Welcome to NY to Costa Rica
Welcome to NY to Costa Rica. Thanks for joining in on my adventures between two places, New York and Cartago, Costa Rica. Read on as I share interesting facts about Costa Rica, the city of Cartago, and whimsical tales about traveling from NY to Costa Rica!
Latest Posts on NY to Costa Rica
![AFS sticker, patch and pin](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_1316.jpg)
AFS Costa Rica 1984
My first trip to Costa Rica was as an exchange student with AFS in 1984. We were a group of about 30 students, 15 from the United States and another
![Lankester sign at Entrance](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/V2JF04o9T1KMPSKeswAWA-1-768x752.png)
Traveling to Lankester Botanical Garden in Cartago
I am truly ashamed to say that in my 35-plus years of traveling to Costa Rica (and specifically Cartago), I had never visited Lankester Botanical Garden. Not only was Lankester
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Going to Manuel Antonio in 2021
My friend Emily and I traveled to Manuel Antonio in March of 2021. Read on to find out how the park was operating during the pandemic, where we stayed, which beaches are the best and if we got to see a sloth!
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Should You Travel to Costa Rica in 2021?
Let’s face it, 2020 was a rough year. Now that we’re into 2021 and Costa Rica is open again, is it a good time to travel? Here’s how to make that decision.
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What It’s Like to Travel to Costa Rica During COVID
I traveled to Costa Rica in November 2020 after Costa Rica finally reopened its borders. This was before having to get a COVID test to return to the United States. Read how I dealt with travel insurance and about Costa Rica’s safety protocols.
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Donate to the Sloth Sanctuary
If you’re anxious to get back to Costa Rica, but can’t make it yet, show Costa Rica a little love by donating to the Sloth Sanctuary. All the sloths thank you very much!
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![Basilica lit up after dark](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/evening-300x300.jpg)
Chillin’ in Cartago…Literally
When I was chosen to be an exchange student back in 1984–you know what seems like the freaking “olden days” now, I was elated. Shortly after the adventure started, I found myself wondering if I had been given the short end of the stick when I found out that others in the group were headed
![Cartago Ruins After Dark Lit Up](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0215-300x225.jpg)
Las Ruinas de La Parroquia/ Cartago Ruins
Situated in the center of Cartago’s bustling downtown, are the Cartago Ruins, or Las Ruinas de la Parroquia de Cartago (the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins). Better known simply as “The Ruins”. People pass by them every day during their commute without a second thought. But if you stop and look, you’ll see they’re really quite
![Sign near Ruinas Cartago](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_4330-300x166.jpg)
11 Things You Should Know When You Visit Cartago, Costa Rica
If you’re taking a side trip to Cartago, Costa Rica, you’re going to love it. Cartago is a very special city and it’s a bit cooler than the rest of Costa Rica, both in temperature and mindset. Here are 11 interesting tips about Ciudad de Las Brumas.
![Basilica in Cartago with lawn](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_2984-300x225.jpg)
Cartago in 1984
I first set foot in Costa Rica in 1984. Back then, Cartago was very different than it is now. Join me as I explore what’s changed and also what has stayed exactly the same from Cartago in 1984.
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La Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles
La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles is easily the most recognizable building in Cartago, Costa Rica. Just do an internet search on Cartago, Costa Rica, and images of the Basilica are the first thing to appear. The Basilica draws hundreds of tourists every year, each impressed with the magnitude and architecture at this
![Fresh vegetables at the market](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_4298-266x300.jpg)
Cartago’s Municipal Market
One of the places in Cartago, Costa Rica that has stood the test of time is the Municipal Marketplace. Marketplaces are where most people go to buy fruits, vegetables, meats and more. Here’s why Cartago’s marketplace is one of my very favorite spots.
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The Best Costa Rican Souvenirs
When it comes time for souvenir shopping, where are the best places to go? Although Costa Rica is loaded with beautiful gift stores, you might be surprised to learn where the best stuff is. Here are my favorite souvenir places in Cartago.
![Toucan sitting in rain](https://nytocostarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AdobeStock_195008722-300x200.jpeg)
15 Things to Do in Cartago, Costa Rica When It’s Raining
Traveling to Cartago, Costa Rica and got stuck with a rainy day? No fear! Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Here are 15 things you can still do and enjoy yourself when it’s pouring!