The 10 Best Things to Do in Cartago, Costa Rica

February 16, 2018 Enriqueta Cusson

Discover the best top things to do in Cartago, Costa Rica including Our Lady of the Angels Basilica (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles), Jardin Botanico Lankester, Ruins of the Church of Carthage, Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins, Savegre Reserve, Ruinas Sanatorio Carlos Duran, Cartago Central Market, Iglesia Maria Auxiliadora, Museo Municipal de Cartago, La Angelina Mountain Bike Park.
Restaurants in Cartago

1. Our Lady of the Angels Basilica (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles)

C. 16, between Avdas. 2 and 4, Cartago, Costa Rica 506-551-0465
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 524 reviews

Our Lady of the Angels Basilica (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles)

This church is best known for the 1635 appearance of the country's patron saint, the Black Virgin. An annual pilgimage takes place in August.

Reviewed By acorna - Vilnius

It is the most important religious object in Costa Rica and an important historical point, too. However, the building itself is comparatively new - present look in has acquired only in 1939. However, the architecture is interesting and somewhat unusual for Catholic churches as it bears Byzantine features. The Basilica, the original rock on which the figure of Virgin Mary was discovered and the miraculous spring are all objects of pilgrimage, so on Sundays and holidays the area is packed - plan your visit accordingly.

2. Jardin Botanico Lankester

4 Km. Cartago and Paraiso Road, Nr. Bus Stop, Cartago, Costa Rica +506 2511 7949
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 318 reviews

Jardin Botanico Lankester

The Lankester Botanical Garden is a research center of the University of costa Rica, created in 1973 due to the international efforts of scientists and conservationists. Our Mission is the research of orchids and other epiphytes to preserve our plante's biological diversity and to inspire and improve people's quiality of life

Reviewed By acorna - Vilnius

Yes, the Lankester Botanical garden is a small, beautifully maintained garden with lots of interesting plants. But the Botanical garden, especially the one belonging to a University is supposed to be also an information source about the plants. And yet I have to see a garden so almost totally lacking labels and general plant information as this one. I counted maybe 5-6 labels throughout the whole area. Actually, a garden in National Museum in San Jose had better labeling than Lankester. The University should know that some people come not only to stroll but also to learn something. Dissapointing.

3. Ruins of the Church of Carthage

Cartago 30101, Costa Rica +506 2550 4400
Excellent
41%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Ruins of the Church of Carthage

Reviewed By Carilovestotravel - Akron, Ohio

It's amazing that there is this beautiful, impressive structure with its tranquil "vibe" in the middle of a busy city. Kudos to all who kept the "ruins" preserved and maintain the lovely garden.

4. Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins

Cnr Av 2 Calle 2, Cartago 30102, Costa Rica
Excellent
53%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins

Reviewed By Jude A

It's rare to find a tourist attraction in Costa Rica that doesn't charge a small fortune to be there so knowing that this was a free-to-public site we didn't have great expectations before arriving. Wow were we wrong! This beautiful structure is superbly maintained with landscaped Gardens in and around, young couples enjoying each other's company on the lawns and plenty of photo opportunities to be had. The history of the ruins is really intriguing and spooky, we are so glad we went here!

5. Savegre Reserve

Cerro de la Muerte | Savegre Mountain Hotel, Cartago, Costa Rica +506 2740 1028
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Savegre Reserve

Reviewed By WelshwizardK10D - Richmond-upon-Thames, United Kingdom

Lots of hummingbirds and two Quetzals, lots more besides. Remote location. 2-3 hours from San Jose. Good facilities (accomodation) nearby

6. Ruinas Sanatorio Carlos Duran

A 7 km al norte de la ciudad de Cartago y a unos 18 kilometros al sureste del Volcan Irazu, a una altitud de poco mas de 2,335 msnm., Cartago, Costa Rica
Excellent
36%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 159 reviews

Ruinas Sanatorio Carlos Duran

Reviewed By Paulina C

This amazing place is a tresure that needs investment and a comercial view to make it a must for this Province. Its an old and abandoned hospital where you can feel the strange energy in some of the rooms, was built in early 1928 with wood. Located in the way to Irazú volcano, has an excellent view of forest, caws and Mountains, it is a relaxing place where you can eat a picnic or take a walk. The road is easy, looks accesible at some parts like bathrooms, Gardens and first floor (saw a person using wheelchair ), they are working in a cafeteria and will be ready in a month, says one of the workers.
More history, pictures and more maintenance needed, the floor of woods could be dangerous for the kids ( has some holes ). Very interesting place to visit.

7. Cartago Central Market

Avenida 1 between Calle 2 and Calle 4, Cartago, Costa Rica
Excellent
40%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 35 reviews

Cartago Central Market

Reviewed By northernneckinn - Tappahannock, Virginia

Just a spectacular offering of produce from the agriculturally rich Orisi Valley and surrounding area. You have to be impressed with the variety, freshness and effort that goes into non-mechanized market gardening and getting it to market at a very reasonable price. Wander through the stalls and check it out... totally impressive!

8. Iglesia Maria Auxiliadora

Av 2, Cartago 30102, Costa Rica +506 2551 9078
Excellent
51%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Iglesia Maria Auxiliadora

Reviewed By sueanncanny - Cartago, Costa Rica

It is really majestic and one of the stops too visit while in coast a Rica on the August 2nd the coasran Ricans will travel from their homes to the church. The people that live in Cartago take the bus to San Jose and walk to the church. It is something to see.

9. Museo Municipal de Cartago

Calles 2-4 228, Cartago, Costa Rica +506 2550 4581
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Museo Municipal de Cartago

Reviewed By CanaTico - Canada

The Cartago Municipal Museum is well worth a visit. Located a very short walk from the Central Park (Plaza Major) this wonderfully restored former Military Institution / Prison is the perfect setting for an amazing collection of historical artifacts and rotating art exhibits. Some of the displays are actually set up in the original jail cells. There is an amazing mural detailing aboriginal cultural scenes, and even an example of a stone sphere (petrosphere). The perfectly manicured Gardens outside the main entrance are beautiful as well. It is hard to believe that this attraction is absolutely free!

10. La Angelina Mountain Bike Park

Ochomogo, Cartago, Costa Rica +506 8839 8347
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

La Angelina Mountain Bike Park

Reviewed By GabyPapi

Just a short drive from either San Jose or Cartago. Excelente trails to run, walk and/or ride MTB. Locatel between San José and Cartago you get great views of San José, Cartago and Tres Ríos.

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