My top 10 picks for Downtown Cartago, all kid-friendly:
- Irazu Volcano National Park: one of the most famous volcanoes in Costa Rica and even world-renowned, it boasts an impressive crater, though not much else
- Irazu Volcano National Park, Prusia Sector: some of the best hiking trails in Cartago, if not Costa Rica, but extremely popular and can get crowded on weekends
- Hacienda La Central: offers a unique experience of hiking through the “bosque quemado” or “burned forest” on the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano
- Mirador Orosi: a great, free outdoor space to enjoy a picnic and spectacular views of the Orosi valley
- Copey Vinicola Tour de Vino: one of the few wineries in Costa Rica, not to mention their professionalism and elegance
- Guayabo National Monument: an archaeological site where you can hike and learn about Costa Rican history
- Basilica of Our Lady of Los Angeles: probably the most famous church in Costa Rica, home of the annual “Romeria” or pilgrimage in August, with a special history
- Travesias Naturales Rafting Pacuare: the best overall rafting experience for families with young children
- Las Trillizas Waterfall: good bang-for-your-buck waterfall as the hike is relatively short, though steep, and gets you to 3 nearby waterfalls
- Lankester Botanical Gardens: possibly the best and largest botanical garden in Costa Rica
Honorable mentions:
- Carlos Duran Sanatorium: an old psychiatric hospital turned tourist attraction with expansive grounds to explore, though not much information is provided, but you can ask around or research to learn about its interesting history and paranormal stories
- Parapente Costa Rica Aire Libre: one of the best places in Costa Rica to enjoy parasailing due to the hills and valleys and appropriate weather
- Hacienda Orosi Termales and Coffee Tour: an amazing and expansive hotel that offers lodging as well as day passes with several activities including a coffee tour, a farm, and hot springs, which are some of the only hot springs in the Cartago area
Restaurant picks: