Places to Explore In Central Valley

Discover the best places to explore in Central Valley with curated recommendations from our travel experts.

Alajuela

Because of its proximity to the international airport (5–10 minutes away), many travelers spend their first or last night in or near Alajuela (pronounced ah-lah-WHAY-lah)...

  • 2 Restaurants
  • 7 Hotels
  • 5 Things To Do

Atenas

By the time you get this far west in the Central Valley, you’re likely headed for Costa Rica’s famed Central Pacific beaches, but the countryside...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 0 Things To Do

Carara National Park

In the wilderness of Carara National Park and surroundings, you might encounter white-faced capuchin monkeys in the trees or crocodiles lounging on a riverbank. The...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 1 Things To Do

Cartago

Although most of its structures from the colonial era are gone, Cartago still has some attractive restored buildings, most of them erected after the devastating...

  • 2 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 5 Things To Do

Escazu

Costa Rica's wealthiest community and the Central Valley's most prestigious address, Escazú (pronounced es-cah-SOO) nevertheless mixes glamour with tradition, BMWs with oxcarts, trendy malls with...

  • 8 Restaurants
  • 3 Hotels
  • 11 Things To Do

Grecia

The quiet farming community of Grecia—the name means "Greece" in Spanish—is reputed to be Costa Rica's cleanest town, and some enthusiastic civic boosters extend that...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 1 Hotels
  • 2 Things To Do

Heredia

The lively city of Heredia, capital of the important coffee province of the same name, contains a couple of the country's best-preserved colonial structures, along...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 2 Hotels
  • 13 Things To Do

Irazu Volcano

Costa Rica’s highest volcano perches on Central America’s "continental divide," offering splendid views of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the summit—assuming the skies are...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 0 Things To Do

Poas Volcano National Park

Arenal may be Costa Rica's most famous volcano, but you can peer right into the crater here at Poás—from the vantage point of an observation...

  • 2 Restaurants
  • 2 Hotels
  • 3 Things To Do

San Antonio de Belen

San Antonio de Belén has little to offer visitors but its rural charm and proximity to the international airport. The latter led developers to build...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 4 Hotels
  • 0 Things To Do

San Ramon

San Ramón hides its real attractions in the countryside to the north, on the road to La Fortuna, where comfortable lodges offer access to private...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 1 Things To Do

Santa Ana

Santa Ana's tranquil town center, with its rugged stone church, has changed little through the years, even though condos and shopping malls now spread out...

  • 2 Restaurants
  • 3 Hotels
  • 8 Things To Do

Santo Domingo

Between Heredia and San José, the pretty town of Santo Domingo de Heredia, established in the early 19th century, has wide streets and fine examples...

  • 0 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 0 Things To Do

Sarchi

Tranquil Sarchí is Costa Rica's premier center for crafts and carpentry. People drive here from all over the country to shop for furniture, and tour...

  • 1 Restaurants
  • 0 Hotels
  • 5 Things To Do

The Orosi Valley

If you have a day to spend near San José, this idyllic valley makes a classic day trip, passing through coffee plantations shaded by poró...

  • 2 Restaurants
  • 4 Hotels
  • 6 Things To Do

Turrialba

The well-to-do agricultural center of Turrialba is a bustling town, with a youthful vibe from the nearby university, a colorful open-air market, and a tree-shaded...

  • 1 Restaurants
  • 5 Hotels
  • 3 Things To Do

Explore Central Valley

Sights 43

Shopping 12

Nightlife 8

Restaurants 20

Hotels 31
Trending Stories
Outdoors
Haunted Jungles Are the Surprising Reason to Visit This Country
More
Beaches
You’ll Love This Surfer’s Paradise Even If You Never Paddle Out
More

Advertisement

Find a Hotel

Guidebooks for Every Journey