Cartago

Get around

Cartago downtown is perhaps the smallest of the main cities in the Central Valley, it is possible to walk all around the city in short time.

Do

Good Friday Procession: A massive spectacle beginning with the Romans marching into the city early in the morning arriving in the center of town around 09:00. They arrive at the church and then carry Christ off around 10:00 taking a long route to the Basilica.

Romero: Starting the end of July some 1.5 million people walk to the Basilica in Cartago to honor the Black Virgin. Streets are filled, traffic redirected, vendors are out in force. The final day of the walk is 2 August (see above for the legend).

Return of the Virgin: After the Romero the Virgin travels around Costa Rica for a month. Then she returns to Cartago. Another procession from the church in the center of town to the Basilica. Before the procession begins the path of the procession is decorated. Sand paintings, flowers, paper sculptures... a beautiful and unique expression of adoration for the Virgin.

Buy

Go to the Basilica de los Angeles and buy a souvenir there. "Casa del soñador" Dreamer's House is a must-visit in Cachi.

Eat

Ask for "comida tipica" or typical food when you get to Cartago. These restaurants are found specially on the way to the tourist areas as Irazu Volcano, Paraiso, Orosi or Turrialba.

In Cartago downtown besides typical restaurants and International food you can find chains like Burger King, McDonald`s, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Pollos Campero and Pollos AS.

Drink

"Chaguite" is the name of a beverage that was invented in Cartago many years ago. This drink is hard to find nowadays but you can go to the central market and ask for it. It has a sweet flavor like anis.

"Guaro Cacique" is the national drink of Costa Rica and is like a vodka. This drink can be found in bars, restaurants or supermarkets.

Go next

The capital San José, via Curridabat, is about an hour to the west via the highway. Orosi Valley and the Ruins of Ujarras are to the south and southeast.