Exploring Sanatorio Durán: Costa Rica’s Haunted Sanatorium

Deep in the hills of Cartago, Costa Rica, sits one of the country’s most infamous haunted sites—Sanatorio Durán. Built in the early 20th century, this sprawling hospital once treated tuberculosis patients under the direction of Dr. Carlos Durán. Over time, it also served as an orphanage and a prison before falling into ruin. Today, it’s a decaying relic that draws travelers, urban explorers, and paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.

I recently visited Sanatorio Durán myself, and the atmosphere is exactly as chilling as the stories suggest. Crumbling walls, echoing corridors, and graffiti-covered wards create the perfect setting for ghostly tales. Locals whisper about the spirit of a nun who wanders the halls, children’s laughter in the abandoned dormitories, and the heavy presence of the countless patients who once lived—and died—here.

I captured footage from inside the sanatorium and turned it into a one-minute TikTok video. If you want a glimpse inside this haunting place, check it out here: https://www.tiktok.com/@talesfromthegloom1/video/7551812154547113246

Sanatorio Durán was built in 1915 under the direction of Dr. Carlos Durán, who had a personal connection to the hospital—his own daughter was diagnosed with tuberculosis. At the time, Costa Rica was fighting one of the deadliest diseases in the world, and isolation in the fresh mountain air of Cartago was believed to be one of the best treatments available.

The building itself was massive for its time, with long hallways, patient wards, treatment rooms, and courtyards designed to give patients both space and light. It operated for decades as the country’s most important tuberculosis hospital. But Sanatorio Durán’s story didn’t end there.

After tuberculosis was brought under control, the building was repurposed multiple times:

• Orphanage: Housing children left without families.
• Psychiatric hospital: Caring for patients with mental health conditions.
• Prison: Its remote location and strong construction made it a natural choice.

By the 1960s, the facility was abandoned. The mountain weather, vandalism, and time transformed the once-busy sanatorium into a decaying ruin. Today, the walls are covered in graffiti, the windows are broken, and nature has crept back in—yet the structure still holds its eerie shape.

Locals and visitors alike claim that the spirits of patients and staff never left. Some report seeing the ghost of a nun who tended to the sick, while others hear the laughter of children in the empty dormitories. Shadows moving in the hallways, sudden chills, and unexplained whispers are part of almost every visitor’s story.

This mix of history and legend makes Sanatorio Durán one of the most famous haunted places in Costa Rica. Whether you go for the architecture, the history, or the paranormal, the site offers a haunting reminder of the past.

Sanatorio Durán sits on the slopes of the Irazú Volcano, just outside of Cartago, Costa Rica, about an hour’s drive from San José. Its location is part of what makes the atmosphere so striking—you’re surrounded by misty mountains and cool air that seems to seep into the abandoned corridors.

Today, the site is open to the public, and visitors can freely explore the remains of the hospital. For a small entrance fee, you can wander through:

• Patient wards and dormitories with broken windows and peeling paint
• The chapel where prayers once echoed, now silent and crumbling
• Treatment rooms and operating areas that still feel heavy with history
• Graffiti-covered hallways where both artists and paranormal enthusiasts leave their mark

The sanatorium is popular with photographers, ghost hunters, and travelers who enjoy the eerie and unusual. Many recommend going during the week to avoid crowds, as weekends can bring larger groups.

• Bring a flashlight — parts of the building are very dark, even during the day.
• Wear sturdy shoes — the floors are uneven and weathered.
• Go early or late in the day for the best atmosphere (and spookiest vibes).
• Listen closely — visitors often report strange sounds when the building is quiet.

If you’re planning a trip, you can easily include Sanatorio Durán as part of a day trip to Cartago or the Irazú Volcano National Park. The mix of history, haunting legends, and stunning mountain views makes it one of Costa Rica’s most unforgettable stops.

🛒 Explore my Tales From the Gloom Shop: Tales From the Gloom Shop

You’ll find eerie artwork, haunted prompt packs, and tools for building your own spooky worlds. Perfect for anyone who loves to surround themselves with the supernatural.

🔗 Recommended Amazon Finds for Haunted Adventures

• EMF Meter for Ghost Hunting – Great for paranormal enthusiasts exploring historic places.
• Infrared Thermometer – Detect sudden cold spots, a classic sign of ghostly presence.
• LED Flashlight 2-Pack – Essential gear for exploring dark corridors safely.
• Costa Rica Travel Guide – Plan your trip and include spooky stops like Sanatorio Durán.

Standing inside Sanatorio Durán feels like stepping back in time—and straight into a ghost story. Whether you’re drawn to its history, its architecture, or its legends, the sanatorium is a place where the past lingers in every shadow.

Don’t forget to watch my TikTok video for a first-hand look inside, and if you want to carry a little bit of that haunted energy home with you, check out my Tales From the Gloom Shop. Below are some more photos from my trip.