 9. The Mirador de Ujarras - a beautiful lookout point with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 10. The Cartago Central Market - a bustling market with plenty of local goods and souvenirs to buy.

What are some good places to stay in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica has plenty of great places to stay, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. Here are some options to consider: 1. Hotel Casa Turire - a beautiful hotel with stunning views, a pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. 2. Tapanti Media Lodge - a cozy lodge located in the Tapanti National Park, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local dishes. 3. Orosi Lodge - a charming lodge located in the Orosi Valley, with comfortable rooms, a pool, and beautiful views. 4. Hotel Quelitales - a luxurious hotel located in the mountains, with spacious rooms, a pool, and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine. 5. Hotel Rio Perlas - a beautiful hotel with stunning views, a spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. 6. Casa Turquesa - a cozy bed and breakfast located in the heart of Cartago, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local dishes. 7. Hotel Boutique La Martina - a charming hotel with comfortable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. 8. Hotel Wagelia - a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Cartago, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local dishes. 9. Casa del Cafe-Farm Stay - a unique accommodation option located on a coffee farm, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local dishes. 10. Turrialba Bed & Breakfast - a cozy bed and breakfast located in the beautiful Turrialba Valley, with comfortable rooms and stunning views.

What is the best time of year to visit Cartago, Costa Rica?

The best time of year to visit Cartago, Costa Rica is from December to April, which is the dry season. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May and November), when the weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists. The rainy season (May to November) should generally be avoided, as heavy rains can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.

What is the food like in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica has a rich culinary tradition, with plenty of delicious dishes to try. Some popular dishes include gallo pinto (a rice and beans dish), ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice), casado (a traditional Costa Rican dish consisting of rice, beans, meat, and salad), and arroz con pollo (chicken with rice). Fresh seafood is also widely available, and there are plenty of restaurants serving international cuisine as well. Be sure to try some of the local fruits, such as mango, papaya, and pineapple, which are delicious and abundant.

What is the culture like in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica has a rich cultural heritage, with strong ties to the country's indigenous history and colonial past. The city is home to several significant religious sites, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the Ruins of the Santiago Apostol Parish, which attract pilgrims from all over the world. The city is also known for its coffee production, and there are several coffee farms in the area that offer tours and tastings. The people of Cartago are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are sure to feel right at home.

What is the nightlife like in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica is not known for having a vibrant nightlife scene, but there are still plenty of options for those looking to have a good time. Some popular bars and clubs in the area include El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte, Bar La Hacienda, and Bar La Casona. Many of the larger resorts also offer entertainment and nightlife options for their guests. However, keep in mind that Cartago is a relatively small city, so the nightlife may not be as lively as in larger cities.

What is the transportation like in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica has a good transportation system, with buses and taxis readily available. The local buses are inexpensive and offer a convenient way to get around the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are also widely available, but can be more expensive. If you're planning to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a good option, as it will give you more flexibility and freedom. Keep in mind that the roads in Costa Rica can be narrow and winding, so be sure to drive carefully and be aware of the local driving customs.

What is the weather like in Cartago, Costa Rica?

Cartago, Costa Rica has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season runs from December to April, with temperatures averaging around 80F (27C). The rainy season runs from May to November, with temperatures averaging around 75F (24C). The weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for all types of weather, including rain gear and sunscreen.

What are some tips for traveling to Cartago, Costa Rica?

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to Cartago, Costa Rica: 1. Learn some basic Spanish - while many locals speak English, knowing some basic Spanish will help you communicate more effectively. 2. Pack for all types of weather - the weather in Costa Rica can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for both rain and sunshine. 3. Be aware of the local customs - Costa Rica has a laid-back culture, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the experience. 4. Try the local cuisine - Costa Rica has a rich culinary tradition, so be sure to try some of the local dishes. 5. Be respectful of the local culture - Costa Rica is a friendly and welcoming country, so be sure to respect the local customs and traditions. 6. Book your accommodations in advance - Cartago is a popular destination, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability. 7. Be aware of the local wildlife - Costa Rica is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and snakes. Be sure to keep a safe distance and avoid feeding the animals.

What is the currency used in Cartago, Costa Rica?

The currency used in Costa Rica is the coln. Most places also accept US dollars, but it's a good idea to have some colones on hand for smaller purchases. ATMs are widely available, so you can withdraw cash as needed. It's also a good idea to let your bank know that you'll be traveling to Costa Rica, so they don't flag your transactions as fraudulent.