Cultural Cartago
History, Faith and Volcanoes
About this Tour
Discover the ancient capital of Costa Rica, cradle of Costa Rican faith with the Basilica of the Angels, and crown the experience at the highest volcano in the country, the majestic Irazú.
Cartago was the first capital of Costa Rica (1563-1823) and preserves an incomparable historical and religious wealth. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, built in honor of the Virgin of the Angels (La Negrita), is the spiritual center of the country and the most important pilgrimage destination in Central America.
The Irazú Volcano, at 3,432 meters high, is the highest point in Costa Rica. Its name derives from the indigenous word "Istarú" which means "mountain of thunder and tremor". On clear days, from its crater you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, a unique experience in the world.
The Orosi Valley, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in America, preserves the oldest functioning colonial church in the country (1743). The Ujarrás Ruins represent the vestiges of the first church built in Costa Rica in 1693.
Tour Gallery
Tour Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Pick up at your hotel
6:00 AMDeparture from San José to Cartago (1-hour trip)
Basilica of the Angels
7:30 AMHistory of the Virgin of the Angels, patron saint of Costa Rica, Byzantine architecture
Irazú Volcano
9:00 AMAscent to the highest volcano, main crater and green lagoon, lunar landscape
Orosi Valley
11:30 AMDescent into the most beautiful valley, panoramic viewpoint
Lunch with a view
12:30 PMTypical food with a spectacular view of the Orosi Valley and Cachí Lagoon
Ujarrás Ruins
2:00 PMColonial historical site, first church in Costa Rica (1693)
Prusia Viewpoint
3:30 PMPanoramic view of the Central Valley, spectacular photographs
Return
4:30 PMReturn trip to San José (arrival approx. 5:30 PM)
What to Bring
Religious Heritage and Traditions
La Negrita Pilgrimage
- August 2nd annual walk
- 2+ million pilgrims
- 22km from San José
- Tradition since 1635
- National holiday
Basilica Architecture
- Byzantine-Romanesque style
- Built 1912-1926
- Earthquake resistant
- Capacity: 3,000 people
- Museum of votive offerings
Irazú Volcano - The Colossus
At 3,432 meters, Irazú is Costa Rica's highest volcano and one of the few places on Earth where you can see both oceans on a clear day.
Volcanic Features:
- 5 craters total
- Main crater: 1,050m diameter
- Depth: 300 meters
- Green acid lake
- Lunar-like landscape
Historical Eruptions:
- 1963-1965: Major eruption
- Ash reached San José
- Currently dormant
- Constant monitoring
- Last activity: 1994
Colonial History of Orosi Valley
Historical Timeline
The Orosi Valley preserves Costa Rica's most important colonial heritage:
- 1563: Cartago founded as first capital by Juan Vásquez de Coronado
- 1693: First church built in Ujarrás (now ruins)
- 1743: Orosi Church built - oldest functioning church
- 1823: Capital moved to San José after civil war
- 1910: Major earthquake destroyed much of Cartago
Altitude Considerations
Irazú's high altitude can cause mild altitude symptoms. Move slowly, stay hydrated. Temperature can drop to 5°C (41°F) even on sunny days. Bring layers!
Photography Tips
Best volcano views before 10 AM. Both oceans visible only on very clear days (about 30 days/year). Bring wide-angle lens for crater shots.
Up to 48 hours before the tour
Includes:
- Private transportation with A/C
- Certified cultural and historical guide
- Entrance to Irazú Volcano National Park
- Visit to the Basilica of the Angels
- Tour of the Ujarrás Ruins
- Lunch overlooking the Orosi Valley
- Visit to the Prusia viewpoint
- Tour operator insurance
Does Not Include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Religious souvenirs
- Donations at the Basilica
- Personal travel insurance
Best Time to Go
All year. Dry season early mornings (December-April) offer the best volcano views. Clear days are ideal.
