The oldest colonial city in Costa Rica has preserved 16th-century buildings and the iconic Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, a white church with Byzantine domes.
Cartago, Costa Rica's former capital, lies at the base of Irazú Volcano. In this city, you'll walk through the Byzantine-style Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, explore the pre-Columbian stone structures at Guayabo Monument, and spot rare orchid species at Lankester Gardens. The surrounding valleys contain coffee plantations, potato fields, and hiking paths that lead to volcanic craters.
The Basilica
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels stands in the city center, its grey Byzantine domes visible throughout Cartago. The interior walls display intricate wood carvings, and at its heart sits La Negrita - a small black statue of the Virgin Mary that became Costa Rica's patron saint. Each August 2nd, over a million pilgrims walk to the Basilica from across the country for the feast day of the Virgin of the Angels. Many complete their journey by crawling the final meters to the altar on their knees.
Exploring Irazú Volcano
Irazú Volcano reaches 11,260 feet (3,432 meters), making it Costa Rica's highest active volcano. You can drive on a paved road to the summit and walk around several craters, including one containing a green crater lake. The volcano's last major eruption happened in the 1960s. The bare volcanic landscape resembles the moon's surface, with marked trails letting you explore safely. Visit before 10 AM to avoid the daily cloud cover that typically blocks the views.
Lankester Botanical Gardens
Located 2.5 miles outside the city, Lankester Botanical Gardens contains over 3,000 plant species across 27 acres. The research center specializes in orchids, with greenhouses displaying hundreds of miniature and full-sized species. You can follow paths through different garden sections to see both Costa Rican plants and international species.
Getting Around and Weather
You can reach Cartago from San José by bus or commuter train in about 45 minutes. The city sits at 4,720 feet (1,439 meters), resulting in cooler temperatures than most of Costa Rica. Rain falls throughout the year, with less precipitation from December to April. Plan outdoor visits for mornings to avoid frequent afternoon showers.
Local Agriculture and Markets
Farmers sell fresh produce at the central market on Thursdays and Saturdays. The valleys around Cartago grow most of Costa Rica's potato crop, along with coffee, sugar cane, and ornamental flowers. In the nearby Orosi Valley, you can visit coffee plantations to learn about growing and processing methods.
Day Trip to Orosi Valley
The Orosi Valley, a 30-minute drive from Cartago, contains the San José de Orosi church from 1743 - Costa Rica's oldest church still in use. Coffee plantations and vegetable farms cover the valley floor, while hiking trails wind through the hills of Tapantí National Park. The Reventazón River flows through the valley, where you can go white-water rafting.
