Sipping a cup of hot coffee, I reminisced my recent visit to the coffee country-Costa Rica with my family. Alighting from our cheap flights to Costa Rica, I decided to make the most of my visit by touring the historic landmarks here.
Costa Rica’s historical landmarks
Listed as one of 22 of the world’s democracies, Costa Rica or rich coast is truly rich in history and heritage. Its rich traditions are woven in the tapestry off its vibrant culture. From native Indian tribes to coffee plantation growers to Colonial masters, Costa Rica has seen many ethnicity in its heyday.
The travel agent who booked our cheap tickets to Costa Rica informed me to look for history in the architecture of San Jose and the neighboring suburbs of San Carlos, Guanacaste and Perez Zeledon.
Cartago Ruins
First we headed straight to the Cartago Ruins situated near the capital San Jose. Cartago city, once the former capital of Costa Rica, is near the foothills of Irazu volcano. My visit demanded a glimpse of the famous 16th century Basilica of La Virgen de Los Angeles –the church of the returning virgin. I also visited Las Ruins – an 18 century church destroyed several times by earthquakes. The nearby Orosi Valley and Cachi Dam offer beautiful landscapes.
Guayabo
Located on the forested slopes of Turrialba Volcano, Guayabo is an archeological site with remnants of a bygone era. Covering 540 acres, this historical site has paved streets, aqueducts, round platforms, ponds, carved stones and other relics.
An emblem of the Pre-Columbian era, Guayabo has petroglyphs dating 3000 years old. Open from 8 to 4 pm, this archeological park has unique stone carvings of insects, reptiles and jaguars along with shards of pottery, jade and more. Hiking, bathing and camping are allowed here.
Isla San Lucas
Isla San Lucas is a desolate prison which attained fame through the memoirs of an ex-convict called the Island of Lonely Men. Known as the toughest jail in Costa Rica with a 117 year history of crime and violence, I was taken around on a tour by the caretaker. I visited the adjoining Puntanera Wetlands
Costa Rica Spheres
Known locally as Las Bolas, the Costa Rica Sheres are also called Diquis Spheres. A relic of the Isthmo-Colombian era, they were found on the Nicoya Island with some pottery. Mythology claims that these stones were from Atlantis, the sunken Greek island. I remember seeing stones like these in the opening scenes of “raider of the Lost Ark”.
National Museum or Museo National de Costa Rica
This bullet-ridden building which was once an army barracks now houses the artifacts of Costa Rican Colonial history along with period dresses, religious artworks and photographs. The imposing bella vista building with its wide courtyard formed a good backdrop where I took a few snaps.
Museo Del Oro Pre Columbino or Gold Museum
The Gold Museum in Costa Rica is worth visiting with its sizable collection of gold idols and jewelry. The shaman figurines attracted me the most. We also had a look at the Numismatic Museum here. The trip proved to be well worth my flights to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s historical landmarks
Listed as one of 22 of the world’s democracies, Costa Rica or rich coast is truly rich in history and heritage. Its rich traditions are woven in the tapestry off its vibrant culture. From native Indian tribes to coffee plantation growers to Colonial masters, Costa Rica has seen many ethnicity in its heyday.
The travel agent who booked our cheap tickets to Costa Rica informed me to look for history in the architecture of San Jose and the neighboring suburbs of San Carlos, Guanacaste and Perez Zeledon.
Cartago Ruins
First we headed straight to the Cartago Ruins situated near the capital San Jose. Cartago city, once the former capital of Costa Rica, is near the foothills of Irazu volcano. My visit demanded a glimpse of the famous 16th century Basilica of La Virgen de Los Angeles –the church of the returning virgin. I also visited Las Ruins – an 18 century church destroyed several times by earthquakes. The nearby Orosi Valley and Cachi Dam offer beautiful landscapes.
Guayabo
Located on the forested slopes of Turrialba Volcano, Guayabo is an archeological site with remnants of a bygone era. Covering 540 acres, this historical site has paved streets, aqueducts, round platforms, ponds, carved stones and other relics.
An emblem of the Pre-Columbian era, Guayabo has petroglyphs dating 3000 years old. Open from 8 to 4 pm, this archeological park has unique stone carvings of insects, reptiles and jaguars along with shards of pottery, jade and more. Hiking, bathing and camping are allowed here.
Isla San Lucas
Isla San Lucas is a desolate prison which attained fame through the memoirs of an ex-convict called the Island of Lonely Men. Known as the toughest jail in Costa Rica with a 117 year history of crime and violence, I was taken around on a tour by the caretaker. I visited the adjoining Puntanera Wetlands
Costa Rica Spheres
Known locally as Las Bolas, the Costa Rica Sheres are also called Diquis Spheres. A relic of the Isthmo-Colombian era, they were found on the Nicoya Island with some pottery. Mythology claims that these stones were from Atlantis, the sunken Greek island. I remember seeing stones like these in the opening scenes of “raider of the Lost Ark”.
National Museum or Museo National de Costa Rica
This bullet-ridden building which was once an army barracks now houses the artifacts of Costa Rican Colonial history along with period dresses, religious artworks and photographs. The imposing bella vista building with its wide courtyard formed a good backdrop where I took a few snaps.
Museo Del Oro Pre Columbino or Gold Museum
The Gold Museum in Costa Rica is worth visiting with its sizable collection of gold idols and jewelry. The shaman figurines attracted me the most. We also had a look at the Numismatic Museum here. The trip proved to be well worth my flights to Costa Rica.
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