Cultural Activities in Cartago

Experiencing and understanding the cultural of Costa Rica will only enhance the positivity that you associate with your trip. Visiting a foreign country that has a different culture from your home country can be intimidating and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be! Ticos, the locals in Costa Rica, are a peaceful and calm people, who welcome visitors. In the province of Cartago, the local culture will encompass you with rich diversity. The area’s rainforests and mountain range provide a breathtaking backdrop, but as you dig into the everyday life in Cartago, you’ll find that the humanity and history of the people and culture can be just as intriguing.

Cartago was Costa Rica’s first capital. The province is great for all visitors, from historical and cultural junkies to those passing through and even for families.

Religion in Culture

One of the most influential parts of the culture in Cartago, and Costa Rica in general, is religion. While the specifics of devotion differ by area, most Costa Ricans align themselves with the Catholic religion. There are many other religions that are practiced in Costa Rica, and they are met with tolerance. The importance of religion in the Tico culture can be seen in the many churches and celebrations in Cartago. One of the most treasured structures in Cartago is the Basilica de Los Angeles. This structure is the principal church in the province, and it features a statue that brings in thousands of people each year. The Black Madonna is the sought after conclusion of a holy pilgrimage that takes place each summer. Locals and visitors from around the world head to the church during the religious holiday to pray and be blessed by the saint.

The patron saint of Tres Rios is also celebrated in Cartago. In October, the locals, and those lucky enough to be in the area, are treated to a day filled with dancing and costumes.

Other Celebrations

There are also celebrations in Cartago that have nothing to do with religion. One of those is San Juan day, which is celebrated in March. This celebration includes a marathon that is 14-miles long, and extends from Cartago to San Jose.

The other major celebration is one that is done not only in Cartago, but across the country: Independence Day. Celebrated in September, this is a day recognized nationwide that brings colorful and exciting parades.

Botanical Garden

Costa Rica is known for its diverse plant and animal life, and that important cultural aspect is highlighted at the Lankester Botanical Garden. The spotlight in this garden is the variety of orchids. Late winter to early spring is the best time to see these gorgeous flowers in bloom, but you can in fact see most of the over 3,000 species year round. Besides orchids, there are other sights to see, including palms and bamboos, and as an extra treat, you’ll see some of Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife in this rich environment.

Map of Cartago

Click to enlarge map - Cartago Region Map

National Monuments

Costa Rica is rich in monuments that celebrate its most important people and events, and in Cartago, you can visit Guayabo National Monument. This area is located in a historical spot that was the center of an archeological excavation, where items from an indigenous village that have been found are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.

Speaking Spanish

Learning to speak a new language can be challenging, but when you are surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Cartago, it won’t seem hard at all. Short term visitors can take advantage of the language schools located in Cartago. Long term visitors can stay with a local family to learn the language in their everyday life, in addition to taking classes.