San Jose & Costa Rica Central Valley
The Heart of Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Central Valley is the heart of the country. The Central Valley region houses practically 70% of Costa Rica’s population and, of course, the capital city of San Jose. This makes the San Jose and the Central Valley region Costa Rica’s political, economic, social and cultural hub. Nevertheless, there’s much more to the Costa Rica Central Valley than just San Jose. A region that combines the urban and the wild, the historic and the modern, it is definitely a place to be explored during your next visit to Costa Rica! Visiting Costa Rica Central Valley is important to get to understand the heart of Costa Rica.
Taking a city tour of San Jose is a great way to get acquainted with the city’s rich culture and history. You can’t miss the capital city’s historical landmarks, stunning parks and beautiful museums such as the National Museum, the National Theatre and the Gold Museum. There are other lesser known attractions in the city like San Jose’s hip new Chinatown or you many just enjoy a shopping spree along the two main pedestrian walkways in the center of the city, Avenida Central or Avenida 2. The Mercado de Artesanías by Plaza de la Democracia (Democracy Square) is probably the best spot for getting fabulous Costa Rican handcrafts by far. If you are looking to try a bit of the local Tico Cuisine, don’t miss the Central Market nestled between the pedestrian walkway should not be missed.
The Central Valley is all about history and Costa Rican culture! The Central Valley’s colonial towns of Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago are the colonial jewels of Costa Rica and are absolutely worth the visit if you’re in the region. You can glimpse Alajuela as you land in Costa Rica as it is also the home to the Juan Santamaria International Airport, the most important in the country is just 18km outside San Jose. The Central Valley has other impressive historical attractions like the ancient churches of San Jose de Orosi in Orosi, and Our Lady of the Angels in the province of Cartago, who is the Patron Saint of Costa Rica.
If you are looking for a one day tour in Costa Rica to explore the valley, the picturesque towns of Sarchi and Grecia are excellent destinations for admiring some of the country’s art and culture. Or if you wish to learn more about nature, at the Inbioparque you can get a taste of all of Costa Rica and its micro climates in one single place! Speaking of nature, the Central Valley is home to exuberant rainforests and the country’s characteristic wildlife. Costa Rica’s central valley is uniquely situated to offer top-notch eco-adventures just on the outskirts of the city! Just outside of San Jose you will find national parks and reserves like the Braulio Carrillo National Park which is excellent for bird-watching and enjoying a day in nature. Not too far from San Jose or Cartago, you can find the Irazu Volcano and Poas Volcano National Parks, where taking a hike to the craters will open your eyes to another level of natural beauty. Seeking a bit more adventure and want to experience Costa Rica`s favorite past time? Head to the Reventazon River Valley for great rafting spots, kayaking or just going for a dip! This conjunction of city and nature makes it possible to bring out the adventurer in you for the day yet make it back in time for a nice dinner in town.
And finally, the most important thing about the Costa Rica Central Valley….it is CENTRAL!! San Jose, being the primary urban center of the country allows you to visit anywhere in Costa Rica in just one day! Traveling to, from and within the Central Valley is super easy!! Shuttles, buses, car rentals, even domestic flights bring other country attractions within arm’s reach thanks to the Central Valley’s accessible revamped highways. You can get to Puerto Limon on the Caribbean coast from San Jose on the Guapiles Highway in just 2.5 hours. You can get to Jaco on the Pacific coast in just about 1.5 hours. For those who are even more limited on time, there is Nature Air’s hub, Costa Rica’s #1 airline making it possible to arrive anywhere you go in the country in less than 1 hour!
The Costa Rica Central Valley is not only for a single-night stop on your way to your beach destinations. If you arrive to the Juan Santamaria International Airport or stop by for a visit to San Jose, take the extra time and stick around a bit longer. We guarantee, you won’t be disappointed during your stay in Costa Rica’s Central Valley!