By Air

The nearest Airport for Cartago is Juan Santamaria International Airport,A cab ride into the center of town costs only around US$5, as opposed to US$20 to Cartago.

By Bus

There are many buses running between San Jose and Cartago. For c300 you will be able to catch a bus downtown or most anyplace along Av 2. They run every 15 minutes. "Indirect" buses from San Isidro de El General to San Jose stop on the outskirts of Cartago next to a stop for local buses.

Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley, Cachi Dam, Tapanti National Park, The Lankaster Botanical Gardens, Turrialba, Las Ruins, The Basilica

Irazu Volcano

Is located around 30 km (12 miles) from Cartago downtown is one of the most famous volcanos in Costa Rica. This volcano erupted in 1963 when John F. Kennedy was visiting Costa Rica, right now is extinguished.On Sunday mornings only, a bus from San Jose takes on passengers at an unmarked point near the bus terminal in Cartago sometime after 8:30AM (4000 colones return) and return at 12:30PM from the National Park. Park entrance fee for foreigners only: $US10 / 5020 colones.

Orosi Valley

Orosi is a small town about 12 km (8 mi) east of Cartago where you can see one of the first churches built in Costa Rica. Is surrounded by beautiful mountains and coffee plantations. Easily you can find hostels, hotels and restaurants in the area.

Cachi Dam

Cachi Dam Is next to Orosi around 7 km (5 mi) east. A Dam was built in the 70s and the lake is surrounded also by beautiful mountains. Cachi is also a little town where "casa del leñador" or the woodcutter house can be found. It is a place to buy woodcraft made from the coffee roots. Some very good restaurants are located around the lake, the speciality is Trout.Trout growers are very often in this area of Costa Rica and you can catch the fish for yourself and just wait to be fried afterwards. The Area has experienced a very important grow for people that look for properties specially foreigners. Few years ago a five star Hotel was opened RIO PERLAS and another is on paper right now that will offer stay for people that is in Costa Rica for a special health treatment.

The Lankaster Botanical Gardens

The Lankaster Botanical Gardens in Paraiso, just outside of Cartago (7 km east). Home to Central America's largest collection of orchids and epiphytes, Lankaster is a must see. A new Japanese garden is under construction November 2009.

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