Description
The town of CARTAGO is a classic Costa Rican experience, with a history steeped in natural beauty and national significance.
Once you’ve paid a visit to Cartago, it’s easy to see why its riverbank setting was chosen as the first capital of Costa Rica in 1563. It was recognized by the Spanish governor for its grandeur and beauty, but alas, nature has a way of taking its course. Today, Cartago is a destination for its Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, its rich organic coffee, and the expansive- and potentially explosive- Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú.
If it weren’t for an eruption of the Irazu Volcano in 1723 that nearly demolished the town, chances are that Cartago would still be considered the capital instead of San Jose (which wasn’t established until 1823). But who can say? These things happen when you live in paradise!
