Cartago travel guide

If travelling by car, roads lead north to Irazú for a pleasant and occasionally cloudy drive to the volcano summit. To the southeast Orosí is along Highway 10, from where a good road leads round Cachí Lake. In Paraíso the road peels off to the right leading to Turrialba. An alternative route to Turrialba takes Highway 233, following the contours of Irazú’s misty slopes, taking in several quiet rural villages on the way.

A good service supplies the surrounding area. San José, from Av 4, C 2-4, every 10 mins, 45 mins, US$0.75. Arrives and departs San José from C 5, Av 18-20. Orosí/Río Macho, every 30 mins from C 6, Av 1-3, 40 mins, US$0.70. Turrialba, every hr from Av 3, C 8-10, 1 hr direct, 1 hr 20 collectivo. Cachí, via Ujarrás and Paraíso from C 6, Av 1-3, every 1½ hrs, 1 hr 20 mins. Paraíso, every 5 mins from Av 5, C 4-6. Aguacalientes, every 15 mins from C 1, Av 3-5.

Closest bus for Irazú rides to San Juan de Chicuá, still 10 km from the summit. The bus leaves Cartago from north of the central market, Av 6, C1-3, at 1730, returning at 0500 the next day, so in reality you have to spend at least 2 nights on the volcano or in a hotel if you can’t get a ride. There are also buses to Tierra Blancas, closest regular bus travelling towards Irazú, every 30 mins from C 4, Av 6-8. If travelling by public transport the best bet is to take the weekend bus from San José.

To visit Volcán Turrialba take a bus from C 4 y Av 6 to the village of San Gerardo.

Banks

Banco de Costa Rica has an ATM on Av 4, C 5-7. Banco Interfin, on the corner of Av 2, C 2, neighbouring Central Park has Visa and MasterCard ATMs. Banco Nacional on Av 2, C 1-3, has a Visa ATM.

Internet

New place on C 1, Av 3-5, just south of Parque Central.

Medical services

Hospital Dr Max Peralta, entrance on C 3, Av 7, T5550-1999. Pharmacies can be found along Av 4 between C 1- 6.

Useful addresses

Emergency: T911.