Cartago was the capital city of Costa Rica until 1823 when it was relocated to San Jose. It served as the first permanent Spanish settlement and the first capital city of Costa Rica. It is very easy to get to Cartago from San Jose with number of local transportation options and the trip only takes 45 minutes.
Cartago is known for its religious festivals, including the annual pilgrimage to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles on August 2nd, which attracts millions of people from around the country.
The city is located at the foot of the Irazú Volcano, which is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. It last erupted in 1994 and visitors can climb to the crater rim to see breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
How to get to Cartago from San Jose?
Cartago is easily accessible from San Jose bus terminal (Avenida 10) and it only takes 45 minutes to get there. This is a short trip of 5 kilometers.
PUBLIC BUS: ₡500/1USD
The easiest and budget-friendly way is getting a local BUS.
Buses leave frequently from San José to Cartago city.
SHUTTLE SERVICE: If you prefer a more comfortable and direct route, private shuttle services are available from various locations, including the San José airport and hotels in the area. Shuttles usually provide door-to-door service.
TRAIN: Surprisingly there’s a train from Estación Atlántico in San José to Cartago, which is another option to get to Cartago. The price is 1USD, the trains are new and comfortable.
Is Cartago worth visiting?
Absolutely yes, it’s a lovely quiet city with number of attractions that will keep you busy for a day-tour. The city along with the province villages have been damaged numerous times by natural disasters including various earthquakes.
Cartago is home to numerous pre-Columbian archaeological sites, including the Guayabo National Monument, which is believed to have been a significant city during the period between 1000 BC and 1400 AD. Go and explore the ancient ruins and learn about the culture and history of the indigenous people of Costa Rica.
The Orosi Valley in Cartago is another amazing landascape for nature lovers with diverse flora, fauna, and a tropical climate. It is an idyllic spot for coffee plantations that produce some of the best coffee in the world. Once you get to Cartago you can take coffee tours and learn about the history of coffee production in Costa Rica.
Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.
Cartago is a great alternative from crowded San Jose, full of interesting monuments and completely different than present capital. It’s a great idea for a day trip to chill in a nice atmosphere of the city.
The most visited place is the iconic Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles and it will probably be the first place to visit after you get to Cartago.
A neoclassical basilica famous for its stunning architecture and the patron saint of Costa Rica. The basilica attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. The interior of the basicila is highly impressive.
Why is Cartago famous?
Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles is the most iconic landmark of the place. The church is a masterpiece of woodwork. Take a walk toward ruins of the Church of Cartage next to the major town square – Plaza Mayor, regarded as the center of the city.
The poorest districts along with a giant grey factory are located at the surburbs of the town.
Explore Costa Rica’s most beautiful sights:
Exploring Cartago.
Take a walk through the town to explore the place and cosy restaurants. Local guide can be a very interesting option in this town. It is so much to tell about the place that they actually have great stories to offer. Taste traditional cuisine – Cartago offers a variety of restaurants where you can savor delicious Costa Rican dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local delicacies. We landed in one of the Mexican restaurants and I must say the food was brilliant!
Cartago is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in Costa Rica and was the country’s capital until it was moved to San Jose. Despite being damaged by earthquakes, Cartago has retained its historical charm and offers a glimpse into Costa Rica’s colonial past.
Best atractions to see in Cartago.
Explore the Lankester Botanical Gardens. Take a stroll through the beautiful Lankester Botanical Gardens, which showcase a diverse collection of orchids and other native plants.
Discover the ruins of the Cartago Central Market. Explore the remains of the Cartago Central Market, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1910. The ruins provide a glimpse into the city’s past and offer a unique photo opportunity.
Take a day trip to Irazú Volcano. Just a short drive from Cartago, Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. Enjoy a hike to the summit and witness breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the turquoise waters of the crater lake.
Explore the Guayabo National Monument – located near Cartago, Guayabo National Monument is an archaeological site that preserves the remains of an ancient pre-Columbian city. Take a guided tour and learn about the rich history and culture of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which are at absolutely no cost to you – I can earn a small commission on sales generated through this website and thanks to that I can share travel guides and inspirations that may help you reach your dream destinations and discover our unique world. I only recommend sites I actually use and have traveled to. Thank you for your support!
