Historic Costa Rica – Your Guide to the Ruins of Cartago (Ruinas de Cartago) 

The Ruins of Cartago (Ruinas de Cartago) are one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and significant historical treasures and make a wonderful addition to any adventure vacation itinerary.

Costa Rica entices with a myriad of outdoor adventures and it’s certainly revered as a natural playground. Yet many visitors forget that this is a country steeped in amazing history, both pre and post colonialism. The Ruins of Cartago are not only easy to visit for anyone flying into San Jose but are actually worth a detour, even if you’re flying into Liberia but planning to tour the Central Valley (which you really should do).

Start planning your trip today

Costa Rica Rios - Adventure Vacations

4.9

Based on 152 reviews

powered by Google

review us on

Bailey Savage

15:27 23 Dec 25

Had an incredible week with Costa Rica Rios! The adventure had the perfect amount of adventure and rest. We explored the beauty of the country’s rural areas and connected with a bunch of amazing local guides. Highly recommend traveling with this company.

Rhonda Stutzman

01:24 13 Aug 25

We are a family group of 10 - two 70-yr old grandparents, three adults in their 40s and 5 grandchildren, between the ages of 12 and 17. Costa Rica Rios did a wonderful job helping us organize a great 9-day vacation. We chose lots of activities (teenagers love that!), and Costa Rica Rios did all the leg work, providing transportation from the airport, between the 2 hotels we chose, and to all of the activities - from our hotel. All the drivers were great, and we really appreciated not having to navigate some of the bumpy roads ourselves. The tour guides at all the sites were just wonderful! They were friendly, spoke English well, and kindly answered our many questions! You can tell that they love Costa Rica, and are so eager to preserve all the natural beauty there!
We chose two locations: La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio
These are the activities we chose and enjoyed!
La Fortuna - Nature Safari Float, Hanging Bridges and Canopy Zipline Tour, Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, Coffee and Chocolate Tour
Manuel Antonio - Manuel Antonio Nat. Park Private Guided Tour, Half-day Sport Fishing, Manuel Antonio Beach, ATV tour
The two hotels that they selected for us were just wonderful! Beautiful landscaping, nice rooms, excellent restaurants.
La Fortuna - Hotel Los Lagos
Manuel Antonio - Hotel Costa Verde
I was a little concerned that we might get a LOT of rain, since it was in the rainy season. We had some rain, but it didn't hinder the fun that we had!
Lots of beautiful memories of a great family time!
Thank you Costa Rica Rios!

S K

14:23 06 Jul 25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Second time’s a charm — and somehow even better!

I just wrapped up my second adventure with Costa Rica Rios and I can’t say enough good things. Henry (aka Ninja) and Michael, along with the entire crew, are the absolute best at what they do. From the moment you arrive, you feel like family — they handle every detail with so much care, humor, and local wisdom.

Every day was packed with jaw-dropping adventures: river rafting, kayaking, zip lining, waterfall rappelling — you name it. They balance safety and adrenaline so perfectly that even when you’re pushing your limits, you feel completely looked after.

This trip is off-the-grid magic. Great food, stunning scenery, and a team that loves what they do and makes you love every second too. If you’re thinking about booking — do it! I came back for my second year in a row, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Pura Vida forever!

Janine Burrows

13:52 04 Jul 25

AVOID!! Extremely poor experience! We booked a custom biking trip in February 2025. Minimal information was given to us regarding each days riding. The bikes were extremely cheap and poorly maintained and had to get the brake pads replaced half way through. Accommodation was variable but one night we stayed in a tent on the guides property, no electricity, wet clothes, only one blanket - it was incredibly miserable. Our guide was a good rider but seemed mostly disinterested and we had to constantly ask about the trees/wildlife as we went along. Just got the feeling he preferred to be elsewhere. We have done several of these biking trips and to be honest, it was the worst trip we have had. It was the most expensive, and proved to be poor value for money and therefore would definitely not recommend them

Connie Vance

17:51 28 Apr 25

We just got back from Costa Rica -- it was fabulous AND stress free thanks to Costa Rica Rio. We usually arrange our own trips and activities but we were so happy that we traveled with Costa Rica Rio this time. Everything happened as scheduled at top notch venues and on time, every time. Frasier revised our trip four times to get it exactly right and within our budget. Costa Rica Rio deserves 10 stars.

Response from the owner 18:40 28 Apr 25

Thanks for the incredible review, Connie and it's so nice to hear that you loved your vacation. Pura vida!

Misty Gilheany

23:02 25 Feb 25

If there were more stars to give, I would give them!! 100% the best adventure vacation we've ever been on!! There were 6 of us on the tour of varying abilities, and we all had an epic time! Henry and Michael were the best guides ever: knowledgeable, skilled, and funny! The rafting was spectacular, the zip lining and Tarzan swing were perfect for the adrenaline junkies among us, the tour at Manuel Antonio NP gave us a chance to see a ton of animals, and the sea kayaking was beautiful. Highly recommend this tour company! We didn't want the vacation to end. Pura Vida!

Response from the owner 14:33 27 Feb 25

Thanks for the fantastic review, Misty! It's so nice to hear that you loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!

Teresa Straffin

20:54 31 Jul 24

My family of 5 (mom, dad, 3 sons who are 21+) had the BEST trip ever. We've been on various adventure tours but this one was the absolute BEST! We were met at the airport by a very friendly guide. We waited a short while for one other group participant to arrive and then were driven a few hours to Villa Florencia. This was a beautiful resort with a restaurant, pool, work out area and many places to relax. We arrived at around lunchtime and needed to arrange a lunch with the restaurant staff as this was not provided. Food was provided from dinner that first night through breakfast on the last day. Each night all week, our fearless leader briefed us on what to expect the next day. We went kayaking, zip-lining, whitewater rafting for 2 days on #1,2,3,4 rapids, hiking, tarzan swing, repelling down a handful of waterfalls, walk in animal sanctuary, morning at the beach and shopping. There's probably more I'm forgetting as the schedule was very packed. My favorite place was the ECO Lodge without electricity where the view and experience was spectacular. We traveled with a group of 13 people (including our family) in a van with our Leader and Driver. We all got along very well and had a great time together. It didn't take long for us to feel like a family. The food was great, accommodations also great (some had more bugs than others but hey, this is Costa Rica - there are bugs!) I recommend a few things: listen to your guide and you will have a much better time - when traveling, when adventuring, when given safety warnings and for all things Costa Rica. Bring a watertight sealed bag for your camera to wear around your neck so you can take pictures in all settings. Bring a pair of binoculars for animal viewing. Bring good water shoes that you can also hike in, and another pair of shoes that can get wet and muddy along with flip flops and something else. I was glad I brought 4 pairs of shoes to wear. One pair gets wet and you will have another to wear. They do not necessarily dry out overnight. Bring lots of t-shirts and shorts for the same reason. You will go through clothing. Bring rain gear. Not much need for dress-up clothes although you might want something clean for restaurants and a possible trip to a bar. There's not much opportunity to wash/dry clothes. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. There is some time for relaxing in the evenings before and after dinner. Bring the stuff on the list you are given. Keep in mind that at the end there is an expectation to tip guides 5-10% of the total per person in cash. An envelope is given out for this purpose. It was our understanding that guides would be given % dependent on how much contact they had with the group all week. There are ATM's in town that you can access the day before you leave. I highly recommend this trip for adventurous people who are tolerant of bugs and who love to see the world and meet other adventurous people. Excellent trip we will have a hard time topping elsewhere!

Response from the owner 14:21 01 Aug 24

Thanks for the amazing review Teresa! It's so nice to hear that you and your family loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!

Susan Collins

14:29 22 Jul 24

Wonderful Accommodations and transportation . Great food!
Week of Adventures was amazing. Fun River paddles, hiking , zip lining and rappelling waterfalls. Great guides on the water and land.
Wonderful country and people 💖

Response from the owner 15:19 22 Jul 24

Thanks for the fantastic review, Susan and it's great to hear you loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!

Morgan Woelfel

04:47 07 Jul 24

Costa Rica Rios did a fabulous job planning our Costs Rica Adventure. I highly recommend them.

Response from the owner 16:12 07 Jul 24

Thanks for the great review, Morgan and we are happy to hear that you enjoyed your vacation to Costa Rica. Pura vida!

Danielle Cataldo

23:39 16 Apr 24

They were fantastic to work with. I had MANY questions before booking our trip and even during our trip. They always got back to me very quickly and had very thorough answers. I also changed my plans for the trip and they were able to smoothly make a new itinerary. The transfers were safe and efficient and on time. All excursions were fun!! I highly recommend Costa Rica Rios!

Response from the owner 11:52 18 Apr 24

Thank you for the lovely review, Danielle and it's so nice to hear you enjoyed your vacation. Pura vida!

Hillary Beauvais

16:18 03 Apr 24

I have no doubt that Costa Rica Rios is one of the best adventure companies in Costa Rica! Everything from start to finish of the adventure tour was executed so smoothly and so perfectly. This company and their guides are extremely professional, experienced and work to ensure your safety and comfort 100% of the time. Experience level is not a concern for them, and they will complete all the activities to fulfill your needs. The guides we had were all local, and had decades worth of experience in kayaking, rafting, hiking, climbing, etc.. They all spoken English fluently and shared beautiful stories and facts about the surrounding areas of Turrialba, CR. The accommodations we stayed in were amazing, especially the Eco Lodge which sits alongside the Pacuare River. The food was fantastic and locally sourced. The airport pickup, drop off and all other transportation in between was so punctual and so smooth. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Costa Rica! It is a beautiful and fun way to see the country off the beaten path and get to know some of the locals and some other travellers. As a young solo female traveller, I felt extremely safe and well taken care of by Costa Rica Rios. I’ll be back!

Response from the owner 19:30 03 Apr 24

Thank you for the amazing review Hillary and it's so nice to hear that you loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!

Daniel Beyer

00:06 13 Feb 24

It was a great trip. You should do it too.

Response from the owner 14:10 13 Feb 24

Pura vida Daniel!

Seth Widoff

02:09 24 Jan 24

Usually my wife and I plan our vacations ourselves, so this was our first time using a travel agency. Costa Rica Rios put together a personalized trip for us based on our budget and interests and it all went way better than I expected.

The accommodations were lovely, the activities and guides were all excellent and having the transportation pre-arranged was a huge convenience. Everyone was on time to the minute.

Particularly nice was that all activities (and even transportation) were private -- just me, my wife and the guide or driver. I wasn't expecting that, especially on a whitewater rafting trip! That made the activities feel more personal and special.

Response from the owner 22:39 24 Jan 24

Thanks for the great review Seth and it's so nice to hear you enjoyed your vacation. Pura vida!

Christine Chappell

15:46 20 Jan 24

Our family of six (parents plus four adolescents) went on the Week of Adventures! We had the most amazing time on the adventures, as well as enjoying typical Costa Rican food and learning about "Tico" culture. Our guides were knowledgable, attentive and enthusiastic, and they were completely focused on our safety during all of the adventures. We had plenty of time to rest at the wonderful hotels (we especially loved the Eco-lodge) and we enjoyed the kayaking, zip-lining, rafting, snorkeling and canyoning thoroughly! The landscape in Costa Rica is absolutely stunning and we loved every moment of this incredible adventure! Thank you, Henry (AKA "Ninja"), Paolo, Jeffrey, Gustavo, and Manuel for taking such great care of us in your beautiful country!

Response from the owner 14:17 21 Jan 24

What a fantastic review thanks, Christine. It's so nice to hear that you and your family enjoyed your vacation and we hope to see you again at some point in the future. Pura vida!

Daniela Tavera

00:41 23 Jun 23

This trip was our first big trip together and I was super nervous on how to plan it. What if things went wrong, what if I missed our flight, etc. Costa Rica Rios helped with practically everything except packing my bags. Great communication, great recommendations. Everything we had booked for us was an amazing experience. If we could, we'd use this company for every place we'd go to all over the world.

Jen Wawra

21:09 09 Apr 20

We absolutely LOVED our trip with Costa Rica Rios. Our group was led by Manuel who was INCREDIBLE! We could not have asked for a better set of guides and drivers. Raul, Ronnie, Emanuel, Carolina, Pablo, and Randall we LOVE you! Costa Rica Rios provided an amazing tour and exceeded all of our trip expectations. We were met at the airport with snacks, water, juice, and beer! From that point on we fell in love with Turrialba, especially those tortillas! The views are breathtaking, the beach so fun, and the rivers amazing. The Pacuare Eco Lodge is a refreshing breath of fresh air off the beaten path and supplied with the best cooks (guides) ever. You will never go hungry on this trip. We saw so many sloths, toucans, frogs, snakes, birds, and more! The Week of Adventures is truly designed with everything you want in mind and executed flawlessly. There were plenty of activities but also ample down time to hang out and chill. We loved all of the food, the people, the country, everything. We cannot say enough good things about this local company. Until we see you again family, Pura Vida!

The site is atmospheric to the max and, when drenched in beautiful sunlight, makes for gorgeous photography. Get there early in the morning, or an hour before sunset, and you’ll know what we mean.

The site of the Ruins of Cartago is one of the most delightful places to visit in Costa Rica. Once you learn the history, you’ll also understand that this spot encapsulates the ying-yang relationship the country has always had with its spellbinding but at times very destructive volcanic origins.

The History of the Ruins of Cartago

The site of the Ruins of Cartago was home to several churches, the oldest of which was built in the mid-16th century. The original church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1630 and this particular natural disaster would continue to plague the location for centuries. The first church to be consecrated (in 1662) suffered through three devastating earthquakes and each time it was lovingly rebuilt. The final earthquake blow occurred in the 1841 and the new church, damaged beyond repair, was left to its demise for almost three decades.

Resilient parishioners and local authorities alike began the next (and what would become final) attempt to rebuilt the church in the early 1900s but the rebuilding project was permanently cancelled after the infamous Santa Monica earthquake that happened on the 4^th of May 1910.

The 1910 Santa Monica earthquake has gone down in history as the most catastrophic in Costa Rica’s history. It almost completely levelled the town of Cartago. Over the following decades, the source of the devastation was pinpointed to the Aguacaliente Fault, located just a few miles south of the now-rebuilt town.

Start planning your trip today

The earthquake brought devastation to Costa Rica’s Central Valley and the rebuilding of the Santiago Apostol Parish Church in Cartago was one ill-fated project that was shelved for good. Many locals, by then, believed the ruins to be cursed and haunted so they left well enough alone.

The Ruins of Cartago are not ‘ruins’ in the strictest technical terms but rather the remnants of a historical building that was never actually completed. Having taken on a life and story all its own, the ruins are testament to the resilience of Costa Rica when faced with natural adversity.

Also, perhaps, the wisdom to know when to quit.

What and where? Visiting the Ruins of Cartago

The ruins of the Santiago Apostol Parish Church in Cartago are a cultural heritage site located just half an hour’s drive southeast of the capital, San Jose.

The ruins are set in what is now the absolute center of Cartago Town, left as a reminder of the struggles and all the hard work to protect it, albeit unsuccessfully. Beautiful gardens thrive within its perimeter with a walking path, several benches, beautiful plants, flowers and ponds creating an incredibly relaxing vibe. Locals adore this place and, in many ways, you may find it even more ethereal and contemplative than if it were a fully-completed church.

Cartago Town – worth a longer visit

Cartago was once Costa Rica’s capital and it is still the country’s oldest town. Given the earthquake risks, however, as well as the results of several military battles, capital status was moved to San Jose in 1835. Cartago was left to evolve into a laid-back provincial capital – one with just a few glimpses of its very illustrious past.

Nevertheless, it is a gorgeous town to visit for a few hours. Highlights include not only the Ruins of Cartago but also the partially-destroyed and now heritage-listed cemetery, the neo-Gothic architectural gem that is the Church of Maria Auxiliadora and the historic Pririe Building, an amazing French-neoclassical treasure that was left miraculously unscathed by the 1910 earthquake.

Just a few blocks away from the church ruins stands the imposing Cartago Basilica, one of Costa Rica’s most revered religious buildings, home to the famous Shrine to La Negrita, or the Black Madonna. The basilica was also destroyed by (yes, you guessed it) earthquakes but it was eventually completed in 1930.

Cartago is full of wonderful sculptures, statues and buildings that showcase varying architectural styles. Luckily, the town is also home to some seriously good eateries so extending your visit and staying for lunch is always a great idea.

Start planning your trip today

Among the best-rated restaurants and cafés, you’ll find Bocadito del Cielo (a little bite of heaven!), La Fonda del Alto (both food and views to die for!) and Il Giardino, no-doubt makers of the best wood-fired pizzas in town.

What else can you do when visiting the Ruins of Cartago?

It’s possible to include a visit to Cartago on a day-long adventure hiking in the Irazu Volcano National Park and many people do just that although many tend to just stop in town for a swift photo op of the ruins. In our view, the ruins and Cartago Town itself deserve a dedicated half-day visit of their own accord.

The Ruins of Cartago are also on the way to Turrialba and our Pacuare River whitewater adventures. Although we often suggest a stop-over for many of our guests, it’s always lovely when they’re the ones to mention we stop! It’s a lovely way to inject some history and culture into our nature-based adventures and a visit to Cartago is doable both pre or post adventure tour.

If you have yet to hear about Turrialba, all you need to know is that this is the true adventure capital of Costa Rica. A place where world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking can be enjoyed away from the biggest crowds over on the western side of the country.

Well-known among serious adventurers and thrill-seekers, Turrialba is an astonishing playground for active visitors. Here, you’ll find options for zip-lining, mountain biking, horseback riding and AWD adventuring as well. The region is awash with amazing artisan produce like cheese and coffee and makes for a sensational off-the-beaten-path travel experience.

Discover more of Turrialba before planning your itinerary.

And, when you’re ready to shake off those travel-cobwebs and have the adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica, we’ll be right here.

Contact us to know more.