The town of Cartago was founded by the Spanish in 1563, and it was an important site until the 19th century, when earthquakes destroyed most of the old buildings. Today, the little city is a provincial capital, but parts of it preserve some of the colonial atmosphere. Volcan Irazu and the Ruins of Ujarras also lie nearby.
This temple is an imitation of the temple of love and music in Versailles. The painter Francisco Salazar, who became an architect, tore down a wooden kiosk and put this temple in its place. Inaugurated December 24, 1920, the temple served as the place for political speeches and even an exchange of powers. During the 20th century, orchestras and city bands used to offer concerts and serenades to the peasants. The temple was recently restored with the rest of Morazan Park. Nowadays, the San Jose City Band and the National Symphonic Orchestra offer concerts here, on special occasions.
When the Spanish invade came to the Americas, they began to imposse spread their system of beliefs. Because of the fact that various goddesses already enjoyed active cultures, the virgin quickly became the most popular Christian symbol here. The legend say that the statue miraculously appeared on the site here. The basilica remains a very important focus of popular religion, even after its destruction in the earthquake of 1926. The present basilica was rebuilt afterwards.
If you love colonial architecture and history as well , you will definitely enjoy a visit to this little town, where most of the buildings are old and the environment conserves some of the peacefulness of times past. Bring your camera you will definetly want to take this scene back home. There are various restaurants and cafes here, including Cafe Britt (run by Cafe Britt Farm, where you can eat, or drink a soft drink or coffee). The village is considered to be a national monument
If you decide to visit Tikal you will need a travel angency that arrange a daily and weekly tours to various parts of Costa Rica. Some destinations, such as Tortuguero, are difficult to get to without the help of an agency, so even if you are very independent, you can consider looking into a tour. Also ask about the vaccinations or medicines that you might need.
Tikal it's muddy, probably will rain all the time and the mosquitos will eat you alive, but you are an adventurer right? ;)
Amazing dining, rustic setting, superb views of the rainforest and volcano (if the weather is clear). An unique experience of hiking to a waterfall, seeing up close an old lava flow and the chance of seeing a big cat or other wildlife. The price for the room and meals it's more then reasonable. You can have a private guide that include the transportation and the guide hike to the lave flow and the retired banana plantation. Even with the guide it is not going to ruin your economy. This is a "dont miss" if you are up for adventure.
Ecoscape Nature Tours it's an excellent choice for those tourists who are in the country for short vacations. Their "Highlights Tour" is a non expensive trip that runs approximately 11 hours. They try to keep a leisurely pace with plenty of stops, using well-informed, professional guides. The tour includes breakfast at a mountain lodge, coffee fields, Poas volcano, cloud forest walk, La Paz waterfall, hummingbird gallery, buffet lunch at a Rainforest Lodge, Sarapiquí River safari and a drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. All that plus all the fun you can have for only $79 per adult.
The Basilica of Cartago in Costa Rica is the home of "La Virgen de los Angeles" (the virgin of the angels) and has a very interesting legend. This legend tells us that Juana Pereira, a young girl, went into the forest near her house to play by the river, back in August 1635. At the river she found a piece of rock in the shape of the Virgin Mary with a small child, and she thought is was a doll and played with it. She went home with the rock and put it in her room, and the next day, when she went play by the river again, she found a very similar representation, which she took home to put it with the first one, but when she returned, the first one was not there. The little girl told about this to the Priest, and he went with her the following day and took the statue they found there back with him to the city, and locked it in a coffer. The next day they returned to the river to find yet another (or maybe the same?) statue there. When he returned to check the locked coffer he discovered it empty. This was taken as a sign that a church should be built on the site the statue kept returning to.
If you are looking for a surfing paradise, a great place to have dinner, or a great party, then go to Jacó, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Jacó is a small city, so you can just walk from one end to the other, great for exploring, shopping, going to the beach, dining out, partying and touring. Surfing and Boogie boarding are very popular around here, and you'll find many shops where you can rent a board for the day. The beach is great, fantastic restaurants, and many night clubs and bars that stay open until very late.
San Jose is the capital os Costa Rica, located on a plateau in the Central Valley at 1500 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by exuberant green mountains and valleys. In this city we find the primary airport, the University of Costa Rica, all the embassies present in the country, and many museums, cultural venues, hotels, markets, we can say that it is the hub of the country. Among the many interesting places to visit, don´t miss the Museo Oro Precolombino, Museo del Jade (Jade museum) and the Museo de los Niños (children´s museum).
Nick: BaCKPackerName: Daniel Age: 26 NY - USA |
I like backpacking,
hiking, xtreme sports.
Laid back kinda guy =)
