Central Valley and Highlands
The Central Valley and Highlands of Costa Rica combine to make one of the most diverse regions of the country. The valley is home to the capital city, San Jose. The Central Highland areas which surround the valley can be described as off the beaten path eco-tourist paradises. These hills and mountains are covered with rain and cloud forests, volcanoes, coffee plantations, and small farming villages. Turrialba is home to some of the best whitewater rafting and canyoning in the world. The emerald green rain and cloud forest covered mountains of Heredia are spectacularly beautiful and home to attractions such as La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano. Areas such as San Gerardo de Dota and San Gerardo de Rivas are surrounded by extraordinary cloud forest, which is prime habitat for hundreds of species of tropical birds. Click below to read more about the diverse Central Region of Costa Rica.
Turrialba
Turrialba is one of the least visited, yet most exciting destinations in Costa Rica. This area is an adventurers paradise with spectacular scenery in all directions. The rolling green hills and the volcanoes that surround the pueblo make it unique, even for Costa Rican standards. World class canyoneering and whitewater rafting, archaeology, culture and the volcano are all great reasons to visit this area.
Location: Central Costa Rica
Why La Fortuna? Adventure, Volcano, Culture
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Combines well with: South Pacific destinations, Caribbean destinations, Sarapiqui
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
Heredia-Poas
The Poas Volcano and Heredia Highlands area is one of the most beautiful destinations in Costa Rica. This area is rich in culture with traditional coffee plantations and typical Costa Rican old world charm. The area is also home to rainforest, cloud forest and rolling green mountains, making it one most unique destinations in Central America.
Location: Central Costa Rica
Why Heredia-Poas? Volcano, Culture
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Combines well with: Arenal Volcano, Sarapiqui, Central Pacific destinations
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and namesake of the country’s largest international airport. The population of the city and surrounding suburbs is nearly 400,000. It is situated in the middle of Costa Rica in the Central Valley with routes that lead to all of the various regions of the country.
Location: Central Costa Rica
Why San Jose? Business, Culture, Airport
Destination type: City
Combines well with: Northern Zone, Central Pacific, South Pacific, Caribbean
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo de Dota is a birdwatchers paradise and often referred to as the Monteverde of 20 years ago. The area is situated in the cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountain Range within the Province of San Jose. With the assistance of a local guide, birdwatchers will have the opportunity to spot many species such as Quetzals and Emerald Toucanettes.
Location: Central Costa Rica Highlands
Why San Gerardo de Dota? Birdwatching, Culture, Cloud Forest
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Combines well with: South Pacific destinations, Turrialba
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
Alajuela
Located in the Central Valley, Alajuela is the second largest city in the country. It is known as one of the safest and cleanest cities in Central America and nicknamed the City of Mangoes. Alajuela is not only one of the most important cities in Costa Rica due to size, but also because it is the actual home of Juan Santamaria International Airport. The most popular attraction near Alajuela aside from the airport is Poas Volcano.
Location: Central Costa Rica
Why Alajuela? Business, Culture, Airport, Poas Volcano
Destination type: City
Combines well with: Northern Zone, Central Pacific, South Pacific, Caribbean
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
Escazu
Located along the outskirts of San Jose, Escazu is considered by many to be Costa Ricas second chance at a great city. Escazu is an affluent city and comparable to any modern city in the United States with modern buildings, services and infrastructure.
Location: Central Costa Rica
Why Escazu? Business, Culture, Airport
Destination type: City
Combines well with: Northern Zone, Central Pacific, South Pacific, Caribbean
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
Grecia
Grecia is a small pueblo located 22 kms northwest of Alajuela. It is mostly known and recognized for the red roofed Catholic Church in the town center which was shipped in from Belgium in the 19th century.
Location: Central Costa Rica
Why Grecia? Souvenirs, Culture
Destination type: Off the beaten Path
Combines well with: Central Region
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
San Isidro de El General
San Isidro de El General is an important trade zone connecting northern Costa Rica to the southern zone. In order to reach San Isidro you have to drive through the mountains on the Inter-Americana Highway which is quite an adventure in its own. Most visitors are just driving through on their way to the southern zone or on their way to ascend Cerro Chirripo, which is the tallest peak in Central America.
Location: South Central Costa Rica
Why San Gerardo de El General? Cerro Chirripo
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Combines well with: South Pacific destinations, Turrialba
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
Sarchi
Sarchi is home to the highest population of crafters, woodworkers and artisans in Costa Rica. Within this small town there are over two hundred such shops. There are also many small restaurants and the town is surrounded by coffee fields. Sarchi makes a great half day trip at the beginning or end of your vacation.
Location: Central Costa Rica
Why Sarchi? Souvenirs, Culture
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Combines well with: Central Region
Closest Airport: San Jose - SJO
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