Why should I book my Central Valley holiday with Expedia?

Expedia has you covered for every detail of your Central Valley getaway. You'll always get the best deals around, but when you bundle your accommodation, airfares and/or hire car into a holiday package, you'll score even bigger savings. Looking to truly make the most of your escape? Add some exciting tours and activities to your customised package. We offer flexible cancellation policies on almost all bookings, so there's no need to stress if you have to change your plans. Head over to our Customer Service Portal link to discover more.

When is the best time of year to holiday in Central Valley?

If you'd like to experience the buzz of Central Valley during the high season, book your trip for February, March and May. August, September and December are usually the quietest months of the year. With average daytime temperatures of 20ºC, January is the coolest period in Central Valley. The warmest month is April, when you can experience average temperatures of 22ºC throughout the day. Whatever the weather conditions, you'll discover plenty of things to keep you entertained here.

What are the top hotels for my holiday in Central Valley?

Take a look at Barceló San José and Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica . They're the first choice for lots of travellers to San José. If La Fortuna is on your itinerary, Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort and The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal are two popular options.

How do I get a cheap holiday to Central Valley?

Search for flights that fit in with your schedule, add a hotel to your booking and see how much you save with a Central Valley holiday. It's as easy as that! From hotels and flights to hire cars and activities, Expedia is where your cheap getaway begins. And with more than 400 airlines and 321,000 hotels around the world to select from, you won't be short of choice. Learn more about how you can save money on your holiday when you combine your hotel and flight bookings with Expedia.

What should I do on my Central Valley holiday?

Discover top attractions including La Paz Waterfall Gardens , National Museum of Costa Rica , National Park and National Theatre . With so many fun things to see and do, your holiday in Central Valley will be unforgettable.

What is the best city to stay in when on holiday in Central Valley?

If your holiday itinerary includes a visit to big-name attractions like La Paz Waterfall Gardens and National Museum of Costa Rica, San José is the place for you.

Do I need a visa for my Central Valley holiday?

Look up the most up-to-date information on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're visiting for work or pleasure will determine if you require a visa for Central Valley. Familiarise yourself with the application process, including any required documentation, fees and turnaround times. Start your application well in advance to allow plenty of time for processing. Some visas can take weeks or even months to go through, depending on the country.

What should I wear on my Central Valley holiday?

Although everyone's fashion style is different, it can be useful to have some guidelines for what kind of clothes to wear on your holiday in Central Valley. We recommend browsing style blogs before leaving for inspiration on fashion trends or dress codes. The weather will influence your clothing choices, so monitor the forecast for the places you'll be exploring. Central Valley has its warmest month in April, with a daily average temperature of 22ºC. January is the coolest time of year here with the mercury hovering around 20ºC during the daytime.

What does an Expedia Central Valley holiday include?

Hotels, flights and a cool car for your road trip adventures. Simply mix and match your favourite bundle and get access to incredible deals. Once you've made your booking, add on a couple of activities and tours and watch your savings grow. When it comes to creating your Central Valley getaway, you're in control! Expedia offers a wide range of properties in Central Valley, giving you the flexibility to tailor your holiday. Private holiday homes and apartments are two of the most in-demand options for our customers here.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Central Valley holidays?

Your bank balance shouldn't get in the way of escaping on holiday, so Expedia has worked out a solution to help. Now that we've joined forces with online lender Klarna, it's easier than ever to book a fabulous getaway without draining your savings. Klarna offers flexible payment options during the checkout process that take the stress out of budgeting for your escape. Consider one of these flexible payment options: Pay monthly holidays : Make your holiday dreams a reality sooner with Klarna's convenient instalment plans. If paying bite-sized amounts each month works for you, choose this option during the checkout process. No-deposit holidays : Pressing the "book now" button is much easier with this option. With no upfront fee for your getaway, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start packing your bags.

Can I choose my airline with a Central Valley Expedia holiday?

Expedia offers access to more than 400 partner airlines globally, so you definitely can. Just pick your favourite carrier and craft the perfect Central Valley escape.

Central Valley Holidays 2026 from £935

Top Central Valley Flight + Hotel Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Villa Marala

£935

per person

24 Oct - 31 Oct

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to San José (SJO)

9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)

Tortuga Lodge

Save 100% on your flight

£2,384

per person

24 Oct - 31 Oct

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to San José (SJO)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (268 reviews)

Pacuare Lodge by Böëna

Save 100% on your flight

£2,837

per person

24 Oct - 31 Oct

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to San José (SJO)

10/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)

If you want ultimate rainforest luxury and top level service you should stay here. Not to be missed. Raft in and out via the Pacuare river and be completely enveloped by the forest and river in the middle of nowhere while having high level meals breakfast, lunch and dinner, incredible adventure programs like zip lining through the canopy and repelling down little waterfall. Seriously. 1000% The food was top tier. The service was thoughtful and personal. The staff is amazing. And they have great wifi. In the middle of nowhere. Deep jungle. The rafting is world class. I had a Linda vista villa and it was an absurd amount of space and privacy with a personal plunge pool. Come back from dinner and your lights are on, fan going and curtains drawn. Seriously, stay here. I'm coming back again someday.

Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Lia Hotel Jaco - Exclusively for Adults, WorldHotels Crafted

£1,006

per person

24 Oct - 31 Oct

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to San José (SJO)

9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)

Montaña de fuego Mountain Resort & Spa

£1,600

per person

24 Oct - 31 Oct

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to San José (SJO)

7.8/10 Good! (424 reviews)

Don’t buy into the “all inclusive” idea.

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2026

Where to stay in Central Valley

Find the best Central Valley areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Central Valley

Things to do near Central Valley

Central Valley, Costa Rica, offers an array of outdoor adventures and scenic experiences perfect for a memorable holiday. Enjoy hiking trails, visit local resorts, and partake in educational tours. Explore the vibrant culture with group excursions or discover the stunning landscapes through local tours, ensuring a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation amidst nature's beauty.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Central Valley, visit Plaza Real Cariari, 25.7km away, and Plaza Real Alajuela, 20.9km away, both offering vibrant family and city vibes. Don't miss the San Ramon Municipal Market, 24.1km away, for an authentic local atmosphere and unique souvenirs.

Recreation

Melia Cariari Golf Course offers a luxurious golfing experience, surrounded by lush landscapes just 9.7km from Central Valley. For a tranquil retreat, visit Las Cataratas de Los Chorros, a stunning recreational area 14.5km away, perfect for relaxation. Nearby, Los Chorros Municipal Recreative Park provides a serene environment for leisure activities.

Adventure

At Cariari Bowling Center, located 25.7km from Central Valley, enjoy a fun-filled day of bowling with friends and family. Experience adrenaline at Colinas del Poás, a thrilling zipline course merely 9.7km away, or take the plunge at Tropical Bungee, also 9.7km away, for an exhilarating bungee jump.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Central Valley is vibrant and diverse. Visit Escazu for trendy bars like La Concha, known for its cocktails, or head to San Jose's El Pueblo for a lively atmosphere with numerous clubs. Enjoy live music at venues like Jazz Café, where local artists perform regularly.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Central Valley

Central Valley, Costa Rica, is perfect for an adventurous getaway, offering stunning volcanoes, picturesque waterfalls, and charming farms. Visitors can explore a range of attractions catering to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking scenic beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the best local tours, beautiful beaches, and noteworthy sites in the Central Valley region, ensuring a memorable experience during your vacation.

Hacienda Alsacia: Located 12.9km from Central Valley, this charming farm offers a unique glimpse into Costa Rican coffee culture. Visitors can explore lush plantations, learn about the coffee-making process, and savour freshly brewed local coffee in a picturesque setting.
Juan Castro Blanco National Park: Situated 14.5km away, this national park is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and ample hiking trails, it provides an exhilarating escape into the great outdoors.
Poás Volcano National Park: Just 6.4km from Central Valley, this impressive volcano features a breathtaking crater and vibrant geothermal activity. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and the thrill of exploring one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural wonders.

Best time to go to Central Valley

The best time to visit Central Valley can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Central Valley falls in March, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Central Valley falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	69.3°F (20.700000000000003°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Tips to save on your trip to Central Valley

Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically August to October) for more affordable package holidays to Central Valley.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Language	Spanish
Currency	Costa Rican colóns
Local Welcome	¡Hola!
Local Goodbye	Adiós
Closest Airport	Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)

Language

Spanish

Currency

Costa Rican colóns

Local Welcome

¡Hola!

Local Goodbye

Adiós

Closest Airport

Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)

Top hotels in Central Valley

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Radial Francisco J. Orlich Rio Segundo Alajuela

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£73

1 Sept - 2 Sept

includes taxes & fees

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,149 reviews)

"Everything was perfect!! Excellent service"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

Autopista Grl. Canas, Cruce San Antonio La Asunción

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£93

30 Aug - 31 Aug

includes taxes & fees

9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)

"Great staff and great breakfast. Ample parking space."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2026

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hwy 1 Airport Blvd Rio Segundo

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£96

1 Sept - 2 Sept

includes taxes & fees

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Central Valley attractions