Most towns and cities in Costa Rica are laidback with Costa Ricans referring to themselves as Ticos and living la pura vida Cartago is one such city much more relaxed than the adjacent city of San Jos Cartago was the capital of the country until 1823 when San Jos took over that role Cartago is still the capital of Cartago province of course and agriculture is an essential part of the economy here with technology and tourism also important contributors People looking for villas in Cartago Costa Rica typically try to find one that gives them a good view of the surrounding green hills or of Iraz volcano which is about 20 miles away
Costa Rica has many tourism draws People looking for sun and fun will go to the west coast and surf the Pacific Ocean Those on the east coast will turtle watch and there is sport fishing and scuba diving on both coasts Wildlife preserves dot the interior of the country and tourists can see exotic birds and animals and go hiking and horseback riding A major tourist draw is Costa Rica s volcanoes many of which are active Cartago is a popular tourist location because of its proximity to Iraz volcano as well as that of Turrealba Cartago villas can be luxurious and provide lovely views of the hills surrounding the town In August the streets are alive with pilgrims coming to worship at Our Lady of the Angels Basilica home of Costa Rica s patron saint the Black Virgin
