Attractions Nearby Cartago, Day Trips and Excursions

(Cartago, Costa Rica)

There are several noted attractions within driving distance of Cartago, to the north, south, east and west. The capital, San Jose, is a short drive off to the north-west and is an easy day trip for those that didn't have time to see it on the way through. The Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma sports stadium in nearby San Juan de Tibas is another leading attraction and often plays host to major events, accommodating some 24,000 spectators.

Most of all, though, Cartago lies in a region rich in pleasing landscapes, what with national parks and just outstanding natural beauty all-round. This means that many appealing excursions and day trips are possible. The Irazu Volcano is the most intriguing nearby sight and can be comfortably reached by cycling. Also within easy reach is the Orosi Valley - to the east, Turrialba and its stunning surrounds - further east, and the Tapanti National Park to the south.

Irazu Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu)

Address: Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu, Costa Rica, CR
Located in the nearby Irazu Volcano National Park is the stunning Irazu Volcano. This is perhaps Costa Rica's most famous cone, since it recently erupted in the early 1960s, famously when John F. Kennedy was visiting the country. A particularly major eruption took place in 1723, causing devastation to Cartago and around. The Irazu Volcano is located some 19 km / 12 miles to the north-east and measures in at more than 3,400 metres / 11,155 feet in height.

The Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu was officially established as a national park in 1955, protecting the surrounding 5,700 acres / 2,300 hectares. Try to arrive early, since the clouds often roll in after 10:00 and spoil the possible views of the Caribbean and the Pacific. If you don't have wheels, there is a bus that runs via Cartago from San Jose every Sunday morning, taking in the volcano. This bus returns at 12:30, stopping at the city's bus terminal.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Orosi / Orosi Valley (Valle de Orosi)

The Orosi Valley occupies a stunning region of central Costa Rica and is just down the road from Cartago. The region is at a fairly high altitude and is made up of a large valley surrounded by medium sized mountains and meadows. There are also many coffee plantations to explore in the area, along with various scenic walking trails and other recreational attractions. The town of Orosi itself is worth a stop, with its 18th-century Iglesia de San Jose Orosi, religious art works at the local museum and the Los Balnearios hot springs.

Tapanti National Park (Parque Nacional Tapanti - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte)

Address: Parque Nacional Tapanti, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2771 3155
Located some 18 km / 11 miles to the south of Cartago and within the beautiful Valle de Orosi area, the Parque Nacional Tapanti Macizo Cerro de la Muerte is an easy drive away. This place is also known as Orosi National Park, since the town of Orosi is close by, being around 30 minutes away. The Tapanti National Park covers an area of around 14,000 acres / 5,665 hectares and although a very wet place, it is stunning and is one of dense jungle, high waterfalls, great hikes and cute mountain retreats. An information centre resides at the entrance, where trails lead to a picnicking spot, a natural pool suitable for swimming, and an observation area overlooking a cascading waterfall. Birdwatchers will enjoy the 300+ species of birds, which include tropical favourites such as parrots, toucans and hummingbirds.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Turrialba

Lying around 40 km / 25 miles to the north-east of Cartago is the fun town of Turrialba, one of the main attractions in the province. The town itself is interesting, although it is the surrounds that most folks come for. Nearby is a beautiful lake, along with a lofty volcano and a rough river suitable for rafting. Also close by is the vast Centre for Tropical Agronomy Research and Education (Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza), the archaeological site of Guayabo and the Parque Viborana, where giant snakes live in a popular serpentarium.

San Jose

If you haven't already been, the Costa Rican capital of San Jose is a real must-see, even for those who are averse to big cities. It is a short drive from Cartago - to the north-west, being just 22 km / 14 miles away, and has perhaps the best locale of any Central American city, owing to its positioning high up. The bustling downtown is a place of interesting streets, with clean architecture and a host of museums and cafés. If you are visiting San Jose as a day trip and only have time to take in a few attractions, then choose between sights such as the Simon Bolivar Zoological Park, the Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park, Morazán Park, the Savannah Park, the Central Market, the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design.

Guayabo National Monument (Monumento Nacional Arqueologico Guayabo)

Address: Guayabo, Costa Rica, CR
The Guayabo National Monument is within reach of Cartago and Turrialba, being one of the most significant archaeological attractions in Costa Rica. Excavations have revealed many fascinating features, such as petroglyphs, gold relics (on display in San Jose's National Museum) and an elaborate aqueduct system, which is believed to date from 800 AD and once served a community of more than 20,000 residents. The Monumento Nacional Arqueologico Guayabo is said to have originated over 3,000 years ago, being completely abandoned in 1400 AD. The onsite exhibit centre contains a number of excavated artefacts, while an abundance of wildlife resides in the surrounding ancient forest, which is home to armadillos, coatis and an endless array of brightly coloured birds.
Open hours: daily, exhibit centre - 08:00 to 15:30
Admission: free, charge to enter exhibit centre