High mountains, wild rivers, ancient monuments and exuberant nature are only a few of the many reasons to visit Cartago. Two mountain ranges run through the province creating an ecological paradise in their surrounding areas. The majestic Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes dominate the landscape and the valleys below look like a sea of green from the distance. Many fresh water springs are born in the Cartago Mountains and grow wilder as they swirl down providing whitewater lovers a once in a lifetime adrenaline rush. Simply put, Cartago has all the natural appeal you could possibly ask for.
Irazu Volcano
The impressive Irazu summit allows you to experience the magnificence of an active volcano from up close. An easy drive above the clouds through panoramic views takes you to the crest, located only 30 minutes from Cartago.
Irazu Volcano
Primary forest surrounds the colossal Irazu but once you enter the National Park the lush landscape turns into volcanic ashes, a picture reminiscent of a lunar landing. There are two craters: the smaller one contains waters whose color varies between jade green and dark red; the largest crater has bubbling fumaroles, timid reminders that the volcano is still active. Take advantage of the picnic tables set up through the mountain for an impressive view that'll go perfect with your sandwich.
Turrialba Volcano
Exploring the inside of a crater is an extreme adventure that can only happen in Turrialba. This volcano is the only one in the country where visitors can safely hike or horse-back rides down the basin and get closer to the action.
Turrialba Volcano
The Turrialba volcano rises right next to the Irazu which is why they are sometimes called the twin giants; however, these two brothers are nothing alike. A cloud forest surrounds the Turrialba and as you walk down its trails you'll spot trenches formed many years ago by Lava Rivers. There are also three different craters with unique features for the enthusiastic explorers. The volcano is accessible by four-wheel drive.
Tapanti
Hidden between mountains, Tapanti is as wild as things get in the Central Valley. The National Park covers 15,024 acres (6,080 ha) of mountainous territory. Its premontane and montane rainforest expand into the Talamancas and hide amazing rain-fed waterfalls.
Tapanti
More than 150 rivers run through Tapanti where fishing is permitted December through July. Trails are well marked and their different lengths allow hikers to take it easy or work up a sweat, after all you can always take a refreshing dip in the clear-water streams.
Birding is superb in this National Park where you can easily spot quetzals, hawks and more than 250 other bird varieties. Keep your eyes open and you'll see 30 species of amphibious and more than 45 species of mammals, including tapir, white-tailed deer, rabbits and jaguars that hide in the cloud forest.
The Wild Reventazon
Whitewater rafting down the mighty Reventazon River is sure to get your heart pumping. For many years it was the training site for world class professionals but even beginners can safely venture down its wild waters.
Reventazon River
Different sections of the river offer all levels of difficulty. The slower currents provide the perfect spot for beginners or warm up sessions. Once you feel a little more comfortable head down to the Pascua section guaranteed to satisfy the daring adventurous types with nonstop Class IV rapids.
Tours include equipment, professional guides, transportation and meals. Be sure to bring extra clothing because you will get wet and don't forget a water-proof camera just in case folks at home don't believe you did it.
Lankester Garden
The chilly air provides the perfect conditions for Lankester garden, an orchid lover's paradise. The collection includes more than 800 species and several other specimens of neotropical flora, comprising one of the largest displays in the continent.
Lankester Garden
The 27-acre (11 ha) property now belongs to the University of Costa Rica and has become a prominent research station as well as a tourist attraction. Thousands of butterflies and birds combine beautifully with the colorful orchids, but if you really want to maximize the experience visit during peak blooming season in spring time.
Guayabo National Monument
The most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in the country is located in the middle of the jungle. The monument expands for 540 acres (220 ha) of tropical wet forest so you'll get your fill of history, archeology and nature all at once.
Guayabo National Monument
The region was populated by indigenous agricultural societies (calculated 1,000 inhabitants) up to the XVI century and then was mysteriously abandoned. Excavations reveal rock mounds that may have been used as the commercial and administrative center of the settlement. A lookout point offers a superficial view of the village with its working aqueducts and terraces.
Trails and paths of different lengths are visitor friendly, with pavement and stairs in the steeper areas. There are also picnic facilities and camping grounds.
A Drive Through Heaven The Route Of The Saints
There is only one place where you can find log cabins, dairy farms, cozy inns and fresh air. A walk on the clouds will take you to the route of the saints, a heavenly place that will provide you with all the peace and quiet you've been longing for.
Surrounded by mountains, the towns around this area are all named after different saints and that's how the route came to be. The stress-free drive intertwines between San Jose and Cartago, taking you through quaint communities unique for their lush vegetation, beauty, history and pleasant climate.
Pirris River
Start at Santa Maria de Dota where the downward slope leads you to what some argue is the best coffee in Costa Rica, so be sure to stop for a cup a judge for yourself. History also comes alive in this town, where three-time president Jose Figueres trained his troops and battled during the 1948 civil war.
Cross the hanging bridge over the Pirris River and continue on to San Marcos. Hills render amazing views of the town with the Tarrazu Mountains as a background. The road will then direct you to San Pablo, where several little side paths lead you to hidden paradise in the mountains.
The landscape will then drastically change and you'll know you've reached San Antonio, where dairy farms dominate the scenery over the Grande de Candelaria River. On a clear day, the view is amazing. The mountains and little towns look like small worlds revolving under your feet and the Escazu, Puriscal and Turrubares Mountains add a surreal background. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment as you head back to the Interamericana Highway through Santa Cruz, Frailes and San Cristobal.
Travel tips
+ Cartago is the coolest province in Costa Rica so pack a sweater, especially if you're visiting high altitude places.
+ If you're doing whitewater rafting or hiking, take rain gear because it often rains.
+ Tennis shoes or hiking boots are the best option to explore nature in Cartago.
