What to see and do in Poás and Cartago

What to visit in Poás and Cartago · volcano, gardens and heritage

• Poás Volcano National Park
• Lankester Botanical Garden · University of Costa Rica
• Ujarrás Ruins · Cartago heritage

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Poás and Cartago · volcano, gardens and heritage

nature

Poás Volcano National Park

The Poás crater allows you to get close to an active volcanic landscape when the visit is authorized. Volcano activity, gases and cloud cover can modify or suspend access.

Activities for your visit

• Contemplate the crater from the enabled area.
• Get to know the mountain environment allowed by the park.

Tips for this place

• Check SINAC notices before leaving.
• Historical photography does not necessarily represent what it looks like today.

Check quotas and reserve Poás ↗

Select Poás Volcano National Park, your date and a time slot only when they are available in SICORE. A booking does not guarantee visibility or prevent closures caused by volcanic activity; follow SINAC and park ranger instructions.

Reference sources and location

• SINAC · Poás Volcano National Park

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 10.1999, -84.2317.

SINAC · Poás Volcano National Park

nature

Lankester Botanical Garden · University of Costa Rica

The Dulce Nombre de Cartago garden combines botanical collections and trails to discover orchids and other plants. It is an independent visit to the Poás volcano.

Activities for your visit

• Browse the collections open to the public.
• Observe orchids and gardens.

Tips for this place

• Stay on the trails and do not pull plants.
• Check out accessible main trail options.

Consult entrance to the garden ↗

The general visit is paid and does not require prior reservation. Guided tours and special activities are coordinated separately with the garden; Check the current conditions for your category.

Reference sources and location

• University of Costa Rica · Lankester Garden and admission 2026

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.8392, -83.8909.

University of Costa Rica · Lankester Garden and admission 2026

history

Ujarrás Ruins · Cartago heritage

The remains of the old temple of Ujarrás preserve part of the colonial heritage of the valley. Its gardens allow for a quiet stop when exploring the area of ​​Paradise and Cartago.

Activities for your visit

• Contemplate the walls of the historic temple.
• Walk through the green areas enabled.

Tips for this place

• Do not climb walls or disturb ruins.
• Check the venue's hours before you go.

Check free access ↗

The ICT indicates free entry to the Ujarrás venue. You don't need to buy a tour to see the ruins; Transportation, meals and other services are managed separately.

Reference sources and location

• ICT · Ruins of Ujarrás and free entry

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.8283, -83.8363.

ICT · Ruins of Ujarrás and free entry

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Poás and Cartago · volcano, gardens and heritage

1. Day 1

   Poás · according to visit authorization

   Check the SINAC notices and reserve only an authorized appointment; Leave an alternative if the park closes or there is bad weather.

2. Day 2

   Lankester and Ujarrás

   Visit the garden with your ticket and continue to the free area of the ruins, with room for transportation.

Tips for visiting Poás and Cartago · volcano, gardens and heritage

• Check notices and quotas for Poás before traveling to the volcano.
• Lankester and Ujarrás maintain independent access conditions.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Poás and Cartago · volcano, gardens and heritage

Six flavors to get to know Costa Rica: gallo pinto breakfasts, soda casados, home cooking and Caribbean coconut rice. The guides first show the dishes associated with their area and then other flavors from this national selection. The caption identifies the location of each photo where it appears.

The whole country · A Costa Rican breakfast

Gallo pinto

Rice and beans sautéed with onion, sweet chili and cilantro make up this everyday breakfast. It is usually accompanied with egg, cheese, tortilla or custard. The presentation changes between houses and sodas; The photo shows a version served at Zarcero.

Reference: Costa Rican Institute of Tourism · Gallo pinto

The whole country · Soda lunch

Casado

A plate of rice and beans with salad and sides that vary by kitchen: picadillo, ripe plantain, egg or meat. There is no single fixed combination. The photo shows a casado from Soda Cristal in San José's Central Market.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Food and frequently asked questions

Home cooking · Beef and vegetable broth

Olla de carne

Hearty beef soup with tubers and vegetables such as cassava, potato, tiquizque and plantain. The cuts and vegetables change with the family recipe. It is served hot and combines the broth with large pieces of its ingredients.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Culinary adventure

Family cuisine · Rice to share

Costa Rican arroz con pollo

Rice mixed with shredded chicken, vegetables and aromas such as onion, garlic and sweet chili. Annatto provides color in some recipes. The Cartago recipe book includes a homemade version; The photo shows rice with chicken with salad and avocado.

Reference: Ministry of Culture and ICT · Cartago Recipe Book

Limón and the Caribbean · Rice cooked in coconut milk

Caribbean rice and beans

Rice and beans cooked with coconut milk and spices, characteristic of the Costa Rican Caribbean. They are often accompanied with chicken or fish. It shares ingredients with gallo pinto, but the coconut and the preparation give it a different flavor.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Caribbean Cuisine

Costas and sodas Crispy green banana

Patacones

Green banana slices that are fried, smashed and fried again. In Costa Rica they accompany fish, seafood or meat; They are also served with sauces. It is a preparation shared by several countries in the region.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Caribbean flavors