Lush green vegetation growing on dark volcanic soil above the clouds

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Orosi Valley and Cartago

Explore Costa Rica's historical capital and its surrounding agricultural valley.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Cartago Province serves as the historic and religious center of Costa Rica. The Orosi Valley sits just beyond the city limits, offering miles of green coffee plantations and winding rivers.

A trip through this region pairs well with an early visit to Irazú Volcano. Most organized tours include a traditional lunch here.

Wooden fence overlooking the crater lake at Irazu Volcano National Park

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

30-45 mins

This Byzantine and neo-Gothic church in Cartago houses La Negrita, Costa Rica's patron saint. Pilgrims visit the shrine to the Black Madonna year-round. Take time to look closely at the intricate stained glass windows.

A wide view of a large, dry volcanic crater with a distant mountain peak

Iglesia de San José de Orosi

20 mins18th-century church

Built by the Spanish in the 1700s, this is one of the oldest colonial churches still functioning in Costa Rica. Stop into the adjacent small museum. It contains fascinating religious artifacts from the Spanish colonial era.

View into a deep volcanic crater revealing a bright turquoise lake at the bottom

Orosi Valley Viewpoints (Miradores)

15 minsValley views

Roadside lookouts offer sweeping views of the green valley, coffee plantations, and the Orosi River. Stop here for a quick break. Grab some local Costa Rican coffee at a nearby stall while you enjoy the scenery.