Central Valley

The Central Valley is the residential and business hub of the country as it includes the capital, San Jose and environs. This region has an ideal climate averaging out at 80 degrees year round, with chilly nights that can dip into the upper 40s. You may notice that unlike the laid back flip flops and short, tight clothes worn in other regions, fashion is more of an issue in the city. People stick to long pants and closed toed shoes for the most part, making white tennis shoes or flip flops an easy way to peg you as a tourist. San Jose is in an excellent location to reach all corners of the country. It is also a great place to spend the day exploring, shopping the local markets, or just sitting in a park watching everyone go by. There is also a wide array of restaurants, cafes and theaters to pass the time in style.

Day trips in the region include the Braulio Carrillo National Park, a trip to the Poas or Irazu volcanoes, a cultural tour of Cartago, or a coffee tour of the nearby Britt (Heredia) and Doka (Alajuela) Plantations. Visitors may also want to visit the new Panaca, an agricultural themed educational theme park that brings you face to face with barn animals, or Inbio Park, a nature-themed park that brings you up close and personal with the biodiversity of Costa Rica all under one green roof.

* San Jose
* Santa Ana
* Heredia
* Cartago
* Orosi
* Paraiso
* Sarchi
* Guayabo
* Poas
* Irazu
* Alajuela