Cartago

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Introducing Cartago

After the rubble was cleared, nobody bothered to rebuild Cartago (population 127, 000) to its former quaint specifications – though it is an attractive modern city, in a heavily reinforced sort of way. One exception is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, considered to be the holiest shrine in Costa Rica and has been religiously rebuilt after each of the city’s trials and tribulations.

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The city is thrown briefly into the spotlight each year on August 2 when pilgrims from every corner of the country descend on the basilica to say their most serious prayers. The remainder of the year, Cartago exists mainly as a bustling commercial and residential center, though the beauty of the surrounding mountains helps to take the edge off modern life.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. paulschmidtart avatar
    RE: Suggestions for Catago?

    by paulschmidtart 01 July 2011

    Although Cartago is an interesting city and called the birthplace of Costa Rican culture it has surprisingly few decent hostels or hotels.…
  2. zugbirds avatar
    Suggestions for Catago?

    by zugbirds 30 June 2011

    Cartago looks quite interesting. Does anybody have any up-to-date suggestions for hostels or restaurants in the city? btw: for the German…
  3. expertvagabond avatar
    RE: Public Bus to Volcano Irazu?

    by expertvagabond 07 June 2011

    *UPDATE:* We missed the bus that goes right to the top of Irazu. It leaves the park in Cartago at 9am. But we found a local bus to…

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