What are the best infamous Costa Rica ancient ruins sites? What might come as a surprise to some, is that Machu Picchu isn’t the only ruin present in Latin America.
Costa Rica is a country of surprises. It not only has 6% of the biodiversity in the world, it also has tons of waterfalls, rainforests and ancient ruins. You can explore a good part of it by following this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.
You can hike a mountain, explore an ancient ruin and swim in the hot springs of Costa Rica all in one day. But unlike its hot springs, Costa Rica ancient archaeological ruins sites are very little known by tourists.
We asked Giorgy from Sabiduri to weigh in on this one. She is going to share you and bring up to light on the diverse Ancient Archaeology ruins sites around Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Ancient Ruins
Hello Costa Rica adventurers! Are you curious about Costa Rica’s ancient ruins? Have you ever wanted to explore mysterious archaeological sites and uncover their secrets?
Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got the scoop on the best Costa Rican Archaeology Ruins. Get ready to feel like an intrepid explorer as we journey through the best infamous Costa Rica ancient archaeology ruins sites!
Stones Spheres of Costa Rica
The Costa rican people sure knew a thing or two about creating something truly magical – especially when it comes to the mysterious Stones Spheres of Diquís!
This incredible Costa Rica ancient ruin site is home to some of the best known stone sculptures in the Isthmo-Colombian area. You’ll be amazed by what you find on this Costa Rica adventure.
Located on the Diquís Delta and on Isla del Caño, this archeological site is also known as Finca 6 or the Palmar Sur archeological site – and once you’ve seen them, you’ll understand why!
These mysterious spheres are thought to have been placed in lines along the approach to the houses of Costa rican chiefs, although their exact significance remains unknown.
The archaeological findings here date back as far as 300–800 CE and 800–1550 CE and you can find some of the spheres “in situ”, meaning they have never been moved since they were discovered.
This Costa Rica ancient ruin site is sure to leave you with a sense of awe and wonder – what secrets does Palmar Sur hold, just waiting to be uncovered by Costa Rica explorers?
- Location: Puntarenas region in the south-east of Costa Rica
- How to get to the stones spheres: 5 hours by car from San José
- What to explore nearby: Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands, Reserva Forestal Golfo Dulce
💡 How about a total immersion in nature with a local family in Palmar Norte? Stay in the rustic cabin of La Muñequita Lodge 1, in the middle of nature with kind-hearted hosts!
Ujarras Ruins & Church
Are you ready to explore Ujarras ruins? This mysterious archaeological site is one of the oldest in Costa Rica and part of its rich history.
Located in the lush Orosi Valley in Cartago province, Ujarras ruins offer a chance to get an inside look into the culture of the Costa rican people.
The Ujarras ruins is basically a Spanish colonial church, built between 1575 and 1580. It is a stunning sight to behold! It’s surrounded by greenery that creates a tranquil atmosphere.
For those feeling extra adventurous, why not take a trip to Tapanti National Park? This biologically diverse park offers plenty of thrills and spills for Costa Rica thrill-seekers.
There you can explore unique species of flora and fauna, take a dip in the river or even have a picnic! So don’t forget to add Ujarras Ruins to your list of Costa Rica ancient ruins adventures – it’s sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget!
- Location: south-east of San José
- How to get to Ujarras Ruins: 1 hour and a half by car from San José
- What to explore nearby: Tapanti National Park, San José, Irazú Volcano National Park, Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins, Orosi Valley hot springs
💡 After visiting the Ujarras ruins, you should stay in the Orosi Valley. This green lush valley is home to dreamy natural hot springs you could relax in after a day of adventures. To fully soak in the atmosphere, the best local hotel to stay at is Agroturismo Finca Sermide.
Guayabo National Monument
Are you ready to venture into the mysterious world of Costa Rica ancient archaeology ruins? If so, then you’ll definitely want to check out Guayabo National Park and Monument.
This archaeological site is like something out of a fantasy novel – with its pre-hispanic architectural structures developed in river boulders (same to be found in time between 1000 BC and 1400 AD) and its lush pre-montane evergreen rainforest.
It’s no wonder why it is the most important place with archaeological structures that awaits Costa Rica thrill-seekers!
Located northwest of the city of Turrialba, this 233 hectare wilderness protected area offers plenty of thrills to be had. As you explore the archaeological structures, it’s almost like being taken back in time to when the Costa rican people inhabited this place.
You can get a glimpse into their lives as you explore the remnants of prehistoric life and discover just what made them choose this special spot to settle.
The Costa rican people here were experts at hunting, fishing and agriculture – they must have been incredible! What’s even more amazing is that no one knows why this place was abandoned before the arrival of the Spaniards.
Make sure to add this incredible Costa Rica ancient ruin site to your list of must-see places in the country. Who knows what secrets you’ll uncover in your Costa Rica ancient archaeology ruins adventure? Sounds like a blast, doesn’t it? Let the journey begin!
- Location: east of San José
- How to get to Guayabo National Park Monument: 2 hours by car from San José
- What to explore nearby: Irazú Volcano, Aquiares Waterfall, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Parque Nacional Barbilla
💡 Casa de Bambú is the perfect little bamboo cabin to stay in in the area of the Guayabo National Monument. It’s both cozy and cute, and it offers an incredible view on nature.
Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins
If you’re looking for a Costa Rica ancient archaeology ruin that’s sure to bring out the kid in you, then Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins (also called Las Ruinas de la Parroquia or Ruins of Cartago) is the place to be!
This famous Costa rican ruin site has been around since 1575 and takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through time. You’ll discover remnants of the original church which was damaged by an earthquake in 1630.
After that, it was demolished in 1656. However, a new church was constructed with two chapels that were used by Costa Rica people until an earthquake destroyed it in 1718.
Construction completely stopped in 1910, leaving behind the remains of what is now one of Costa Rica’s tourist attractions!
The Costarican people gave this place its special name, Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins, and it’s sure to be an adventure you won’t soon forget.
As you explore the ruins, it feels like you’re stepping right into the past – and who knows what other surprises await Costa Rica explorers?
Make sure to add Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins to your Costa Rica ancient ruins list.
- Location: south-east of San José
- How to get to Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins: 1 hour by car from San José
- What to explore nearby: San José, Irazú Volcano, Ujarras Ruins
💡 When visiting the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins, you should stay in the magical Oriso Lodge. This haven of peace has a charming decoration, both inside and outside.
Duran Sanatorium Cartago
If you’re looking for a Costa Rica ancient ruin site that’s a little spookier than your average archaeological destination, then Duran Sanatorium Cartago is the place for you!
Located near Cartago, this Costa rican structure has seen a lot of history during its lifetime – from being a tuberculosis hospital to an orphanage and even a prison, no costa rica explorer can deny that this place is full of secrets.
But the secrets don’t end there! After sustaining structural damage from the Irazú Volcano eruption, the building has remained abandoned for years – but not everyone is convinced it’s completely empty.
If Costa Rica ghost stories are your thing, you’ll be sure to enjoy tales of strange sightings and weird noises coming from Duran Sanatorium Cartago!
Could this Costa Rica ancient ruin site truly be haunted? Will Costa Rica adventurers brave the spooky hallways in search of answers?
- Location: east of Costa Rica
- How to get to Duran Sanatorium Cartago: 1 hour by car from San José
- What to explore nearby: San José, Irazú Volcano National Park
💡 Who would say no to sleeping in a bungalow with a view on a green valley? Villas Valle Bello offers all that and more. Its terrace is the perfect place to eat, relax or write your journal.
San Lucas Prison
If you haven’t had enough adventures yet, then you’ll want to add San Lucas Prison to your Costa Rica adventure list!
This Costarican ancient ruin site has seen more than its fair share of history – from being described as “hell on earth” in the past, to becoming Costa Rica’s 30th National Park nowadays.
Costa rica adventurers will be in awe at what they find in San Lucas Prison – not only is this costa rica ancient ruin site covered with graffiti made by former inmates, but costa rica explorers can also discover eight known archeological sites here!
These costa rican artifacts are believed to be from between 1,000-1,500 AD, adding an extra layer of costa rican cultural heritage to this costa rica ancient ruin site.
You’ll be sure to find plenty of Costarican ghost stories here too – but don’t let that scare you off! Despite its past and mysterious present, Costa Rica explorers will find that San Lucas Prison is an incredibly beautiful costarican destination.
From bio-diverse tropical wildlife to costarican cultural heritage, Costa Rica adventurers are sure to have a truly unforgettable experience here!
- Location: Gulf of Nicoya of the province of Puntarenas, east of Costa Rica
- How to get to San Lucas Island: 2 hour by car to reach Puntarenas from San José, and 40-minute boat ride
- What to explore nearby: east of Puntarenas (Santa Teresa, Montezuma)
💡 After this last visit, you can enjoy a luxurious stay in an idyllic hotel with swimming pool, on the edge of Playa Naranjo. OPacifico Hotel Boutique offers a dream setting, where you can relax and make a total reset.
FAQs – Costa Rica Ancient Ruins
Ah, Costa Rica ancient ruins – mysterious and majestic in equal measure! From ancient burial sites to Costa rican artifacts predating the arrival of Spanish settlers, Costa rica exploration of these costa rican archaeological destinations is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
But what else do we know about Costa Rica’s ancient ruins? Is Costa Rica worth visiting? What Costa rican secrets still remain to be discovered, and what surprises await adventurers on their exploration journey?
If you’ve ever wondered these things – or just want to brush up on some Costa rican history – then buckle up: we’re about to go on a Costa Rica ancient ruins of FAQs! Let’s get started, shall we?
🌴 Traveler tip: you don’t experience Costa Rica right if you don’t sleep in their incredible treehouse hotels at least once!
Does Costa Rica have Aztec?
Have you ever heard the Costa rican tale of the Aztec who never was? It’s a wild Costa rican story about an ancient civilization that never made it to Costa Rica! Or did they?
Despite the fact that Costa Rica never had a thriving indigenous culture like the Mayan, Aztec or Inka people, adventurers can still find evidence of a rich Costa rican cultural heritage.
This can be seen in the presence of Costa rican artifacts that predate the arrival of Spanish settlers. Could these artifacts provide clues to an ancient civilization?
Perhaps! After all, Costa Rica exploration isn’t just about Costa rican ruins – Tourists can also uncover this country’s secrets in the form of national ghost stories, waterfalls and volcanoes.
These myths tell tales of mysterious beings who, perhaps, have origins in Mesoamerica or other ancient civilizations. So what do you believe? Is this Costa rican tale of the Aztec a myth, or could historians uncover evidence that Costa Rica once had an ancient Aztec civilization?
We may never know – but Costa Rica adventurers are sure to have fun trying to uncover Costa rican secrets!
Are there Mayan temples in Costa Rica?
Have you ever wondered if Costa Rica had a connection to the mysterious and majestic Mayan world? Well, I’ve got some news for you: Costa Rica does not have any Mayan ruins since it was never a part of the ancient Mayan world.
But don’t despair – there are still plenty of Costa rican secrets and cultural heritage to uncover! While you won’t discover Mayan temples, you will uncover ruins from another civilization.
So if you’re looking for an adventure that’s full of history and cultural heritage, you will definitely have a wonderful time exploring Costa Rica ancient ruins.
Did Incas live in Costa Rica?
Have you ever wondered if the Incas lived in Costa Rica? Well, Costa Rica exploration might not uncover Incan ruins – but it does have a little secret that will make you all say “¡Ay caramba!”.
Indeed, Incas may have lived in Costa Rica until 5,000 B.C. If that’s true, Costa rican artifacts could have ties to both the Incas of South America, and the Aztecs of North America.
Is Costa Rica safe for solo female travelers?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries of Central America. You can easily travel there as a solo female traveler. However, there are some precautions to take as in all countries. We share all your advice in this article about Solo Female Travel Costa Rica.
How to travel to Costa Rica ancient ruins?
So, are you ready to explore Costa Rica ancient ruins and uncover Costa rican secrets? First, you will need to reach Costa Rica.
If you need to fly in from a different continent or country, there are two international airports in the country. They are located in San José, the capital and center of the country, and Liberia, in the north east of the country.
Flying to Liberia could be great if you want to go on a road trip from north to south to explore all the Costa Rica ruins.
If you are traveling from a neighboring country, you can get to Costa Rica by car or night coach. Most backpackers travel with no money and it’s a very cheap option to reach the country.
For instance, a bus ticket to San José in Costa Rica costs $30 USD from Managua in Nicaragua, and $45 from Panama City.
How to travel around Costa Rica?
So what’s the best way to get around Costa Rica? Well exploration fanatics, it’s time to get Costa Rican! Be aware that the adventure starts as soon as you hit the road to your first spot.
Costa Rica isn’t the easiest country to travel around, to say the least. The landscapes of the country and mountain roads make the distances between one city to another quite long.
There are almost no direct buses connecting the different landmarks of the country. You can either rent a car, take a private or shared shuttle, or go for public transportation.
Shuttles are great if you’re not on a budget and not solo traveling. If you are alone, they can easily cancel the shuttle you book if no one else booked the same journey. However, if you can pay full price, you will get to your destination.
Your second best bet is public transportation, the Costa rican way of travel. This means taking a few different buses to get to your destination, which is doable but takes a lot of time.
But, just keep this in mind; Costa rica ancient ruins are a bit off the beaten path. Exploration by car might be the way to travel for you.
To feel free to go wherever you want and whenever you would like to, renting a car is your best option.
💡 Tip: here are the simplest ways to go from San Jose to Monteverde or from La Fortuna to Monteverde.
Wrap-Up: Costa Rica Ancient Ruins
And that’s a wrap for the Costa Rica ancient ruins, which could be the adventure of your lifetime! We have no doubts that those archaeology spots will take your breath away.
From ancient ruins that could have ties to the Incas and the Aztecs, to Costa rican culture influenced by Spanish settlers – Costa Rica has so much to discover.
As you must know if you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, the nature there is just as astounding as the cultural heritage of the country.
If we had to pick one spot out of the marvelous nature sites, it would be the dreamy Rio Celeste Waterfall. Or if you are feeling adventurous, we highly recommend scuba diving in Costa Rica.
