DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Durán Sanatorium

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°1
Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)

Weather…

The Durán Sanatorium, located on the slopes of the Irazú Volcano, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious sites in Costa Rica. It was founded in 1918 by Dr. Carlos Durán Cartín to treat patients suffering from tuberculosis, a disease that posed a major threat at the time. The high-altitude location and fresh mountain air were considered essential healing factors during that era. The sanatorium was a state-of-the-art facility, featuring its own farm, school, and dormitories, forming a self-sufficient community. With medical advancements and the discovery of antibiotics, the sanatorium's importance declined in the 1950s, and it was eventually closed permanently in 1973 following severe damage from the Irazú Volcano eruptions. Today, the abandoned wood and stone buildings stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. The site is renowned for its melancholic atmosphere and numerous ghost stories, making it a popular destination for brave visitors and history buffs alike.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C191920212121202121202020
Rain mm1197076117243239253214231285258162

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Durán Sanatorium is an abandoned ruin not officially open to visitors. Some areas can be entered at your own risk, but access is hazardous.
🕒
Typical hours
As it is an abandoned site, there are no opening hours. Visits are only possible during daylight and at your own responsibility.
📷
Photography
Photography is possible outside and in accessible interior areas, but beware of collapsing parts. The abandoned corridors offer atmospheric subjects.
⏱️
Time needed
A cautious walkaround takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you plan more time for photos and exploration, allow an hour.
➕
Combine with
The sanatorium is near Cartago, so combining it with the Ruins of Cartago makes sense. Lankester Garden is also not far.
🧭
Getting there
Best reached by car, as public transport doesn't go directly. From Cartago, drive about 15 minutes towards Orosi.
💡
Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight for the dark interiors. Let someone know about your visit as the site is remote.

Geography

Coordinates
9.99330, -83.88330

Facts

  • Dr. Carlos Durán founded the sanatorium in 1918.
  • It was primarily used to treat patients suffering from tuberculosis.
  • The facility was self-sufficient, with its own dairy and farm.
  • It closed permanently after the 1973 eruptions of Irazú Volcano.
  • The building also served as an orphanage and a prison for a time.
  • Today, it is famous as one of Costa Rica's most 'haunted' locations.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lankester Botanical GardenLankester Botanical Garden2 km · WExplore →
📍Cot2 km · SWExplore →
ParaísoParaíso3 km · NWExplore →
Irazú VolcanoIrazú Volcano4 km · NExplore →
CartagoCartago4 km · SExplore →
Ruins of UjarrasRuins of Ujarras6 km · NExplore →
TejarTejar8 km · SExplore →
DominicalDominical9 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Durán Sanatorium (1)

Oreamuno (canton)📍 landmark

A canton in Cartago Province, Costa Rica, with a rural setting.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Sanatorio Durán originally?
A hospital for tuberculosis patients.
Is it really haunted?
There are many legends about ghost sightings, making the site popular.
Where is the sanatorium located?
In Potrero Cerrado, Cartago, near Irazú Volcano.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a small fee for the maintenance of the site.
Is it allowed to walk inside the buildings?
Yes, most of the abandoned buildings are open to explore.
Durán Sanatorium: where is it located?
Durán Sanatorium is located in Costa Rica.
Durán Sanatorium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Durán Sanatorium: why is it worth visiting?
The Durán Sanatorium, located on the slopes of the Irazú Volcano, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious sites in Costa Rica.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Costa Rica →

Nearby cities

Paraíso — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Paraíso
Situated in the highlands of Cartago, this city is a gateway to several natural attractions including the Orosi Valley.
Turrialba — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Turrialba
Nestled in a fertile valley, this city is famous for its proximity to the Turrialba Volcano and various river rafting destinations.
Tejar — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Tejar
The main center of the El Guarco canton, acting as a residential bridge between the city of Cartago and the surrounding rural areas.
San Diego — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
San Diego
A key district in La Union, serving as a rapidly urbanizing area east of San Jose.
Tres Ríos — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Tres Ríos
The capital of La Union, a key residential and commercial zone east of San Jose.
Cot — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Cot
A mountain town known for its high-altitude agriculture and cool climate.
Orosi — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Orosi
Located in a beautiful valley, Orosi is home to one of the oldest churches in the country and is surrounded by stunning nature and therma…
Juan Viñas — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Juan Viñas
A historic agricultural town known for its extensive coffee plantations and scenic rural landscapes in the Cartago province.
Pacayas — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Pacayas
A high-altitude village known for its potato production and spectacular views of the Irazu Volcano.

History & landmarks

Lankester Botanical Garden — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Lankester Botanical Garden
A botanical garden famous for its orchid collection.
Orosi Colonial Church — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Orosi Colonial Church
A well-preserved example of religious colonial architecture, this church remains a focal point of the historic Orosi Valley.
Ruins of Cartago — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Ruins of Cartago
The picturesque ruins of an unfinished church in Cartago.

More places

Cartago Industrial Park — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Cartago Industrial Park
A major industrial hub for technology and manufacturing.
🗺️
Church of Cot
Another historic church near Cartago, known for its simple colonial construction and its role in community life.
Zona Franca Cartago — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Zona Franca Cartago
Industrial free trade zone in Cartago.
Cross of Las Ánimas — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Cross of Las Ánimas
A commemorative cross associated with local memory and religious tradition in Cartago Province.
Orosi Church — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Orosi Church
The Church of San José de Orosi is the oldest church in Costa Rica still in use, dating back to the colonial era.
La Negrita Free Trade Zone — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
La Negrita Free Trade Zone
A strategic free trade zone providing infrastructure for international businesses and export-oriented manufacturing.
Battle of Ochomogo Site — Durán Sanatorium (Costa Rica)
Battle of Ochomogo Site
Site of the short 1823 civil war that decided Costa Rica's capital city.