Cartago

Cartago was Costa Rica’s first capital. Founded in 1563 by Juan Vasquez de Coronado, it remained the capital until the honor was shifted to San Jose in 1823. Today, it is a bustling agro-industrial center with impressive religious landmarks and renowned botanical gardens. Cartago is home to the prestigious Costa Rica Institute of Technology, where academic excellence is pursued through the fields of engineering, business administration and computer science.

Interesting places to visit

Garden-filled Ruins of the Saint Bartholome Temple - remains of never finished colonial cathedral - stand in city's center. According to local legend, the structure was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes as punishment for an amorous priest.

The Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles was built over a rock. The massive grey and white Byzantine church is home to Black Madonna (La Negrita), Costa Rica’s patron saint, who is honored by a stunning spiritual procession each 2nd of August.

The Lancaster Botanical Garden, located 2.5 miles (4km) from Cartago is a 27 acre (11 ha) garden, named after British botanist Charles H. Lankester, has approximately 3,000 plant species. 800 of Costa Rica’s 1,400 orchid species bloom here. Open daily from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.

The 2,300-acre Irazu Volcano National Park, 31 km northeast of Cartago, protects one of the most frequently visited active volcanoes.