Cartago Province, Administrative province in central Costa Rica.
Cartago Province is an administrative region in central Costa Rica with diverse terrain shaped by mountains and valleys. The area encompasses high volcanic peaks and lower elevations that create varying ecosystems and climate patterns throughout the region.
Juan Vázquez de Coronado founded the first Spanish settlement here in 1563, beginning European colonization of Costa Rica. This early establishment shaped the region's cultural and economic path for centuries to follow.
The Basilica of Cartago draws pilgrims throughout the year who come to honor a sacred black stone figure called La Negrita. The site remains a spiritual center where visitors participate in religious customs passed down through generations.
The region connects to San José via a well-developed highway that makes travel straightforward from the capital. The hilly terrain means journey times can vary, so travelers should allow flexibility in their schedules and prepare for changing elevations.
The province is home to two volcanoes, Irazú and Turrialba, with Irazú erupting during President Kennedy's visit to Costa Rica in 1963. This rare coincidence of a state visit and volcanic activity remains a striking moment in the region's past.
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