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Climate: Perfect – warm, sunny and breezy from December until May
Average Temperature: 75°F with 75% humidity
See Central Valley Weather Region
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San Jose Region: Best Known For.....
Places to See in the San Jose Region
Things to Do in the San Jose Region
This is where most vacations in Costa Rica begin and end. Geographically located in the middle of the country, the Central Valley Tourism Region consists of the areas in and around the city of San Jose, including the Juan Santa Maria International airport and the province of San Jose, and parts of the Alajuela, Cartago and Heredia Provinces. This area is part of the Central Valley weather region and has an ideal tropical climate.
This region also includes the major cities of Alajuela, Escazu, Heredia and Cartago, as well as several of the most popular volcanoes like Irazu and Poas, along with the Braulio Carrillo National Park.
San Jose city, known simply as San Jose, was designated the capital of Costa Rica in 1835. The capital is surrounded by large, forested mountain ranges, some of which include active volcanoes, perennially green savannahs and working coffee plantations.
San Jose is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with all the conveniences of other modern cities – department stores, Internet cafes, shopping malls, fast food chains and universities. It is also home to excellent fresh food markets, , city parks and restaurants. Nightlife in the city is always exciting with the numerous bars, restaurants, casinos, discos and theatres.
Just ten minutes from downtown San Jose, Escazu is an upscale suburb boasting fabulous mountain views, a fresh climate and modern shopping plazas. Escazu is home to a large expatriate population and has malls, restaurants, hotels and other businesses where English is widely spoken. Visitors will find beautifully-maintained gated communities and a lavish country club along with a public 18-hole golf course.
Heredia is a smaller city and is home to the National University of Costa Rica. Heredia is now the capital of the province of Heredia. While smaller than San Jose, Heredia still offers all the amenities of the big city (markets, shopping, historical landmarks, restaurants & bars and central parks).
With modern amenities, local charm and a close proximity to the international airport, Alajuela is a convenient base for sightseeing in the Central Valley. Although Costa Rica’s second largest city, Alajuela maintains a provincial atmosphere. Boasting a movie theater, mall, internet cafes and plenty of shopping, Alajuela has all the frills of a modern city, but moves at a gentler pace and is easier to navigate than nearby San Jose.
Alajuela’s central location and accessibility are ideal for travelers who prefer taking day trips or group tours with the convenience of returning to a familiar hotel. Popular excursions include a nearby butterfly farm, Poas Volcano National Park and coffee tours to Doka Estate, all accessible by public bus. The province of Alajuela is home to several national parks, private reserves and tourist attractions including a butterfly farm, zoo and several plant nurseries.
Cartago, the original capital of Costa Rica until 1823, is the provincial capital of the province of the same name. There are many historical monuments and buildings in this old city. Rich in Pre-Columbian history, Cartago also has many well-known ancient churches. Only 30 minutes from Cartago is Irazu Volcano and its twin giant, Turrialba Volcano.
Other Central Valley Cities:
• Atenas
• Grecia
• Sarchi
• Santa Ana
The Central Valley Tourism Region is best known for:
Volcano tours, whitewater rafting, , and canopy tours
Hot Spots:
San Jose, Alajuela, Escazu, Irazu Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park, and Braulio Carrillo National Park
Places to See:
Museums & Gardens:
- La Paz Waterfall and Gardens
- INBioparque
- Lankester Botanical Gardens
- Fraijanes Recreational Park and Zoo Ave
- The Butterfly Farm
See Also: San Jose museums
Popular National Parks and Reserves:
Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tapanti National Park, Irazu National Park, Poas Volcano National Park, Guayabo National Monument, Turrialba National Park, Rio Macho Forest Reserve, Los Santos Forest Reserve, Central Volcanic Forest Reserve, Cerro las Vueltas Biological Reserve
Other Protected Areas:
Cerro las Vueltas Biological Reserve, Cuenca Rio Tuis Protected Zone, Rio Navarro Rio Sombrero Protected Zone, Cerros de la Carpintera Protected Zone, Rio Tiribí Protected Zone, Cerros de Escazú Protected Zone, El Rodeo Protected Zone, Caraigres Protected Zone, Cerro de La Cangreja Protected Zone, Cerro Atenas Protected Zone, Rio Grande Protected Zone, El Chayote Protected Zone, Rio Toro Protected Zone, Grecia Forest Reserve, Bosque Alegre Wildlife Refuge, La Selva Protected Zone, Cerros de la Carpintera Protected Zone, Cerros de Turrubares Protected Zone, Surtubal Wildlife Refuge, Fernando Castro Cervantes Wildlife Refuge, Finca Hacienda La Avellana Wildlife Refuge, Cerro Chompipe Protected Zone.
Volcanoes:
Barva Volcano , Cacho Negro Volcano, Congo Volcano, Irazu Volcano, La Platanar Volcano, Poas Volcano, Porvenir Volcano, Turrialba Volcano, El Viejo Volcano
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Things to Do:
Air Activities: canopy tours, aerial trams, and
Land Activities: , tennis, golfing, theater, dining, dancing, horseback riding, casino gambling, mountain biking
Water Activities: whitewater rafting & tubing
Read our Central Valley Travel Blogs:
San Jose / Alajuela Day Trips: (May 2007)
- Lankester Gardens, Orosi Valley and Irazu Volcano
- Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Sarapiqui River
- Sarchi and Grecia
- The Butterfly Farm
- Doka Estate Coffee Tour
INBioparque, San Jose - (December 2005)
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