Cartago, Costa Rica
Located in the Central Valley and at the base of Irazu Volcano, Cartago was the first capital of Costa Rica. From 30 to 40 minutes by bus separate San Jose, Cartago is considered one of the most oldest cities in the country. Established by Juan Vasquez de Coronado (spanish governor) in 1563 Cartago was one of the finest colonial cities in terms of architecture, this city was completely destroyed by an eruption of Irazu Volcano on 1732.
With 4800 feet above sea level of altitude the weather in downtown Cartago is much drier and cooler than in its valley cities. While Cartago owns an exquisite and truly amazing natural beauty most of tourist of Cartago actually visit this city because of its rich history. Most of the oldest buildings in Cartago date since 16th century with the first church built in Costa Rica, "Iglesia del Convento" which was built in 1563. Through the years these buildings has been suffering much damaged by earthquakes and most of them are in ruins and are now national monuments.
Cartago owns the most important site for pilgrimage for catholics, the "Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles", one of the most beautiful church's (with amazing stained glass windows) not just in Cartago, of Costa Rica. This church is home of the black virgin, well-know in Costa Rica as "La Negrita". Every August 2nd thousands of costa ricans come from all over the places in Costa Rica to pray and ask for miracles.
As well Cartago has many good shopping places for tourists and for locals with it's famous Sunday Markets in all local valleys of Cartago. Also there is a lot of things to see in Cartago; Irazu Volcano is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Costa Rica, Chirripo National Park is a must in every tourist itineraries for Cartago considering that Chirripo is the highest peak in Central America when, in a clear day, you can see both Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean in it's highest point.