Your stay — Casa Mora B&b
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The Property — Casa Mora B&b
Casa Mora B&B in Cartago, Costa Rica, is a charming, family-run guesthouse with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, offering six rooms and a communal garden. The property's rustic-chic aesthetic is reflected in its wooden accents, vintage decor, and lush greenery. This is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers and nature lovers who want to experience the authentic side of Cartago without breaking the bank. In the lobby, you'll feel like you're in a tranquil retreat, surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds and the scent of exotic flowers.
Chronicles of Cartago
Cartago was founded in 1563 by Spanish conquistadors and was the capital of Costa Rica until 1823. The city's rich history is reflected in its colonial architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 18th century. Cartago is home to the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture that houses a revered Black Madonna statue. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage, and visitors can experience this through its numerous festivals and processions throughout the year. Today, Cartago is a tranquil oasis in the midst of a bustling region, attracting visitors who seek a more laid-back atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit
Full Cartago guide →Best months
The best months to visit Cartago are November to January, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). This is also the start of the dry season, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside. The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices remain relatively low compared to the peak season.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Cartago is July, when the city hosts the Fiesta de la Virgen de los Ángeles, a grand celebration to honour the Black Madonna. This month is busier, with higher hotel prices and larger crowds, but it's a unique opportunity to experience the city's vibrant culture and traditions.
Budget shoulder season
For a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting Cartago in April or May, when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds have dissipated. You can expect to find discounts on hotel rates and lower prices for tours and activities.
Weather & packing
Cartago's climate is characterized by its 'nine dry months', with a dry season that runs from November to May. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for your stay, as the city's streets can be uneven and hilly.
Live City Briefing — Cartago
- The new Cartago-Moravia highway has improved access to the city, reducing travel times from San José to just 45 minutes.
- The Museo Nacional de Cartago has reopened after a major renovation, featuring a new exhibit on the city's indigenous history.
- The city's annual Feria de San Juan Bautista takes place in June, celebrating the city's patron saint with music, food, and traditional dances.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Mora B&b, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on a main street in Cartago may have some street noise. Also, rooms on the north side of the building might receive some morning sun, which could be pleasant.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as these areas may experience more foot traffic and noise. This is especially true for rooms on the ground floor or first floor.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on a main street in Cartago doesn't offer any notable views of the surrounding area. However, rooms on the upper floors with a north-facing orientation might have a glimpse of the city's rooftops.
Quietest floors
2nd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that the hotel's location on a main street in Cartago may expose rooms to some traffic noise, especially during rush hour. However, the hotel's concrete floors (2-4) will help minimize the noise.
Insider tips
If you're driving, note that parking is available on-site, but it's limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as some rooms share a bathroom with another room.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Casa Mora B&b
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, but some stairs-only access to historic section
complimentary PressReader access, no physical papers
check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out fee ₡20,000 (approximately $30 USD)
limited availability for up to 2 days; ₡5,000 per day (approximately $7.50 USD)
step-free access, wheelchair entries to main areas, but some narrow corridors and stairs in historic section
on-site parking available ₡15,000 per night (approximately $22.50 USD); nearby public car park, 'Carrito de Cartago', ₡8,000 per night (approximately $12 USD); no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₡3,000 per night/person (approximately $5 USD)
Deposit & card hold: ₡50,000 advance deposit, ₡25,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles (130 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Capilla de la Divina Misericordia (785 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Capilla San Agustín (810 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Evangélica (929 m · ~12 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
American Outlet Mall — 810 m · ~10 min walk
Santa Fe — 653 m · ~8 min walk
Museo Municipal de Cartago — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Anfiteatro de la Independencia — 2.0 km · ~26 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Nacional — 144 m · ~2 min walk
Edificio Marina Umaña — 395 m · ~5 min walk
Mini Súper Froggie — 58 m · ~1 min walk
Los Ángeles — 285 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Most banks and currency exchange offices are available in San José, but you can also exchange currency at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Be aware that the airport exchange rates might be unfavorable.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is still preferred in smaller towns. Mobile payment options are becoming more common.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants and bars. 5-10% is standard for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee is around 800-1,200 CRC ($1.30-$1.90 USD) at a local café or street vendor.
A budget lunch option is a rice and bean bowl or a sandwich for around 2,500-3,500 CRC ($4-$5.50 USD) at a local eatery.
A cheap dinner option is a plate of casados or a similar local dish for around 5,000-7,000 CRC ($7.50-$10.50 USD) at a local restaurant.
You can find street food vendors in the central markets of Cartago and San José, offering traditional dishes like empanadas, tacos, and soups.
Supermarket chains like Pali and Maxi Pali are common in the area.
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets and second-hand stores, especially in the old town of Cartago.
A day pass for public buses costs around 1,500 CRC ($2.20 USD). From the airport, take the Alajuela bus for around 1,200 CRC ($1.80 USD).
Use public transportation instead of taxis to get around.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable meals.Shop at local markets or second-hand stores for affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Emergency Contacts
Cartago911 is the main national emergency number. For non-urgent police matters, call 117. Red Cross ambulances: 128. Firefighters: 118. In Cartago, local public hospital (Hospital Dr. Max Peralta) is on Avenida 2, Calle 5, tel. 2552-5000. For tourists: contact the tourist police at 1198 if needed.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Cartago, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Casa Mora B&b
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Nacional — 144 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Edificio Marina Umaña — 395 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cartago Central Bus Station → El Copal Hotel (route: Paraíso or Orosi)
💡 Look for a bus marked 'Paraíso' or 'Orosi' and tell the driver you need the Copal turn-off. It's a short walk from the main road to the hotel, so ask the driver where to alight.
San José Bus Terminal (Calle 5 y Avenida 16) → Cartago Central Bus Station
💡 This bus runs frequently but can get packed during peak hours. Get off at the Cartago terminal, then take a local taxi for the final 10-minute ride to El Copal — expect 3-5 USD.
San José International Airport (SJO) → El Copal Hotel, Cartago
💡 Book a yellow official taxi from the airport kiosk to avoid scams. The fare is fixed, not metered. Pay in colones for a better rate; US dollars are accepted but at a poor exchange.
El Copal Hotel → Cartago City Centre (Basilica de Los Angeles)
💡 Uber is legal in Costa Rica but drivers prefer cash. Tip: share your live location with the hotel concierge, as addresses can be vague. Cabify is less common but offers fixed pricing.
About Cartago
Wikipedia ↗
Cartago (Spanish pronunciation: [kaɾˈtaɣo]) is the head city of Cartago canton of the Cartago Province, and is composed of the Oriental and Occidental districts as stated in the administrative divisions of Costa Rica. It was the capital of Costa Rica from 1574 to 1824.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Casa Mora B&b?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on a main street in Cartago may have some street noise. Also, rooms on the north side of the building might receive some morning sun, which could be pleasant.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Mora B&b?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as these areas may experience more foot traffic and noise. This is especially true for rooms on the ground floor or first floor.
Is Casa Mora B&b noisy?
Be aware that the hotel's location on a main street in Cartago may expose rooms to some traffic noise, especially during rush hour. However, the hotel's concrete floors (2-4) will help minimize the noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Mora B&b?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on a main street in Cartago doesn't offer any notable views of the surrounding area. However, rooms on the upper floors with a north-facing orientation might have a glimpse of the city's rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Mora B&b?
If you're driving, note that parking is available on-site, but it's limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as some rooms share a bathroom with another room.
What time is check-in at Casa Mora B&b?
Check-in at Casa Mora B&b is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Mora B&b have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Mora B&b?
₡3,000 per night/person (approximately $5 USD)
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Mora B&b?
A budget lunch option is a rice and bean bowl or a sandwich for around 2,500-3,500 CRC ($4-$5.50 USD) at a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Mora B&b?
A day pass for public buses costs around 1,500 CRC ($2.20 USD). From the airport, take the Alajuela bus for around 1,200 CRC ($1.80 USD).
When is the best time to visit Cartago?
The best months to visit Cartago are November to January, when the weather is dry and mild, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). This is also the start of the dry season, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside. The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices remain relatively low compared to the peak season.
Top Attractions in Cartago
💡 The ruins are a good meeting point, but don’t expect more than a 10-minute walk through. The best angle for a photo is from the south end in late afternoon light.
💡 Ask the attendant to let you into the courtyard garden — it’s not obvious from the street. Free, but they appreciate a small donation (500 colones is fine).
💡 Go on the morning of 2 August, the day of the Virgin of Los Angeles, to see the pilgrimage arrive in full force — it’s free and unforgettable. For a quieter visit, come on a weekday before 9am.
💡 Take the bus from Cartago to San Isidro de El General (hourly, 1,200 colones) and ask the driver to let you off at the mirador. Bring a jacket — it’s windy and cold even at midday. Continue up the trail behind the sign for a better view after 200m.
💡 Entry is $12 for foreigners, but worth it for the orchids alone. Go in January or February when most are in flower. Bring bug spray; mosquitoes are active in the humid sections.