About: While not really a museum, this is a famous Catholic church in Costa Rica with a lot of history. Every year on August 2 people from across the country and even from other countries in Central America make a pilgrimage to visit the “negrita”, a small statue of the Virgin Mary found on a…
Author: Ultimate Guide
Downtown Cartago Hot Springs
Options for hot springs in Downtown Cartago:
Termales Hacienda Orosi
About: These are some of the only hot springs in Cartago. While it is a hotel, they do offer both a day pass and a night pass to use their hot springs. The day pass allows access from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the night pass from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both include…
Downtown Cartago Hikes
Options for hikes in Downtown Cartago:
Turrialba Volcano National Park
About: This national park is home to the Turrialba Volcano, an active volcano with 3 craters. Since its activity started increasing in the 2010s, eventually access to the public was closed. Eventually visitation began to be permitted, but only through one agency, ICETUR, that organizes guided hikes. They offer daily hikes as well as sunrise…
Tapanti National Park
About: This national park offers 4 hiking trails, a viewpoint, and a waterfall. Though some parts of the trails follow a river, and there are many ranchos for picnics by the river, swimming in the river is not allowed. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago Time to reach from starting location: 52 minutes Time needed…
Senderos Retana
About: This place offers hiking and mountain bike trails, cabins for overnight stays, camping areas, and a restaurant. They also offer bike tours as well as bike rentals. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago Time to reach from starting location: 1 hour 48 minutes Time needed for activity: 2+ hours Kid friendly: Yes Wheelchair accessible:…
Refugio Silvestre Vistas del Cielo
About: This wildlife refuge offers hiking trails, a viewpoint with an idyllic windmill, small ponds with fish, a zipline, and a farm, as well as cabins for overnight stays and camping areas. There is also a restaurant. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago Time to reach from starting location: 29 minutes Time needed for activity:…
Refugio Ecologico Mosqueritos
About: This ecological refuge offers a day pass that includes access to their hiking trails, lake, and ranchos with grills. The lake has small row boats, there is horseback riding on the weekends, and there are camping areas. There is also a cafe, bathrooms, and showers. They are pet friendly. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown…
Palo Verde Cloud Forest
About: This cloud forest offers extensive hiking trails and birdwatching. There is also a hummingbird garden as well as an orchid garden. There are guides or you can do it self-guided. There is a restaurant and cabins for overnight stays. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago Time to reach from starting location: 44 minutes Time…