Located southeast of San Jose, Cartago is a Costa Rican city set in the foothills of the Irazu Volcano in the Central Valley of Cartago. Cartago is one of the oldest towns in the country and once served as the capital of Costa Rica. It is home to the enthralling Negrita, the Black Madonna shrine at Our Lady of the Angels Basilica, and the atmospheric Apostol Parish Ruins, which form a lovely central park. For families and nature lovers alike, the beautiful Lankester Botanical Garden, which displays over 1000 spectacular, brightly coloured orchid species, and the flourishing rainforests of Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte National Park, which alongside housing a plethora of wildlife, has great hiking and photography opportunities are well worth visiting.