I have to be in Cartago on the 4th of August to take an English (TOEFL) test (yes, it's pretty unusual, but it was the only way I could go on holiday and apply for a programme in my home country at the same time). The test is in the morning (8.30 am) so I want to go to the place around the 1st or 2nd of August to check things out. This apparently coincides with a pilgrimage to the town on the 2nd of August, where (according to my just bought LP) more than a million (!) people are coming to. When reading this I was excited first (lots of things going on), but then started to worry a little about accomodation around this time.
So my question is, what will the accomodation scene in Cartago be like around the 1st to the 5th of August?
And if everything is fully booked, what would be my options getting to the place on time on the 4th from San Jose?
I will hopefully be arriving in Costa Rica on the 31st of July (flying standby from the NL), and speak no Spanish, nor have I ever been to Central America. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
There are few if any hotels in Cartago, I would avoid the city compeletly, busses and streets will be packed.
hostel San Francisco 25 meters north from the northwest corner of Cartago's Central Market. On the left-hand side. Look for a yellow 2 storey building. From SACSA bus terminal, 2 and 1/4 blocks west and 1 1/4 blocks north (turn right) .
Tel.574-2359 email: hotelsanfranciscolodge@costarricense.cr
There is a little hotel in Cartago 10 minutes from the city, If you are staying in San Jose I would avoid trying to get there the 1st and the 2nd of August the only way to get in Cartago these two days is walking, because of La Romeria, is a traditional pilgrimage to see La Virgen de los Angeles in la Basilica de los Angeles so those two days the city it's packed.
There are very few places to stay in Cartago; most of the hotels are situated in the Orosi Valley :
http://www.orosivalley.com/general_clientes_hospedaje.html<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR>Andy
trusted partner
