Attractions
Colonial Church of Orosi y Museum
Address: Frente a la Plaza de Orosi 224, Provincia de Cartago, Orosí, 30203, Costa Rica .The Church of Orosi, also known as the Colonial Church of Orosi or the Church of San José de Orosi, is a Catholic Christian church and parish located in the district of Orosi, part of the canton of Paraíso de Cartago, Costa Rica. It is one of the oldest buildings in the country, dating back to the Spanish colonial era and still standing today. It was built in 1767 by Franciscan friars and is dedicated to Saint Joseph. The friars' former convent currently houses a museum of religious art. It has been a part of Costa Rica's historical and architectural heritage since 1920, and was declared a National Monument in 1985.
https://www.muniparaiso.go.cr/lugar/13/iglesia-de-orosi
Las Ruinas de Ujarrás
Address: Las Ruinas de Ujarrás, Cartago Province, Ujarrás, Costa Rica .Ujarrás es una población y un sitio histórico de Costa Rica, localizado en el distrito de Cachí, cantón de Paraíso, provincia de Cartago.
Las ruinas de su iglesia colonial están ubicadas a 1 kilómetro de la orilla noroeste del Lago de Cachí. Esta antigua construcción de "calicanto" (mampostería de cal y piedra) es todo lo que queda de la primera iglesia de calicanto construida en Costa Rica durante el siglo XVII, aproximadamente entre 1686 y 1693. Es de gran interés para el turismo.
Este templo se convirtió desde sus orígenes en un importante centro de peregrinaciones.
https://www.muniparaiso.go.cr/lugar/13/iglesia-de-orosi
Jardín Botánico Lankester
Address: Jardín Botánico Lankester, Cartago Province, Cartago, Costa Rica .Lankester Botanical Garden
Origins and Foundation
The Lankester Botanical Garden was established in the 1940s by Charles H. Lankester, a British amateur naturalist. Driven by his passion for Costa Rica’s epiphytic plants, Lankester dedicated himself to developing a private garden on his property, where he cultivated and studied a wide variety of these plants. Throughout this time, he also collaborated closely with prominent orchidologists, further enriching the collection and the garden’s scientific significance.
Transition to Public Institution
After Lankester’s death, it became evident that his extraordinary collection needed to be preserved for future generations. As a result, the garden was donated to the University of Costa Rica on March 2, 1973. This important transition was made possible through the combined efforts of the American Orchid Society and the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust, who recognized the garden’s value for research and conservation.
Current Role and Importance
Since becoming part of the University of Costa Rica, the Lankester Botanical Garden has evolved into one of the most prominent and active botanical institutions in the Neotropics. Its ongoing work in research, conservation, and education continues to uphold the legacy of its founder and contributes significantly to the understanding and preservation of tropical plant diversity.
Tapantí National Park
Address: Q657+W92, Provincia de Cartago, San Rafael, Costa Rica .The Tapantí Massif of Death National Park (PNTMM)
The sector corresponding to the PNTMM covers an area of 58,495 ha. is characterized as one of the rainiest sites in Costa Rica, with an average annual precipitation of over 6,500 mm, and up to 8,000 mm have even been recorded annually. It includes altitudes between 700 and 3,491 meters above sea level and protects a great variety of ecosystems such as páramos (high-altitude grasslands), peatlands, swamps, treeless savannas, "jaúl" forests, and cloud forests (which are fundamentally made up of high-altitude oak forests).
It boasts five different life zones: premontane very wet forest, premontane rain forest, lower montane rain forest, montane forest, and subalpine rain páramo.
https://www.sinac.go.cr/es/ac/accvc/pntpmm/paginas/default.aspx
Irazú Volcano National Park
Address: Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú - Sector Prusia, Cartago Province, Cartago, Costa Rica .Irazú Volcano National Park
Irazú Volcano National Park is home to the highest volcano in Costa Rica, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,432 meters above sea level. This imposing volcano, classified as a stratovolcano, is characterized by having five clearly differentiated craters, which gives it an irregular sub-conical shape and a singular volcanic landscape.
The park's setting is typically mountainous, dominated by a humid and cold climate, with annual temperatures ranging between 5∘C and 9∘C. Mist is a constant presence, enveloping the area and creating a unique and mysterious atmosphere. Nonetheless, on clear days, the Irazú gifts its visitors with spectacular panoramic views: from the summit, it's possible to see both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to a vast expanse of the national territory.
The park also includes the Prusia Sector, an area specifically designated for recreation and physical activity. This sector features 16 kilometers of trails, making it a favorite spot for runners who seek to train in direct contact with nature, enjoying the scenery and the tranquility the environment offers.
Guayabo National Monument
Address: Guayabo, Santa Cruz, Provincia de Cartago, Turrialba, Costa Rica .Guayabo National Monument: Archaeological Site and Protected Area
Location and General Characteristics
The Guayabo National Monument is located near the city of Turrialba, in the province of Cartago. This site, in addition to its archaeological value, is recognized as a protected wilderness area, highlighting its importance for both history and environmental conservation.
The Archaeological Site
The monument's core is its archaeological site, which spans approximately 20 hectares. It preserves impressive pre-Hispanic architectural structures, built mainly with river cobbles. These sophisticated buildings reflect advanced construction techniques and were continuously occupied for nearly 2400 years, dating from 1000 BC to 1400 AD.
Protected Area and Conservation
The total protected area of the Guayabo National Monument is 233 hectares. This space safeguards a valuable remnant of premontane rainforest, situated at an altitude ranging between 990 and 1300 meters above sea level. This natural environment contributes to the conservation of the region's biodiversity and natural heritage.
International Recognition
The site has been honored with the designation of World Heritage of Civil Engineering by the American Society of Civil Engineers. This international recognition highlights the achievements and engineering techniques developed by the ancient inhabitants of Guayabo, whose work has endured over time and continues to be a source of admiration.
Monumento Nacional Guayabo
Address: Monumento Nacional Guayabo, Cartago Province, Turrialba, Costa Rica .Monumento Nacional Guayabo:
Patrimonio Arqueológico e Ingenieril de Costa Rica
Ubicación y Características Generales
El Monumento Nacional Guayabo se localiza al noroeste de la ciudad de Turrialba, en el Distrito de Santa Teresita del cantón de Turrialba, dentro de la provincia de Cartago. Cuenta con un área silvestre protegida de 233 hectáreas que resguarda un remanente de bosque pluvial pre-montano siempre verde, en un rango altitudinal que va desde los 990 hasta los 1300 metros sobre el nivel del mar. La temperatura promedio anual de la zona alcanza los 24 ºC, lo que favorece la conservación de la biodiversidad y el entorno natural del monumento.
Sitio Arqueológico
Dentro de las 233 hectáreas del Monumento Nacional Guayabo, aproximadamente 20 hectáreas están destinadas a la protección del sitio arqueológico. Este sitio alberga un conjunto de estructuras arquitectónicas prehispánicas elaboradas en piedra, específicamente con cantos rodados de río. Las construcciones fueron realizadas en un extenso período que abarca desde el año 1000 antes de Cristo hasta 1400 después de Cristo, lo que evidencia una ocupación prolongada de alrededor de 2400 años por parte de las antiguas civilizaciones.
Reconocimiento Internacional
El Monumento Nacional Guayabo ha sido reconocido como Patrimonio Mundial de la Ingeniería Civil, título otorgado por la Asociación Estadounidense de Ingenieros Civiles, una de las entidades más prestigiosas en el campo de la ingeniería civil a nivel mundial. Esta distinción resalta los logros y las técnicas de ingeniería desarrolladas por los primeros habitantes del sitio, que han perdurado a lo largo del tiempo y continúan siendo motivo de admiración y estudio.
