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Thursday, March 28

Why Choose Cartago?|Living in Costa Rica

Cartago, once the capital city of Costa Rica, is located near the foothills of Irazu Volcano. In 1536, the Spanish conqueror Juan Vazquez de Coronado founded the area of what later became the city of Cartago, nestled between two rivers. Rich in culture and history, numerous people from around the world visit Cartago and return with unforgettable experiences of their lives. Cartago is famous for its volcanic mountains and beautiful hills inviting their visitors for adventurous hiking, and unique architecture that thrills visitors, providing those Instagram-able pictures.

Cost of living

Many expats find, their daily expenses in Cartago are much less than what they pay in their home countries. Transportation, food, entertainment, health care, and housing are available at reasonable prices.

The local food is available at much lesser costs than that available in the big restaurants. The government effectively keeps check on prices and makes sure everything is available at a reasonable cost.

Things to do in Cartago

Here is a list of things that will thrill you and help you make the most of your visit.

  • Virgen de los Angeles Statue

The first destination in our list is a renowned statue that was discovered in 1635 as legend has it, by a local woman. The statue’s namesake became the patron saint of Costa Rica, and created a holiday celebrating the Virgen.

Visit La Basilica de Nuestra SeƱora de Los Angeles, a place much worth of a visit on its own, to see the small statue of the Virgen.

  • Cartago Cultural Center

You should not miss the historical artifacts of Cartago, which not only demonstrate the richness in the culture of people of Cartago but also the uncanny architectural skills of their inhabitants in the past.

This building takes us back to the neo-Gothic style of an earlier time. Visitors will take part in various artistic events, among other cultural recitals, musical workshops,  drawings, paintings and sculptural exhibits.

  • Municipal Palace

This Municipal Palace will make you recall the colonial times when it was a part of government offices in Cartago as the capital of Costa Rica.

On 29 October 1821, the Act of Independence was signed and sealed here. The exterior houses a plaque commemorating the incident. It is now serving as a local governmental administrative office.

  • San Luis Gonzaga School

It is a famous proverb, “old is gold.” The exciting thing about sayings is that they are applicable irrespective of time and space. This old school also applies to this proverb and so too your destination of Cartago

Founded in 1842, San Luis Gonzaga School became Costa Rica’s first high school of education. The building was completed in 1928 and opened in 1930.

  • Saint Francis of Assisi Sculpture

In the gardens of the Francisco Priest’s Convent, this work, seven feet tall and rendered in fiberglass by artist Max Ulloa, transmits to mother nature the saint’s devotion and brotherhood.

Cartago is a dream destination for its outstanding natural sites and alluring historical places that we only tempted you with here. The wealth of history and art in this city needs to be seen to appreciate. Cartago seems never-ending due to its attractions and affordable living.

See all activities in Cartago

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