La Unión Canton

La Unión Canton is an administrative division in Cartago Province that spans eight districts with Tres Ríos serving as its capital. The canton sits in a geographic zone positioned between San José and Cartago, encompassing several smaller communities.

The canton was founded on December 7, 1848, through decree 167, marking a significant step in Costa Rica's administrative development. This establishment contributed to the systematic organization of territorial boundaries in the region.

The 1801 census recorded a diverse population of 212 indigenous people, 57 mestizos, 80 mulatos, and 15 Spanish inhabitants in the region.

The area is well connected to surrounding regions through several national road routes and a railway line. These connections make getting around between the different districts and to neighboring provinces relatively straightforward.

The area sits at a higher elevation, which shapes its climate and agricultural patterns. This altitude gives the region its particular character and growing conditions.

Location: Cartago Province

Capital city: Tres Ríos

Elevation above the sea: 1,407 m

Shares border with: Cartago Canton, Desamparados Canton, Curridabat Canton, Montes de Oca Canton

Website: http://launion.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 9.91361,-83.99750

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:24