Destinations
The Province of Cartago
The Costa Rican Province is named after its capital city, Cartago. The City of Cartago was the former capital city of Costa Rica. It is located in the central-eastern part of th country, bordering the Province of San Jose to the west, and the Province of Limon to the east. The captial city of the state is Cartago and the province covers an area of app. 3.124 km2 with a population of 432,395. It is subdivided into 8 Cantons (Counties).
The Province of Cartago
Cartago is located between the provinces of Limon to the east
and San Jose to the west. The province boasts volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforest jungles, and flowing green hillsides, each providing eco-travelers with amazing biodiversity. The Turrial
ba Volcano National Park and the Irazu Volcano National Park are amongst Costa Rica's most visited destinations, each with peaks reaching above 10000 ft.
Many of Costa Rica's famous coffee plantations are located in this region as well, and interested travelers can participate in coffee picking and production at the Golden Bean Plantation in Atirro. At the completion of the tour, coffee enthusiasts have the opportunity to sample the fruits of their labor--dozens of roasts, coffee liquors, and chocolate covered beans.
Prior to 1829 the City of Cartago was the capital of Costa Rica, and the area remains rich with colonial tradition. Travelers and pilgrims alike visit the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, the nation's largest church, which houses the famous statue of the Black Madonna (commonly called "La Negrita") The ruins of Santiago Apostal, (pictured above) are another popular tourist stop. According to legend, earthquakes destroyed the church repeatedly during its construction--an act of divine wratch against a handsome priest who forsook his vows.
For travelers who prefer mountains to the beaches, Cartago is the perfect place to begin your Costa Rican tour.
Click for More Information on the Province of Cartago...
Explore the Links Below for Information on Individual Cartago Destinations
Orosi
Similar to the city of Cartago, Orosi has a long history going back to the days of the conquistadors. The architecture and nature surrounding the town is what lure visitors here...
Paraiso
In the outskirts of the City of Cartago, Pariso is often lost to visitors, but is the gateway to the flora around the area.
City of Cartago
Cartago is a city with a lot of Costa Rican heritage. Originally, it was the capital of Costa Rica, and the main hub for government. It lost it's political ambiance in 1823, when everything was relocated to San Jose, including Capital status, but remains a busy city and a popular destination.
Turrialba
This area is known best for its whitewater rafting, to lush coffee farms, to beautiful agricultural views, and the Volcan Turriabla
