Things to do in Cartago
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Las Ruinas de la Parroquia
Las Ruinas de la Parroquia was built in 1575 as a shrine to St James the Apostle (Santiago, in Spanish), destroyed by the 1841 earthquake, rebuilt a few years later and was then destroyed again in the 1910 earthquake. Today only the outer walls of the church remain, but ‘the Ruins’ are a pleasant spot for hanging out and people-watching – though legend has it that the ghost of a headless priest wanders the ground on foggy nights.
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B
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles
The most important site in Cartago – and the most venerated religious site in the country – this basilica channels any airy Byzantine grace, with fine stained-glass windows and ornate side chapels featuring carved wood altars. Though the structure has changed many times since 1635, when it was first built, the relic that it protects remains unharmed inside.
La Negrita, ‘the Black Virgin,’ is a small (less than a meter tall), probably indigenous, representation of the Virgin Mary, found on this spot on August 2, 1635 by a native woman. As the story goes, when she tried to take the statuette with her, it miraculously reappeared back where she’d found it. Twice. So the t…
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Terra Mall
On the main highway, about 8km west of Cartago in Tres Ríos, you’ll find this massive new mall, stocked with everything from a high-end multiplex (you can get cocktails served inside some of the movie theaters) to brand-name boutiques – not to mention lots of teenagers.
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C
La Puerta del Sol
Located downstairs from Los Ángeles Lodge, this pleasant soda has been around since 1957 and serves myriad Tico specialties as well as burgers and sandwiches. Don’t miss the vintage photos of Cartago displayed on the walls.
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D
Bazar Mafalda
To the west of the church, this place stocks an interesting selection of rosaries, scapulars and ex-votos –and, rather incongruously, soccer paraphernalia and nail polish.
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E
Elias Leiva Museum of Ethnography
For an insight into regional cultures, visit this museum, located in the basement of the Colegio Luis Gonzaga. It has a few small displays of pre-Columbian and colonial artifacts.
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F
Remembranzos
One block to the west is this tiny cluttered shop selling vintage coins, stamps, photographs and company scrip from coffee plantations. Hours are erratic, so call ahead.
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G
Panadería Araya
A tidy little bakery with tasty breads and pastries (try the flaky palm-leaf cookies) and a narrow counter where you can sip fresh-brewed coffee.
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Kirieti Indian History Museum
The Kirieti Indian History Museum, 6km southwest of Cartago in Tobosi, emphasizes history through documentation.
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Finca La Flor de Paraíso
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Mercado Central
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