Basílica del Voto Nacional

High on a hill in the northeastern part of the old town stands the Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional, built over several decades beginning in 1926. Rather than gargoyles, however, turtles and iguanas protrude from the church’s side. The highlight is the basilica’s towers, which you can climb if you have the nerve – the ascent requires crossing a rickety wooden plank inside the main roof and climbing steep stairs and ladders to the top. You can also climb the spiral staircase and three sets of ladders into and above the clock tower. There’s a patio café just outside the church and a snack bar on the tower’s 4th floor.