Costa Rica
Cartago
Cartago is the capital of Costa Rica's Cartago Province. Visitors can explore religious landmarks and gardens, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and Lankester Botanical Garden.
Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
- Gateway airport
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
- Best season
- Jan–Apr
- Time zone
- America/Costa_Rica
- Sights covered
- 4 places
Sights worth seeing
Temples & religious sites
Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
A basilica dedicated to Costa Rica's patron saint, first built in 1639 and rebuilt after earthquake damage. The current building, blending colonial and Byzantine styles, was completed in 1939.
Zoos & aquariums
Lankester Botanical Garden
This botanical garden on the outskirts of Cartago, Costa Rica, is also a research facility run by the University of Costa Rica. Known as a center for orchid research in Central America and the Caribbean, it lets visitors see a wide variety of orchids.
Temples & religious sites
Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, Cartago
A Catholic cathedral in Cartago, Costa Rica. As the city's foremost religious landmark, it's a peaceful place to explore.
Temples & religious sites
Orosi Church
A colonial-era church in the Orosi Valley near Cartago, known as the oldest church in Costa Rica still in use today. It has a simple, peaceful atmosphere.
How many days do you need?
Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.
Average temperature by month
5-year average
Getting there
Check flights to Cartago first
Pick a departure airport and date to jump straight to results for Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Check fares and seat availability on the flight search site.
Getting around the city
Book transport
Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.
Cartago Tours & Experiences Booking
Book local tours, tickets, and experiences in advance to enjoy without waiting. Check available products and prices now.
GetYourGuide
Klook
Tiqets
KKday
WeGoTrip
Check prices and availability on the booking sites.
Airalo
Yesim
Saily
Drimsim
Where to stay
See all stays →Pick your dates — we'll search Cartago hotels for you
Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.
View on Booking.com
View on Hotels.com
Hotel membership
Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer
A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.
Explore the membership
Visit stories: Cartago
Have you been to this city?
Share your visit story with photos you took yourself. Once checked, it goes into the Magazine.
Guides by theme
Best value
Where to find the best value accommodation in Cartago, Costa Rica
Read guide →
5-star & luxury
Where to find luxury accommodations in Cartago, Costa Rica
Read guide →
Pool villas & resorts
Where to find pool villas and resorts in Cartago, Costa Rica
Read guide →
Family travel
Where to stay in Cartago for a family trip
Read guide →
Couples & honeymoon
Where to stay in Cartago for couples and honeymooners
Read guide →
Central & near stations
Where to stay in Cartago for central access and transport
Read guide →
Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit Cartago, Costa Rica?
Read guide →
First-time guide
How to visit Cartago Costa Rica for the first time
Read guide →
Getting around
How to get around Cartago, Costa Rica
Read guide →