So you decided to visit Cartago for a couple of days and what happens when you wake up? You find yourself under a downpour. Terrific. You check the weather and it shows no signs of letting up. So, you’ll be stuck at the hotel for most of the day. Or…will you?
First, to be realistic, an entire day of rain in Costa Rica isn’t that common. Even during the rainy reason the rain arrives late afternoon and sometimes it’s just a passing cloudburst. A morning to evening rain event is rare, but if you happen to win the rainy day lottery, here are 15 things you can do in Cartago (that don’t include catching up on sleep, organizing your suitcases OR watching Netflix). Let’s get to it! In no particular order:
- Visit One or More Coffee Shops. What better way to enjoy Costa Rican coffee than to have it freshly prepared in one of Cartago’s many coffee shops? Enjoy cappuccinos and lattes, or just regular, delicious Costa Rican brew. The selection of pastries at these cafes will knock your socks off, and it’s a great way to try sweets you may have never tried, like guava pastries, meat pastries or bean and potato empanadas. I have tried and enjoy Cafe y Pasteleria El Nido, right on Avenida 1; Momentos, located on the corner next to Cartago’s Court (Tribunales) on Avenida 2 and of course La Tortilleria, Avenida Central, for coffee made right at your table in your own personal churreador with a hot, corn tortilla with cheese. It doesn’t get much better than that!
- Go to the Movies. A quick cab ride to Cartago’s mall (Paseo Metropoli) runs about $4.00. Upstairs on the third floor there’s a beautiful movieplex called Cinepolis. Many movies come in both Spanish, or with subtitles, so you can see them in English, or brush up on your Spanish!
- Go to Paseo Metropoli. Right at this same Paseo Metropoli, you’ll find a lot of interesting stores. Got kids? This shopping center features a trampoline park! Universal is a fun store to explore, and there are ice cream shops, restaurants and even one place that sells cooked persimmons if you want to try something amazingly different. Many times there’s also craft shows and concerts happening. And, if you just want to chill in the food court, it provides a beautiful view of the mountains. A great way to spend a rainy day.
- Go to the Basilica de Los Angeles. The Basilica is one of the biggest highlights of Cartago. You can spend an hour or more inside in awe of its beauty. Be sure to explore the little rooms off to the side showing the history and the thank you’s from the faithful and people that have been healed. There are also many nearby stores selling religious artifacts and containers to gather spring water.
- Explore the Museo Municipal de Cartago. The Municipal Museum in Cartago is hard to miss on Avenida 3. This gorgeous building was once a military barracks and later headquarters to the local public force (a.k.a. police). The building was restored and opened its doors in 2010 as Cartago’s Municipal Museum and is host to art shows, displays, music and dance. The architecture is just stunning and should not be missed (even if it’s a sunny day!). Best of all, it’s free to get in!
- Go to Cartago’s Municipal Marketplace. Yes, this is one of my favorite places on the planet. This is very much off the beaten tourist path (although sometimes you will see a small tourist group being led through the market). You can do so many things at Cartago’s Marketplace. This is one of the best places to get an authentic Costa Rican meal, and it will likely cost you under $10 for two people. That includes a beverage and dessert. Be sure to try natural drinks, such as fresco de cas, one of my favorites. You’ll also get a first hand glance at meat shops, cheese stores, bakeries, granaries and tropical produce. And yes, even shoes and souvenirs. You will see things in the marketplace that you CANNOT find anywhere else, like typical and old-fashioned baked goods, farmer’s cheese and so much more. This is where so many traditions have been kept alive for so long. It’s the REAL DEAL.
- Go to POP’S. You may or may not have heard of POP’S, which is a long-standing ice cream store chain in Costa Rica. In my opinion, no trip to Costa Rica is really complete unless you make at least one trip to POP’S. There used to be only one location in Cartago, but now of course, they’re EVERYWHERE. You’ll find one on Avenida 1 near the marketplace (it’s original location) and in Paseo Metropoli, Metro Centro, and near Walmart on the road (Rte. 10) to Paraiso. The thing that’s so special about POP’S is they serve ice cream and sherbet in a lot of tropical flavors that are specific to Costa Rica. They also have shakes, smoothies and the famous Puntarenas Churchill flavor shake (Kola with powdered and condensed milk). I’m growing weak just thinking about it! Hint: make sure you look inside the case and not just on the menu, so you can see what flavors are available.
- Check out the Local Music Scene. Love music? Here’s a little inside information. Cartago, Costa Rica is a treasure trove when it comes to local music and bands. The talent here is outstanding and I say this from first-hand experience. Cartago ROCKS. There are many nightlife music venues, but my faves include Moe’s Pub Rock, El Sitio and Bar Malanga Fusion Caribe who all often feature live music. Also, Jale a Cartago is a local group that promotes tours and activities. Check them ALL on Facebook. One note, you will probably need to know at least some Spanish to get started, but it’s well worth it.
- Buy Souvenirs. Got some souvenir shopping to do? If the rain is preventing you from the outdoor activities you were hoping to take part in, get your souvenir shopping done. The best places in Cartago are the marketplace, the supermarkets and my favorite souvenir shop La Guaria, right near the Basilica. None of these places is overpriced, and there is so much to choose from. I buy things in each one of these places in Cartago so I’m telling you from personal experience.
- Journal. If you’ve been traveling for a few days, sometimes it’s just good to take a load off and relax. Journaling is a great way to gather your thoughts and write down details of what you’ve done, places you’ve seen, phone numbers, addresses and other assorted information. This is super helpful when the time comes to return to Costa Rica. I journal every night in Costa Rica. When I come back, it’s helpful to look back and remember things I’d like to do, how certain things were done, and even things I forgot to bring! Some people love to journal from their room, their balcony or even a cafe.
- Get Some Good Eats. I humbly believe any activity centered around food is a good one. Cartago has so many eating options it’s unbelievable. Anything from fast food (McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut) to local cuisine. My favorite restaurants in Cartago are the aforementioned Tortilleria, La Parrillita Mexicana near the Basilica (yes! Mexican food in Costa Rica, super yum!). I also like El Sitio, which is a cab ride up to the San Blas barrio of Cartago. It’s a sports bar that sits on a hill with a spectacular view of Cartago, and they serve tacos, cheese sticks, chifrijos and drinks, plus live entertainment. La Puerta del Sol is another Cartago classic and it sits near the Basilica de Los Angeles, serving local food like casados, or burgers and fries. It’s open until 10pm. There are also tons of eateries in the marketplace, delicious and super cheap.
- Take a Trip to Walmart and Pequeño Mundo. Yes, you heard me right. Walmart. If you’re like me, you have a local Walmart nearby at home in the States, so why would you want to go in Costa Rica? Well, for many reasons. First and foremost, because the service is unbelievably better in Costa Rica. Somehow Costa Rica has figured out that if you open all the cash registers, there’s basically no lines, no waiting. I’m not sure why they haven’t figured that out in Upstate New York, where roughly three cash registers are open plus the awful self-checkout. In Costa Rica this isn’t a problem. Plus, you’ll find a great selection of coffee, candies and other goodies that are super fresh because the turnover is so good. If you take a cab to Walmart in “La Lima” you’ll find it next to another fun store called “Pequeño Mundo” (“Small World”). “Small World” is set up like a Sam’s Club with towering displays on pallets, but the items are way cheaper. You’ll find everything from household items, to beach shoes. It’s a fun place to while away the rainy afternoon.
- Stroll Through Super Despensa. The Super Despensa is Cartago’s oldest supermarket. The locals love it, I love it, and it’s just fun. Super Despensa is located on Avenida 1, almost across from POP’S. You will find a lot of interesting things here. They carry a cool selection of locally baked items such as bizcocho (baked rings made from ground corn) pineapple pastries, and other breads & goodies. Check out their hard-to-find, old styled cookware and typical metal mugs with painted designs. I love strolling around this local treasure because it’s stayed virtually the same for the last 35 years when I came to Cartago as an exchange student.
- Take a Bus Somewhere Else in Cartago. If you’re prone to cabin fever, get thyself onto a bus and go somewhere else in Cartago. The ride to Orosi in Cartago, and Cachi is frighteningly scenic, and heck–maybe it’s not raining there. A warning though: the road has a lot of twists and turns. If it’s rainy it may be foggy. And twisting and turning in the fog can mean that wonderful nauseous feeling. Traveler beware. Take your Dramamine. The bus stops for both Orosi and Cachi are located on Calle 3, between Avenida 2 and 4. Look for signs and people lined up.
- Have Fun in the Rain. When it comes right down to it, why should the rain stop you at all? After all, Costa Rica has a rainy season and that’s just a fact of life. Why not bask in it? Go buy a super stylish umbrella and go enjoy yourself. You’ll certainly have a lot of company. Take a walk to Cartago’s Basilica Park, the Ruins, and Plaza Mayor. You’re only going to be in Costa Rica for a limited amount of time, so put on some waterproof shoes and experience a tropical downpour!
A torrential downpour in Cartago, Costa Rica can create a LOT of water in a very short time. Water flows downhill very quickly and the gutters can fill up FAST. If you’re stuck outside without an umbrella, you’ll probably need to get indoors. It’s definitely a sight to see. I personally have destroyed several pairs of shoes in the rain (they never did quite dry all the way out).
Have you ever had a messy, rainy experience in Costa Rica? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.