Water bottle (0.33 liter) | USD 1.50 |
Local draught beer | USD 2.00 |
Oranges (1kg) | USD 6.00 |
Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of centre | USD 200.00 |
Potato (1kg) | USD 1.80 |
Imported beer at restaurant | USD 4.00 |
Taxi start | USD 1.90 |
If you will visit Cartago, which is 25 kilometers from Costa Rica’s capital (San Jose), you will see the big influence of the Spanish colonialism. In fact, this city was the first capital of the country the lasted until 1823. It was granted the “Very Noble and very Loyal” title by the Spanish Parliament during the 1800s. This city also served as one of the religious center of the country. Geographically, the city is about 1435 meters above the sea level and it is sitting at the foot of Irazu Volcano. This city is the capital of the province with the same name.
As a foreign tourist, the main point of entry in Cartago is the airport located in Alajuela. This is the Juan Santamaria International Airport and you can easily find cheap flights to Cartago. This city is about 37 kilometers away from Alajuela. You can get in to the city from airport by doing this: taking a shuttle service or bus going to San Jose. From San Jose, take the buses going to and from Cartago. This is the cheaper option, but inconvenient if you have luggage. Taxi is another option to enter the city or asking the shuttle service is they can bring you in Cartago. The city is about 152 square kilometers in land area and hence, you have to use the local buses in order to get around the city. Walking is possible in the city proper and taxis are abundant and affordable.
Being an important city in the province and of the country, you can find good and affordable hotels in Cartago, especially lodging and inns around the tourist destinations. Examples of these hotels are Casa Aura B&B, Hotel Dinastia and Los Angeles Lodge. The rates for staying in hotels in this city range from $20 and can go to as much as $70 per night with great accommodations and amenities. Take the advantage of online booking sites when looking for cheap flights to Cartago.