Sanatorio Durán: History and Ghost Stories in Cartago, Costa Rica.
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Sanatorio Durán, located in Cartago, Costa Rica, is a place with a spooky reputation. Nowadays a recreation area with abandoned buildings that recall the historical role of Costa Rican medicine, it is best known as one of the country’s most haunted places and has long attracted curious tourists with its ghost stories.
Getting to Sanatorio Durán
Sanatorio Durán is easily accessible from both San José and Cartago. It is located 35 km from San José and just 15 km from downtown Cartago.
By Car
If you’re driving from San José, take the Interamericana Sur highway towards Cartago. Once you’re in Cartago, follow the road to Tierra Blanca – this is also the route to Irazú Volcano. The entire trip usually takes about an hour and 20 minutes but can vary depending on traffic or areas where there may be roadwork causing a delay.
From downtown Cartago, it takes about half an hour to drive to Sanatorio Durán; just follow the same route towards Tierra Blanca – Irazú Volcano.
By Public Transportation
If you’re using public transportation from San José, your first goal is to get to Cartago. Buses to Cartago leave every 10-15 minutes from downtown San José. You can also take the train; however, keep in mind that train service only runs Monday through Friday during specific morning and afternoon hours. The price for either bus or train from San José to Cartago is about ¢700 per person each way
Once in Cartago, you’ll need to take another bus that goes towards Tierra Blanca which will drop you off directly at the entrance of the Durán Sanatorium. These buses leave every hour and usually take between 30-40 minutes to get up there. The fare for this bus is also around ¢700 per person.
Another option would be to use a taxi or services such as Uber or DiDi. Depending on your starting point, an Uber trip from downtown San José to Sanatorio Durán can start at about ¢14,000, while a trip from downtown Cartago can start at about ¢4,000.
All public transportation stops are marked on the map at the end of this article for easy reference.
Entrance Fee & Opening Times
Sanatorio Durán is open every day from 8:00 to 16:00; however, it is usually closed on holidays so it’s recommended to check in advance if you plan to visit on those dates.
Admission costs ¢2,000 per person and can be paid in cash or with a credit card.
History of Sanatorio Durán
The beginning of the history of Sanatorio Durán occurred in the 20th century, when the daughter of Dr. Carlos Durán, former president of Costa Rica, contracted tuberculosis. Dr. Durán sent her to be treated in the United States, where he learned a lot while she was being attended to. Upon her daughter recovery, he therefore decided to come back home and build a sanatorium to treat the disease.
In 1915, the Oreamuno area of Cartago was chosen as the place where this health facility would be constructed. It was believed that it would aid in the healing process for tuberculosis patients due to its cold climate and remote and isolated location. The objective behind its establishment was to have a space specifically designed for treating tuberculosis which at that time was a major health problem
On November 1, 1918, the Carit Sanatorium, as it was initially called, opened its doors. There were four divisions within these walls: men’s ward, women’s ward, children’s ward, and a section for more affluent patients.
By 1963, the Durán Sanatorium was no longer needed for its original purpose and ceased to function as a tuberculosis treatment center. Over the years, the buildings served various functions, including as an orphanage and juvenile prison during the 1980s. Eventually, the buildings were abandoned and stood unused up till today.
Due to its long history and the many deaths that occurred here, the Durán Sanatorium has become a popularly reputed haunted building attracting numerous ghost tales around it with some even alleging that they encountered spirits while visiting.
One of the most popular stories is about a ghost nun who wanders the hallways trying to help patients. Another well-known story is about a little girl who is often seen playing and running through the hallways.
Moreover, it has received considerable attention from both local and international paranormal investigators due its status as being said the most haunted places in Costa Rica. The famous former American TV series known as “Ghost Hunters” once had an episode filmed here; also, Chris McKinnell, grandson of world-renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, have visited on several occasions so far.
Tips for Visiting Sanatorio Durán
- Due to the altitude, the weather tends to be cool and can get cold and rainy; it is recommended that you bring a sweater or raincoat.
- Monday through Friday are best days to visit since weekends tend to get very crowded up there.
- There are no food sales on site; however, food can be brought in – picnic tables are available.
- It is a good place to stop by if you are visiting the Irazú Volcano National Park.
- On the road to the Irazú Volcano, there is a viewpoint with beautiful views of Cartago and the Sanatorium.
