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An Insight into Cartago - colonial capital

"This is not Irazu Volcano"

The former colonial capital cartago is located south east of San Jose. It was founded in 1563. It is the nation's religious center and home of Costa Rica's patron saint: La Negrita.

As you enter town you may notice the Iglesia de la Parroquia called "Las Ruinas" (ruins). The church was destroyed by earthquakes three times . . . the most destructive was in 1841. After finally getting the idea that the church was just not meant to be there, they gave up rebuilding and today only the walls remain.

The Elias Leiva Museum of Ethnography has displays pre-Columbian and colonial artifacts. The place most visited by Ticos is the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels home of the La Negrita. An amazing event occurs the few days at the beginning of August each year. when Costa Ricans from every village walk to the Cathedral sometimes taking days to complete the walk.

"Las Ruinas" in the center of Cartago

Cartago is close to one of the three most active volcanoes in Costa Rica - Irazu Volcano. This is possibly the prettiest of Costa Rica's visitable volcanoes. An easy drive to the top and a spectacular lake in the largest of the craters. Around Cartago the soils are very rich in minerals producing excellent potatoes, onions and carrots. Visit one of our farmers markets on a Friday or Saturday for a sampling.

If you'd like to visit Alajuela email us at: InsightCostaRica for information or ideas?