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.
The Arenal Volcano erupted violently July 29th 1968 destroying the region west of its base with hot gases, rocks and later, lava flows. Today the volcano steams quietly and heats local rivers that have been developed into popular hot springs and spas. Forest vegetation is quickly returning and covering the massive rock fragments and lava flows, and rain forest wildlife once again flourishes in and around the park.
An exuberant blanket of dense rainforest encompasses over 77 000 acres on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica at Tortuguero National Park, a biodiverse wonderland and sanctuary for a rich array of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and an astonishing variety of bird species. The park's name, meaning "Land of Turtles," highlights its significance as a nesting ground for several sea turtle species, most notably the endangered green turtles. A network of canals weaves through the lush rainforest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore by boat or kayak, immersing themselves in the park's unparalleled natural beauty. Pristine beaches, vibrant mangroves, and dense forests make Tortuguero National Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists, where adventure and ecological wonders intertwine harmoniously.
San Jose, affectionately known to its residents as 'Chepe', lies in the heart of Costa Rica and is home to almost two-thirds of the country’s population. With few buildings over 100 years old, the mountainous capital is relatively modern compared to its Latin American counterparts, but still has a significant amount of culture, art and history for visitors to discover. With a number of theatres full of Costa Rican culture, museums that include the largest collection of American jade in the world, and streets full of bright murals and painted buses, San Jose is an eclectic city waiting to be experienced.
