Cartago Landmarks and Monuments

(Cartago, Costa Rica)

You may not immediately be impressed by the landmarks and monuments in Cartago, yet there are several to check out. They include squares, churches and universities, along with nearby sights such as the Cachi Dam, known locally as the Presa de Cachi.

The most obvious landmark in Cartago, besides its top sights and its Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, is the expansive Plaza Mayor. This spacious public square is surrounded by many impressive buildings and cafés, and is a great place to spend the day or evening. Also worth visiting is the Technology Institute of Costa Rica (Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica), while slightly out of town and easily reached is the Quircot Church (Iglesia de Quircot).

Plaza Mayor

Address: Plaza Mayor, Avenida 2, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
The Plaza Mayor is the main square in Cartago and resides right in the heart of the city, where it is also known as the Central Park (Park Central). There are a number of fine structures surrounding the plaza, such as the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins on its easterly side and the rather more modern Municipalidad de Cartago building to the north. The square is also populated by terrace cafés and there is no better way to enjoy sundowners or indulge in a spot of people-watching. Of note, the Pali Supermarket is just a couple of blocks away, as is the Banco Nacional and the Jesus Jimenez School (Escuela Jesus Jimenez Zamora).
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Technology Institute of Costa Rica (Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica - TEC)

Address: Campus de la Sede Central, Apartado 159-7050, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2552 5333
Established in 1971, the Technology Institute of Costa Rica is the main university in the city. Referred to as the TEC by the locals, this is one of the foremost institutes of higher education in the entire Central American region. From a tourist's point of view, the university grounds come with some pleasant walking trails, with a river going through the campus and good sports facilities. Additional associated Technology Institute campuses are based in San Jose, Santa Clara de San Carlos and Zapote.
Open hours: daily
Admission: campus - free entry

Quircot Church (Iglesia de Quircot)

Address: Quircot, Costa Rica, CR
Quircot Church (Iglesia de Quircot) is purported to be the oldest church in Costa Rica and resides in nearby Quircot, being just a short jaunt from the city. This important religious landmark originally hails from the late 1500s and was declared a Relic of Historical-Cultural Interest in the 1980s. The church has been renovated many times and has a typical adobe construction with neo-colonial architecture. Recent years have seen much restoration work carried out by the Department of Historical Heritage of the Ministry of Culture.
Open hours: masses, Saturday - 19:00, Sunday - 08:00 and 16:00
Admission: free

Cachi Dam (Presa de Cachi)

Address: Cachi, Costa Rica, CR
Residing in nearby Cachi, no more than 30 minutes out of town, is the eye-popping Cachi Dam. The dam is roughly 20 km / 12 miles to the east, near Orosi, and comes with obligatory lake and pretty surrounds that are good for both walking and hiking. Fed by the Orosi River (Rio Grande de Orosi), which meanders its way through the Parque Nacional Tapanti, before reaching Lake Cachi (Lago de Cachi) and the dam itself, the hydroelectric Cachi Dam ranks as one of Costa Rica's largest and most important. The town is also worth a look for its woodcraft craft shops and its inviting lakeside restaurants.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free