Things to do & places to visit in Province of Cartago, Costa Rica

Province of Cartago #7 destination in Costa Rica 2023. The average rating score is 4.57 based on 6.407 traveler reviews, of 91 attractions. Timezone: America/Costa_Rica, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 18:01.

Province of Cartago Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

78°F - 67°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm, humid but cool

Feels like

92%

Chance of rain

1311.0 millimeters

Amount

6.1 mph

Wind speed

98%

Humidity

12.6

Daylight length

5:14 AM

Sunrise

5:48 PM

Sunset

15%

Cloud cover

T-shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (41)

Top destinations in Province of Cartago 27

See more 15 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Adrenalina Rafting (600 reviews)
- 2-Day rafting - AMAZING!!!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM River Rafting & Tubing

Do the 2-Day, a trip of a lifetime!! Manfred (the owner) is extremely responsive and takes careful attention in providing an excellent experience for all of his clients. Our family of 4 (kids 17 & 19yrs) did the 2-day rafting and it will be something we will remember for the rest of our lives. We cut off time from another city to make it happen and it was well worth it...to sleep comfortably in a gorgeous lodge/cabin with screens as your walls, listening to the river you just rafted and having the tranquility of being taken care of in nature by Adrenalina, was priceless. We are NOT campers, so this is not camping. Over the two days, we were taken to several waterfalls by hike and our guide Ivan made sure we saw/experienced everything. See more..
5.0 Explornatura (421 reviews)
- Fantastic experience!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Sightseeing Tours

We booked the Pacuare River rafting tour and had an incredible trip led by Eduardo who was the perfect guide. He was diligent about safety and laser focused on the river but also made sure we had a blast. He could move seamlessly between these two important skills which was impressive. The lunch was fresh and delicious too! We were so impressed that we booked the canyoning and canopy tour with them for the next morning. Our guides were Dave and Luis and they were phenomenal!! True professionals and passionate about adventure, conservation, and Costa Rica. The experience was awesome - rappelling down waterfalls and zipping through the rainforest was pretty special. And the lunch....a great ending to an amazing morning!! I really appreciated the professionalism and passion of all the Explornatura staff. They were amazing - from the office to the trails and river. Will definitely return again for more adventure! See more..
5.0 Tico's River Adventures (333 reviews)
- Very good experience
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

I went with my two teenager sons. We all loved the experience. The landscapes are awesome - among the most beautiful ones I've seen. It's a combination of New Zealand rivers and Amazonian forest. It's definitively worth visiting. See more..
5.0 Pacuare River (147 reviews)
- Great Rafting
Bodies of Water

This beautiful river runs from the Caribbean Coast inland almost to Cartago. See more..
5.0 Aquiares Coffee & Community Experience (91 reviews)
- Great Experience!
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Farms

Located high on the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano, Aquiares is the largest coffee farm in Costa Rica. Not far to the East is the Caribbean, which brings in humidity that helps nurture our farm's intense biodiversity. In Aquiares, you will be able to explore forests that hold 79 species of birds, learn all about coffee, indulge in gourmet Costa Rican food, and be a part of our friendly community. We offer bespoke experiences that focus on coffee education, nature exploration and rural community engagement. Aquiares is a hidden gem, a unique coffee community that will transport you back in time and help you discover just how much story lies behind your daily cup of coffee. See more..
5.0 Rafting & Aventuras 360 (88 reviews)
- Excellent CS!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

I called several rafting companies in CR and Costa Sol had the best customer service over the phone by far. Once in the river, we confirmed that their great CS includes all their crew. Special thanks to Michael, our raft guide and Alejandro, our security kayacker who made our day with his great sense of humor. I also liked the fact that they save luch for the end of the ride. Very recommended! See more..
5.0 Amazing Vacations Costa Rica (69 reviews)
- Another fantastic experience with Amazing Vacations Costa Rica!
River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Kayaking & Canoeing

This was our second time to come to Costa Rica with Amazing Vacations and I organized 5 couples to come which included kayakers and rafters. As usual Arnaldo, Davis and Walter were outstanding as trip leaders and safety kayakers, and our rafters especially liked Daniel as their raft guide. Also our photographer Chris was a great addition to the crew. We added on a day to tour Manual Antonio National Park and got in a morning at the Nauyaca Waterfalls on our way to Dominical. We did the Pacific Week of Rivers and all loved being in the small beach town of Dominical for 3 nights with sunset happy hours on the beach and running the Savegre, Naranjo, and Guabo rivers. All 3 were super fun, but we especially liked paddling the Guabo from the mountains to the ocean! We then transferred to Turrialba and the Pacaure River which is another highlight and staying at the wonderful Pacaure Outdoor Center (Jungle Lodge). Our entire group had a great time and I am sure we will come back. Pura Vida! See more..
5.0 Costa Rica Rios (66 reviews)
- Custom Honeymoon - Aventure & Relaxation
Multi-day Tours • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Private Tours

We planned our Honeymoon with Costa Rica Rios and they really did the most amazing job listening to what we wanted and creating an itinerary that reflected our wishes. While we enjoyed ourselves at all 4 places, our favorite experience was rafting to the eco lodge, zip lining & tarzan swingning, and eating all of the incredible meals that the guides prepared. Each of the guides was fun, knowledgeable, and truly cared about us. Costa Rica Rios was one of the best travel companies I've worked with- reliable on-time transportation, thorough communication, friendly guides, and a true understanding of how to treat a customer. We can't wait to return to Costa Rica and book another trip with CR Rios. This was the most memorable trip and I'll be reminiscing on our amazing Costa Rica adventures for the rest of my life. See more..
5.0 Cafe Cristina (43 reviews)
- Interesting tour
Saturday: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Coffee & Tea Tours

Happened across the tour by accident, showing up to a ‘cafe’ around two to realize that a tour starts then. Interesting knowledge of coffee shared with the common folk. Tour includes showing how coffee is roasted (literally watch a batch roast, neat), a short jaunt into the coffee field to explain some local flora and how they interact with coffee making, a ‘point and explain’ in the building about how coffee is processed after harvesting and finalizing with a tasting of the days coffee that you watched roast at the beginning of the tour. Very interesting and in depth; could perhaps be shortened a half hour and price dropped by five dollars but overall quality experience. See more..
5.0 Travesias Naturales (37 reviews)
- The best rafting service!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

The best rafting service thanks to Carlos and Alejandro! I definitely recommend to book with this family size company. See more..
5.0 El Copal Reserve (34 reviews)
- Isolated lodge in a great forest setting perfect for birdwatching
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Simple but comfortable lodge set high up with a wide verandah all round - a perfect lookout to spot the wildlife. Rooms are simple with comfortable beds (doubles or bunks or both) wooden or tiles floors and hot water. The two en-suite rooms out the back have electricity but only for lighting- device charging in the main building or bring your battery pack. Easy 4k walk in from El Humo or track from this side driveable (our minibus went up!). Simple but tasty meals cooked by the family in the kitchen that is open to the lovely dining room. 3k circular walk (shorter circuits possible) along a good path to immerse yourself deeper into the forest. See more..
5.0 Peregrinus Expeditions (34 reviews)
- A fantastic day tour from San Jose
Sightseeing Tours

I did a one-day bird watching tour from San Jose with Cristhian while I was here for work. I was desperate to get out of the city and see some Costa Rican birds for hte first time in my life. He took me to an off-the-beaten track location where we saw 9 species of humming birds and several other beautiful and endemic species. He was extremely thoughtful and knowledgeable, and it was a thoroughly fantastic day. He was able to locate and point out birds I never in a million years would have been able to spot myself, and seeing them through his birding scope was amazing. See more..
5.0 Costa Rica Kayak School (33 reviews)
- Enjoy the whitewater of Costa Rica!
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

Mario is an awesome contact to have for kayaking in Costa Rica. We were just recently on a trip there and wanted to rent kayaks to paddle the Pacuare. Mario helped us get boats and paddles, and made it very easy for us to get the equipment by meeting us near our rental house. We didn't need a guide to paddle with, but it was still very convenient to get the beta from Mario on the Put-ins and take-outs, and get information about the run. He also arranged a driver for us to run our shuttles so we could focus on having fun days on the river. Highly recommend using Mario for kayaking trips in Costa Rica!!! See more..
5.0 Excitement Costa Rica (28 reviews)
- Best Top Ten Trip Ever
Multi-day Tours • River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Bike Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

I am a travel professional living here in San Jose. I have been on many tours with many great guides in Costa Rica, but this team of guides has been the most professional I have ever had the privilege of being with. I took my three nephews and they are still talking about Juan Carlos (aka "Huevo") and Jorge (aka "Kayak George") This was the most exciting and educational experience I have ever been on here in Costa Rica and the experience is on for my lifetime memories! See more..
5.0 Wildlife Refuge La Marta (24 reviews)
- Hiking, Day Trip
Nature & Wildlife Areas

What a beautiful location. Make sure to bring bug spray, rain gear and maybe a swim suit. . Pull up and there is a nice picnic area, We hiked or walked depending on how you look at it, down to a river and followed all the paths. Such a great, untouched place. There is a cabin one can rent for the night, not sure how you go about doing it, but it did feel like staying there might be a bit of an adventure but in a totally great way. See more..
5.0 Turrialtours (20 reviews)
- Excellent Rafting (Pacuara)
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Horseback Riding Tours

This was just a perfect day on the river pacueare with Jonathan and his crew :-) we felt like we are on a trip with friends. The whole tour was organised very well, we felt safe all the time, excellent service, fun and PURA VIDA. We can highly recommend this company to all and it is worth paying a few dollars more... See more..
5.0 Aventuras Neotropicales (19 reviews)
- A highly experienced & passionate Costa Rican guide
Walking Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

Jorge Mendez was our tour guide for a 16 day group adventure to 6 major sites around Costa Rica. He is a very experienced tour guide, who clearly has a wealth of contacts, connections and colleagues in transport, accommodation, dining and excursions. His organisation and coordination was impeccable as was his problem solving and adaptability to adjust plans where necessary. But Jorge’s real strength is as a guide to Costa Rica as a country (its people, it’s history, it’s culture) and to its flora & fauna - especially its birds, which are his particular passion and area of expertise. He is understably proud of Costa Rica’s growth and development of eco tourism. Whether you’re looking to visit Orosi / the Province of Cartago - or further afield, we highly recommend Jorge. See more..
5.0 Queveri Horseback Riding Tours (16 reviews)
- Relaxing and peaceful
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Located between forest and rivers near Tapanti National Park in Orosi, (Cartago, Costa Rica) Queveri is a place where agriculture and nature combine to offer you an unforgettable experience. The Arreo tour consists of an experiential activity in Finca Agropecuaria Queveri. It consists of going to the paddocks of the farm, and herding the cattle (with the support of Queveri staff) all the way to the old dairy. While doing it, you can enjoy the views and learn about the importance of the place. If the weather let us do so, the tour is going be completed with a visit to the viewpoint, where you can see the volcanic mountain range of Costa Rica (Poas Volcano, Barva Volcano, Irazu Volcano, and Turrialba Volcano) and Tapanti National Park. At the viewpoint, you can visit the Piedras del Alto and mark them with your name to remember that you were there. Finally, we will have lunch at La Fonda del Alto, a small restaurant ran by the owners, where Costa Rican food is served in 4 courses See more..
5.0 Costa Rica Experience (14 reviews)
- Costa Rica Experience -Excellent Tour Guide - Roger Madrigal (Madri)
River Rafting & Tubing • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We just completed an amazing family trip to CR. After talking with me to understand our desires and circumstances ( 3 generations spanning ages 9-72), Madri planned all of the activities. There were volcanoes, tropical parks, white water rafting, cacao plantation, coffee plantation, warm spring spa, zip lines and surfing lessons! Madri is a CR Olympian in white water kayaking, and is great at all water sports. He was particularly good with surfing lessons for our 9 year old. She rode the wave on her first try. He made sure that those who did not want to raft and zip line had other things to do while waiting. Here are a few key points about Madri: 1) Always on time; 2) fluent in English from having lived in USA; 3) has many local contacts; 4) is an excellent driver; and 5) possess a terrific knowledge of the local flora and fauna. You cannot go wrong with Madri! See more..
5.0 Rios Adventure Travel (13 reviews)
- The guides are true expert with attention to safety. Lunch was perfect and our family of 5 loved the experience.
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

Our family of five formed lifetime memories of mom and dad being dumped into class 4 rapids then quickly being scooped up and returned to safety by the expert guides. We recommend that only those comfortable in the water participate and be forewarned that those with back problems might consider sitting out the activity as you sit with your torso twisted, without lumbar support while paddling on and off for 4 hours. The mid way break for lunch was perfect although a bathroom would have been nice - it did appear as though if they were building one. See more..
5.0 Agrotourism Finca Sermide (12 reviews)
- thanks for interesting stay
Farms

Finca Sermide offers an oasis of tranquility that transmits the song of the birds in the middle of nature. Enjoy our service of lodging and ecological agricultural production surrounded by beautiful views with its mountains, its rivers, its flora and fauna. See more..
4.5 Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles (674 reviews)
- Beautiful architecture, Spiritual place, Very accessible!
Churches & Cathedrals

This church is best known for the 1635 appearance of the country's patron saint, the Black Virgin. An annual pilgimage takes place in August. See more..
4.5 Jardin Botanico Lankester (416 reviews)
- Pura Vida
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

The Lankester Botanical Garden is a research center of the University of costa Rica, created in 1973 due to the international efforts of scientists and conservationists. Our mission is the research of orchids and other epiphytes to preserve our plante's biological diversity and to inspire and improve people's quiality of life See more..
4.5 Guayabo National Monument (373 reviews)
- A central site in Costa Rica prehistory
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins • National Parks • Mysterious Sites

The country's most significant archaeological site is a 540-acre city occupied between 1000 B.C. and A.D. 1400. See more..
4.5 Orosi River Valley (276 reviews)
- Wonderful day trip from Cartago!!
Valleys

Costa Rica can be a bit touristy at times, so I really enjoyed my short visit to the Orosi Valley. It was a bit gloomy when I went, but it was wonderful to see the Cachi Reservoir and Dam once the clouds. Their's a giant suspension bridge you can walk along, or a dirt path following the reservoir. After passing the dam area, you can actually visit a deserted mission which they have upkept for visitors. Plenty of local people pass through this area so it's got a quaint feel. Highly recommended See more..
4.5 Ruinas de Ujarras (265 reviews)
- So cute!
Historic Sites

Entrance is free! Garden is manicured and flowers are beautiful! Ambience is very inviting and romantic. I was actually thinking about making it a great wedding venue :) Visit if you have time and want great scenery for photos See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte (176 reviews)
- Highly recommended!
National Parks

Only an hour's drive from San Jose, this dense rainforest remains largely obscure. See more..
4.5 Ruins of the Church of Carthage (132 reviews)
- Hot
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Lots of bugs, mosquitoes, rashes, jk it’s was wonderful!!!! so beautiful!!!!!! A recommend place to go! See more..
4.5 Iglesia de San Jose de Orosi and the Museum (113 reviews)
- Fantastic - not to be missed
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

You do not go to Costa Rica but then this one together with the cathedral in Cartago are a must. Really nice inside all in wood. The oldest church in the country. See more..
4.5 Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Education (CATIE) (102 reviews)
- Botanical Garden Worth 2 Hours - Naturalist a Huge Plus
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I went to the Garden of CATIE with my wife and two friends, and we had a naturalist conduct a tour which made the place come alive and was very interesting. There is a lot in a small space and the total walking distance is about a half mile on level ground. Entry fee is $10. One of the leading tropical research centers in Latin America is on adjacent property. This is a beautiful place and provides a great overview of the botany of the country. If this review is helpful then please indicate so below. See more..