Cartago Canton

Cartago Canton is an administrative territory in Cartago Province that spans eleven districts including Oriental, Occidental, Carmen, San Nicolás, and Aguacaliente. The area sits at approximately 1575 meters elevation and forms a significant geographic and administrative region within the province.

The canton was founded in 1563 by Juan Vasquez de Coronado and served as Costa Rica's capital until 1824. The relocation of the capital to San José marked a significant turning point in the region's political importance.

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles draws thousands of pilgrims each year, particularly during the Virgin of the Angels celebration on August 2. This religious tradition shapes the cultural life of the area and remains central to local identity.

The Costa Rica Institute of Technology in Dulce Nombre district offers higher education and research facilities serving students from across the country. Visitors can explore the institution and discover its modern campus facilities and academic activities.

The ruins of Santiago Apóstol church in Plaza Mayor stand as remnants of the 1910 earthquake that reshaped the urban architecture. These remains serve as visible evidence of a major natural disaster that shaped the region's development.

Location: Cartago Province

Capital city: Cartago

Elevation above the sea: 1,575 m

Shares border with: Oreamuno Canton, Vázquez de Coronado Canton, Paraíso Canton, Dota Canton, El Guarco Canton, Desamparados Canton, La Unión Canton, Goicoechea Canton

Website: http://muni-carta.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 9.85251,-83.92387

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47