Tourist Bus Companies in Cartago
Costa Rica delivers an exciting vacation, and Cartago province is an excellent place to start. Hiking, whitewater rafting, volcanoes, rainforests and wildlife are all on the list of “musts” to see and do when you visit this region in central Costa Rica. To get around in Cartago, a tourist bus offers a comfortable, reliable and inexpensive travel option. There are many bus companies in San Jose who offer transportation throughout this and other areas of Costa Rica, and they’ll make sure you hit all the important spots.
Cartago’s Historic Ruins
A visit to Cartago gives you an excellent overview and sense of the history of Costa Rica, which can enrich your visit. Once the capital of Costa Rica, the city of Cartago is one of the country’s first Spanish communities and its rich history is visible in ruins that still stand in older parts of the city. Close to the foothills of Irazu Volcano, part of the city was demolished by an eruption in 1732. Ruins of a basilica dating to the 16th century are in the central park, along with walls from a church that was demolished by an earthquake, rebuilt, and demolished by a second quake.
While you’re in Cartago, be sure to visit the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles. The city’s largest church, it houses the area’s famed La Negrita, or Black Madonna. La Negrita is a type of statue of Madonna and child, which is believed to have healing powers.
Irazu Volcano National Park
With a still-active volcano, Irazu Volcano National Park is a popular site in the Central Highlands. You know this park is special when you view its otherworldly landscape. Irazu Volcano has erupted many times over the years, with the earliest documented event in 1723. The most recent eruption dates to 1994, although it did gain some notoriety in 1963 by timing an eruption with a visit from U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
Volcanic ash is rich in nutrients and surrounding areas reflect that nourishment. Wildlife is limited due to ongoing volcanic activity, but you can enjoy sightings of porcupine, coyotes, rabbits, foxes and birds. One of the volcanic craters has a startling green lake in its center, which many visitors make the climb to view in person. There are a variety of park trails to wander and view the unique scenery here.
Visiting Turrialba
Although Turrialba has its own volcano, it’s best known as a base for whitewater rafting on the nearby Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers. World-class kayakers and whitewater rafters come here at times to train on the rivers, which pack quite a punch for adventurers from all over the world. You’ll also have direct access to a Turrialba Volcano, which makes a great platform for viewing the amazing landscapes in Cartago.
Map of Cartago
Guayabo National Monument
The biggest archaeological site in the country is Guayabo National Monument, a pre-Columbian city with a rather complex infrastructure that includes an aqueduct system, cobblestone streets and stone causeways, as well as petroglyphs and tombs. Pottery and gold dug from this site are on display in the nation’s capital, but the site makes a fabulous tour, connecting you with this land’s ancient history.
Getting Around Cartago
A tourist bus offers you a worry-free way to travel the Cartago province and take in its many attractions. With air-conditioned interiors and roomy, comfortable seating, you’ll appreciate sinking into your seat after a day spent exploring. Another feature you’ll appreciate on a tour bus is the bilingual guide, who can point out attractions in both Spanish and English.
