Costa Rica Vacations at Central Valley
The Central Valley of Costa Rica boasts a nearly perfect climate that enhances the unusual landscape shaped by the majestic volcanoes and fertile hillsides, dotted with coffee farms and sugar cane plantations. Most of the country’s population lives within this fertile temperate valley, also known as Great Metropolitan Area.The capital city of San José, the focal point of the Central Valley, is located at 3770 feet above sea level, providing an ideal climate with temperatures ranging from the mid 80° F (26.6° C) during the day to about 60° F (15.5° C) at night. The modern town of Escazu and Santa Ana, in San Jose´ s west side, provide a wide variety of shopping activities and a thriving nightlife with its many discos, bars, casinos, fine restaurants and shopping malls.
Beneath the Plaza de la Cultura (Culture Square), in San Jose downtown, an important collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts gleams inside the enormous vault of the Gold Museum. To one side of the Plaza lies the beautiful National Theatre, an architectural jewel of the capital. Attending a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra, one of Latin America’s best, is a highlight to any visit.
A few blocks away is the Jade Museum, located on the 11th floor of the National Insurance Building (INS) which features the largest collection of pre-Columbian jade in the Americas.
Topping the list of things to do while staying close to San José is a drive-up visit to the Poas Volcano- (towering 8,870 feet)- or the Irazu Volcano which reaches 11,260 feet above sea level.
One of the most popular and lovely towns in the Central Valley is Sarchi, center of Costa Rica’s oxcart production and home to a flourishing crafts industry. Here visitors can browse through numerous shops to find unique local handcrafts and souvenirs.
If your dream is to solely explore the natural world of Costa Rica you may want to bear in mind that San Jose is the main gateway for more than 25 one-day tours, many of them visiting natural reserves and parks. Also, if you arrive into Juan Santamaria International Airport on a late night flight, or depart on an early flight, we strongly recommend staying overnight in San Jose.
The Central Valley and San Jose area offers deluxe 5-Star hotels and s
ophisticated boutique hotels, as well as many small bed and breakfast accommodations.
