The capital of Costa Rica during colonial times, Cartago is 250 years older than San José and is located at the base of Irazú Volcano. Its colonial architecture was almost completely destroyed by the earthquakes of 1841 and 1910, with the Romantic-style Basilica of our Lady of the Angels being the only building that has survived.

Cartago is an important religious center; on August 2, thousands of pilgrims walk from San José to the basilica to celebrate the festivities of the Day of Our Lady of the Angels. Just a few blocks from the basilica you will find the ruins of what was once a cathedral in the center of the city. The earthquake of 1910 destroyed the church before workers had completed it; however, the town converted the ruins into a park, with a fountain, gardens and walking paths.