The province of Cartago is located to the south and west of the captal city San Jose. Much of this province is encompassed by La Amistad International Park. The capital city of this province is the city of Cartago, which at one time was the capital of Costa Rica.

Cartago Province is bordered by the provinces of Limon and San Jose. The total land area is 3,124 km². The total population of the Province of Cartago is 461,163 (May 2003). Cartago Province is divided into 8 provinces as follows:

Cantons of Cartago Province:

1. Alvarado
2. Cartago
3. El Guarco
4. Jimenez
5. La Union
6. Oreamuno
7. Paraiso
8. Turrialba