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Detailed Road Map of
Cartago County Costa Rica
Cartago, founded in 1563 by Juan Vásquez de
Coronado, was the capital of Costa Rica until
1823. The main reason for the city's fall from preeminent
status is its location. Located at the base
of the 11,000 foot high Irazú Volcano, the area was nearly destroyed by eruptions
and earthquakes several times.
The city of Cartago is a half hour drive from San José
and there is good bus service to and from.
Because Cartago sits at nearly 4,800 feet
it is much cooler than the other central valley
towns. In Cartago you can visit
the Basilica, perhaps the most famous and unique church in Costa Rica.
The drive from Cartago to the visitor center at Irazú
Volcano is entirely paved, and an excellent sightseeing tour.
There are 13 different botanical gardens and over 2 km of trails at the Lancaster
Gardens, famous for its collection of orchid varieties as well as its epiphyte
exhibits.
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