Located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, Cartago is a beautiful and historically significant city that has been the country's capital for over 200 years. This city has been a major center of activity for centuries, and it has a number of fascinating attractions and sites to explore. Here are the top 20 places to see in Cartago, Costa Rica.
1. Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles: The most important religious site in Cartago, this basilica is a stunning example of colonial architecture. Built in the early 1700s, the basilica is dedicated to the Virgin of the Angels, the patron saint of Costa Rica. Every year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the basilica to honor the Virgin.
2. Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú: Located just outside of Cartago, this national park is home to the active Irazú Volcano. The volcano is the highest in Costa Rica and has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Parque Central: This popular park is located in the center of Cartago and is home to several monuments and attractions, including the Monument to the Heroes of 1856 and the Monument to the Immigrants. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic or take a stroll.
4. Iglesia de San José: This beautiful church is the oldest in Cartago and dates back to the 17th century. The church is home to a number of beautiful frescoes and sculptures, as well as a stunning altar.
5. Museo de Arte Costarricense: This museum is home to a large collection of Costa Rican art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum also hosts a number of special exhibits throughout the year.
6. Museo de Historia Natural: This museum is located in the old Cartago prison and is home to a variety of natural history exhibits. Visitors can learn about the area's flora and fauna, as well as the region's geology and climate.
7. Parque Nacional Tapantí: This national park is located just outside of Cartago and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. The park also has a number of hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
8. Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco: This national park is located in the mountains just outside of Cartago and is home to a variety of wildlife, including pumas, ocelots, and tapirs. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
9. Parque Nacional Chirripó: This national park is located in the Talamanca Mountains and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and monkeys. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
10. Parque Nacional Carara: This national park is located on the Pacific Coast and is home to a variety of wildlife, including toucans, macaws, and crocodiles. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
11. Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja: This national park is located in the Guanacaste region and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
12. Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: This national park is located on the Pacific Coast and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
13. Parque Nacional Barra Honda: This national park is located in the Guanacaste region and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
14. Parque Nacional Santa Rosa: This national park is located in the Guanacaste region and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
15. Parque Nacional Corcovado: This national park is located on the Osa Peninsula and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
16. Parque Nacional Cahuita: This national park is located on the Caribbean Coast and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
17. Parque Nacional Tortuguero: This national park is located on the Caribbean Coast and is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, crocodiles, and manatees. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
18. Parque Nacional Arenal: This national park is located in the Arenal region and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
19. Parque Nacional Guanacaste: This national park is located in the Guanacaste region and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. The park also has several hiking trails and is a great place to explore.
20. Monumento Nacional Guayabo: This national monument is located in the Turrialba region and is home to a variety of archaeological sites, including petroglyphs and stone structures. The monument is a great place to learn about the area's history and culture.
Cartago is a beautiful and historically significant city with a number of fascinating attractions and sites to explore. From volcanoes and national parks to monuments and museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing city. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Cartago has something for you.