About three quarters of the country's residents live in The Central Valley, and you can see why - Costa Rica's geographical heart is home to San José, coffee plantations, volcanoes, and rapids ideal for rafting. The region has a very pleasant climate, due to its altitude, meaning that days are warm without being sticky, and nights are comfortably cool. It is certainly worth spending additional time exploring this lush area, whether white water rafting down the Pacuare river, visiting the active Poas volcano, or learning about coffee roasting and the cultivation process of macademia nuts.
The Central Valley is the heart of Costa Rica, not only does the area contain the capital of San José (with its many bars and restaurants) but also the high mountains which are home to traditional coffee plantations and striking views. The Central Valley is also surrounded by impressive volcanic mountain ranges, especially the Cordillera Central on the eastern side of the valley.
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What to do
Volcano Tours
There are two highly impressive volcanoes within easy reach of San Jose, and well worth day trip's for anyone staying in Costa Rica for more...
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Searching for birds and big cats in the wild is all well and good, but at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens you’ll find them all conveniently in...
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 activities in Central Valley
When to go
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Valley |
Central Valley
Best time
Low season
Off season
Where to stay
Xandari Resort & Spa
On a former coffee plantation just 20 minutes from San José's airport makes Xandari a great spot to relax and unwind after a long flight, before...
Finca Rosa Blanca
Winner of many Responsible Tourism awards and accolades, this is a working farm and coffee plantation with its roots firmly in sustainability.
Hotel Grano de Oro
Located on a quiet street just off Paseo Colón, this is an oasis within the heart of a bustling city.
Showing 1 - 3 of 4 hotels in Central Valley
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Map of Central Valley
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A Note on Price
Costa Rica is such a small country that it’s easy to explore different pockets for relatively good value. A two week holiday starts from £3,500 per person including international flights.
Itinerary Suggestions
A Family Friendly Adventure in Costa Rica
13 Days
From £2,655pp
Pura Vida: Best of Costa Rica
15 Days
From £6,075pp
Related Ideas
Original Travel Expert: Will Boocock
My highlight: A great way to kick off your holiday is to visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens – a wildlife refuge and nature park - where you'll learn about many of the creatures you’ll subsequently see in the wild.
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Call us on:
+44 (0) 20 7978 7333
Original Travel Expert: Kate Bloomer
Kate is one of our Americas expert who has extensive travel
experience in her home country of the USA, Central America and
South America.
Enquire now
Call us on:
+44 (0) 20 7978 7333