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The capital of Costa Rica, the large, sprawling city of San José is the focal point of the Central Valley with a spectacular setting, ringed by jagged mountains and volcanoes on all sides.
Due to earthquakes over the years, most of the colonial buildings and much of the charm of the city has disappeared. What remains today is a mixture of restored and rundown buildings huddled under a modern skyline.
The city still retains a good mix of museums and general attractions that are of interest for those willing to get under the skin of the capital.
The Central Valley
The surrounding countryside of the Central Valley is stunning, characterised by coffee plantations; pockets of rain and cloudforests teeming with birdlife, butterflies and orchids; spectacular volcanic craters and tumbling rivers for rafting.
It’s a great place to begin any trip to the country.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to San José & Central Valley by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists
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Suggested itineraries featuring San José & Central Valley
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in San José & Central Valley, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near San José & Central Valley
- El Silencio Lodge 25 miles away
- Turrialba 28 miles away
- San Ramón 29 miles away
- San Gerardo de Dota 32 miles away
- Central Pacific Coast 35 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui 37 miles away
- Manuel Antonio 39 miles away
- Esterillos 41 miles away
- Dominical 50 miles away
- Monteverde Cloud Forest 53 miles away
- Arenal Volcano 56 miles away
- Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast 58 miles away
- Northern Pacific Coast 67 miles away
- Tenorio Volcano 82 miles away
- Caño Negro 83 miles away
- Corcovado & Osa Peninsula 91 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 93 miles away
- Manzanillo 100 miles away
- Playa Potrero 121 miles away
- Tamarindo 122 miles away
- Golfo de Papagayo 130 miles away
Photos of San José & Central Valley
Our expert guides to exploring San José & Central Valley
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting San José & Central Valley, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate San José & Central Valley at its best.
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What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide
What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide
One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica attracts nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike. Country specialist, Nik, picks out some of the country’s highlights, from white-water rafting to wildlife spotting in the cloudforest.
Read this guide -
Luxury holidays in Costa Rica Luxury holidays in Costa Rica
Luxury holidays in Costa Rica
Luxury in Costa Rica lies in the unrivalled wildlife that covers the country, from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast. With small hotels designed to make the best of the natural surroundings, this is barefoot luxury at its most pure.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Costa Rica Honeymoons in Costa Rica
Honeymoons in Costa Rica
Volcanic hot springs, cloudforest, beaches, rainforest reserves and white-water rivers: Costa Rica lends itself to couples seeking an adventurous, eco-conscious honeymoon with many chances to spot wildlife. Specialist Michael reveals where exactly to go, and the best places to stay.
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Accommodation choices for San José & Central Valley
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit San José & Central Valley. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Chayote Lodge
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The Alta Hotel
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Xandari Resort & Spa
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Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Finca Rosa Blanca
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Hotel Grano de Oro
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Hotel Presidente
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Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
San José & Central Valley
Ideas for experiencing San José & Central Valley
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting San José & Central Valley, and which use the best local guides.
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Café Britt Coffee Excursion Café Britt Coffee Excursion
Café Britt Coffee Excursion
Traditionally dressed guides will take you on an interactive tour around the six acres of coffee fields, tropical gardens and coffee processing facilities. The volcanic views from the plantation are spectacular along with those of the Central Valley.
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Rain Forest Aerial Tram Rain Forest Aerial Tram
Rain Forest Aerial Tram
The 2.6 km long ride lasts about 90 minutes and takes you on a fascinating journey through the canopy which is one of the most biologically diverse rainforests in Costa Rica.
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Pacuare River Rafting Pacuare River Rafting
Pacuare River Rafting
This heart-thumping trip takes you along the Pacuare River's grade III and IV rapids, which wind their way through stunning virgin rainforest where a huge diversity of animals, birds and butterflies can be seen along the river's edge.
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