Cartago Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Cartago, Costa Rica)

Cartago doesn't have a diverse range of tourist attractions and most folks come primarily to see the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels church and the Ruins of the Church of the Parish. Both are right in the city and are absolute must-sees. The basilica is certainly one of the most stunning in Costa Rica.

The nearby Paraiso and Lankester Botanical Gardens are also worth seeing. These are the largest such gardens in Central America and display an array of orchids. Another attraction deserving a look-see is the centrally located University of Cartago, with its extensive sports facilities and squares.

Ruins of the Church of the Parish / Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins (Las Ruinas de la Parroquia / Iglesia del Convento)

Address: Corner of Avenida 2 / Calle 16, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
The Ruins of the Church of the Parish (Las Ruinas de la Parroquia), better known as simply La Ruinas, are the ruins of an impressive ancient church. Built in 1575, these historic remains were originally a church dedicated to St. James the Apostle, being destroyed by an earthquake in 1841. The shrine was rebuilt, but again was destroyed in 1910 by another earthquake. Only the outer walls and parts of the nave survive today, yet it is a striking sight and popular picnic spot. La Ruinas is to be found right in the city centre, alongside the Plaza Mayor.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles)

Address: Corner of Avenida 2 / Calle 16, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2551 0465
Located just off the main highway and sandwiched by Avenue 2 is another hot sight, the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles). This stunning church is amongst Cartago's principal attractions and features a statue of the Black Madonna (La Negrita), along with an enormous nave. Dating back to 1639 and revamped in 1926 following earthquake damage, the church also has a fantastic vaulted ceiling, large stained-glass windows, an impressive pipe organ and a vast square out front. It is worth noting that the basilica can become extremely busy during festival time and on holy days.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Paraiso and Lankester Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico Lankester)

Address: Paraiso, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2552 3247
Paraiso is a charming suburb town, located just over 6 km / 4 miles to the south-east of Cartago and therefore being reachable in a matter of minutes. Here you will discover the beautiful Paraiso and Lankester Botanical Gardens (named after the renowned British biologist Charles Lankester), which boast Central America's best collection of orchids. The orchids and epiphytes here are fantastic, while there is also a Japanese garden to check out, complete with oriental lanterns, pagodas, a small lake, endless bamboo and similar attractions. Established in the 1950s, the Lankester Botanical Gardens is a long-running sight and well connected by hourly buses, departing from the corner of Avenida 1 and Calle 4.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge

University College (Colegio Universitario de Cartago - CUC)

Address: Apartado 422-7050, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2551 6892
Lying smack bang in the centre of the city is the University of Cartago. While mostly unremarkable as a tourist destination, onsite are some excellent sports and recreational facilities. Most notable is a sizeable football stadium and a large gymnasium, plus there is also a large square onsite and many very affordable eateries.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

San Luis Gonzaga College (Colegio San Luis Gonzaga)

Address: Calle 3, Between Avenida 3 and Avenida 5, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
This old school lies in the heart of the city and is a fun place to check out. It is worth visiting the San Luis Gonzaga College primarily for the museum within, the Elias Leiva Museum of Ethnography. The original structure dates back to the early 1840s, being built by local Jesuits, although sadly this was mostly destroyed by an earthquake, with the subsequent neo-classical facade of the present structure hailing from the 1920s.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Jose Rafael Fello Meza Stadium (Estadio Jose Rafael Fello Meza Ivankovich)

Address: Calle 10 / Avenida 11, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
The Estadio Jose Rafael Fello Meza Ivankovich is situated on the southern side of the city centre and functions as the home ground of the local Costa Rican soccer team, the Club Sport Cartaginés Deportiva SA. This particular football team is currently the country's oldest, being founded as long ago as 1906. As well as being used for seasonal football matches, the stadium also hosts a variety of different open-air events and is able to accommodate around 13,500 spectators in total.
Open hours: hours vary according to event
Admission: charge