Travel to Cartago - Costa Rica - Culture

Cartago - Culture

Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, named after the Patron Saint of Costa Rica, is constructed on the site of a miracle. On August 2, 1635, The Virgin showed herself as a doll made of stone to a poor girl named Juana Pereira. The girl took the doll home to play with, but the doll disappeared, then reappeared at the spot where she had first seen it. This was viewed as a sign that the virgin wanted a church built here, and so was it done.

There is a spring in the back part of the cathedral. The water from here is believed to have healing properties. Every second of August , Costa Ricans ask The Virgin for special favours, many of them walking or even crawling on hands and knees from their home towns to the Cathedral to present their petitions, hoping these sacrifices will be noticed and their requests granted.

Cartago's central park (between Avenidas 1 and 2 and Calle Central and Calle 2) is worth visiting. Facing the park are Las Ruinas de Cartago of the Iglesia de la Parroquia. The Cartogan Ruins of the Church of la Parroquia. The church was built in 1575, damaged by many earthquakes and rebuilt many times by the Cartagineses. The whopper quake of 1910 finally levelled the structures, so today only the walls still stand, overgrown inside by a profusion of lovely tropical plants and flowers.

Some interesting Excursions

Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankaster Gardens

Irazu Volcano National Park is located on the continental divide, 1,5 kilometers as the crow files, northeast of the city of Cartago. It covers 2,309 hectares that range from 2,200 to 2,332 meters above sea level. Referring to Costa Rica's volcanoes, one would not like to miss the impressive Irazu Volcano, the same that in 1963 practically paralysed Costa Rica when it last erupted and showered tons of volcanic ash over San Josè and the Central Valley. A short drive from the heights of Cartago lies the impressive Valley of Orosi. A visit to Lankaster Gardens, considered one of the most valuable botanical research centers in Central America, will top this great experience.

Necessary equipment: Jacket, walking shoes, long pants, camera and binoculars.

Beautiful Gardens with our tropical plants and flowers

Located in the providence of Cartago the gardens are administered by the University of Costa Rica. For the plant and flower lovers, this is paradise, with only 25 acres and over 800 species of orchids that have been in Costa Rica for generations.

Necessary equipment: Light jacket, walking shoes and camera.

Sprint through the canopy!

This is a half-day adventure. We drive about an hour and a half to a beautiful tree-filled canyon to experience the exhilarating thrill of the canopy tour over the tree top jungle. This is a unique canopy because you start and finish on the ground. It is suitable for all ages, but always a thrill. After the excitement of the canopy enjoy a typical lunch and refreshments.

Necessary equipment: hiking shoes, long pants, cotton shirt.

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