Title: Central Valley Travel Guide: Best of Central Valley, Costa Rica Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk

[Hotels in Central Valley](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Valley-Hotels.d6228028.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Central Valley](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Valley-Holiday-Rentals.d6228028.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Central Valley](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Central-Valley.d6228028.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Central Valley Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Central-Valley.d6228028.Car-Hire-Guide)[Central Valley Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Valley.d6228028.Holidays-City-Breaks)

# Central Valley Travel Guide

## Tourist Guide

![La Paz Waterfall Gardens National Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/828896368944574464/74ce47e2-d8ba-4d24-83be-b7035b610014.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![La Paz Waterfall Gardens National Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/828896368944574464/74ce47e2-d8ba-4d24-83be-b7035b610014.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Poás is one of Costa Rica´s most active volcanoes, and the rain-fed sulphuric pool emits smoke and steam. 

The weather here can change in an instant, so make sure to take photos quickly if you have a clear view of the crater. 10 minutes after I took this photo, clouds and fog covered the area and completely obstructed the view. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6101077/5e97066b-dac1-4d4f-8b0d-449894ad5f8d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![While driving around the mountains, we met this awesome guy!😎 #costarica #nature #toucan #wildlife #thetwohobos #naturelovers #wonderful_places #travel #ig_costarica #ig_nature #TroveOn #roadtrip](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6346193/9839edb1-7f94-4309-ad25-1638c0a6b868.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![It was $40 usd. Well worth it. You get to feed hummingbirds, hold tucan bird's,  see several other animals. It is a little wet and slippery. I would suggest no flip flops. At the end of the long walk is a beautiful waterfall.  No swimming,  but beautiful scenery.  ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/828896368944574464/1e68a5be-77dd-49c2-abd0-8d973eae734e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Central Valley

Where to stay

Things to do

### Where to stay in Central Valley

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### La California

4/5(1 area review)

 Check out the restaurants, shopping and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or Jade Museum. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose-La-California.dx3000007698)

![Aerial view of La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium and San Jose, Costa Rica Skyline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975438337/e07ff0fa-7a70-421e-b174-bca70fcf40d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Barrio Escalante

 If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Escalante and surrounding area, you can visit San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose-Barrio-Escalante.dx553248635975438337)

![Parque morazan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3177/010a135a-5f2b-40f6-a9ff-0b0bcb631776.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Carmen

 While visiting Carmen, you might make a stop by sights like Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and Asamblea Legislativa. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose-Carmen.dx553248635976393228)

![The National Theatre of Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3177/1ae666d8-074a-4175-b4d9-873500eedd7a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Catedral

 If you're spending some time in Catedral, National Museum of Costa Rica and Jade Museum are top sights worth seeing. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Catedral.dx553248635976384567)

![La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/945975010020155392/24ab4f01-d56b-42df-9008-c5f91bdf60ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### La Sabana

 While visiting La Sabana, you might make a stop by sights like Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose-La-Sabana.dx945975010020155392)

![La Sabana Park and Costa Rica National Stadium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975864897/a1393e2d-06e2-4ef8-9e6b-908731da6fca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Mata Redonda

 While visiting Mata Redonda, you might make a stop by sights like National Stadium of Costa Rica and Estadio Nacional. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mata-Redonda.dx553248635975864897)

- Top hotels in Central Valley
- Top Holiday Rentals in Central Valley

![Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/930000/921900/921872/3f2af0e3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hwy 1 Airport Blvd Rio Segundo 

£136

19 Feb - 20 Feb

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...

9/10 Wonderful! (2,468 reviews)

Breakfast was served with real china and real silver ware! Terrific shuttle service! Efficient and friendly staff!

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=19%2F02%2F2026&endDate=20%2F02%2F2026&selected=921872&PinnedHotelID=921872&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6228028)

![Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2310000/2303800/2303711/0262b4c1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

1 Km E from Juan SantaMaria Airport Rio Segundo Alajuela

£147

1 Mar - 2 Mar

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,591 reviews)

Shuttle was easy to get both going and coming....every 15 minutes. Room was clean, staff was very helpful. Appreciate the buffet breakfast.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F03%2F2026&endDate=02%2F03%2F2026&selected=2303711&PinnedHotelID=2303711&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6228028)

![Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1040000/1039800/1039787/6dfcadbb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Sobre Autopista General Cañas Ulloa Heredia

£86

1 Feb - 2 Feb

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ulloa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (3,062 reviews)

Check in went well. Staff were helpful.

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F02%2F2026&endDate=02%2F02%2F2026&selected=1039787&PinnedHotelID=1039787&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6228028)

[See all 2,179 properties in Central Valley](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=31%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026&regionId=6228028)

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.

![Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/40000/34100/34084/e4865290_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

East side of Costa Rica Country Club San Rafael 

Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...

9/10 Wonderful! (957 reviews)

This is a great quality hotel in Costa Rica. In my personal case I went to see a Dentist that happened to be across the street from this place.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose-Hotels-Apartotel-Suites-Villas-Del-Rio.h34084.Hotel-Information)

![Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9430000/9426100/9426098/5a6d5ca0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina

300 meters north ICE building San José San Jose

Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San José. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...

9/10 Wonderful! (732 reviews)

Nice hotell nice bed

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose-Hotels-Hotel-Suites-Cristina.h9426098.Hotel-Information)

![BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67560000/67550900/67550811/18ff5a1b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante

San José, Barrio Escalante. San José San José

Stay at this apartment in San José. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...

9/10 Wonderful! (238 reviews)

As advertised. Easy check in process

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose-Hotels-The-Train-Apartments-Barrio-Escalante.h67550811.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Central Valley](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=6228028&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

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.

## Check Central Valley hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6228028&startDate=2026-01-30&endDate=2026-01-31)[30 Jan - 31 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6228028&startDate=2026-01-30&endDate=2026-01-31)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6228028&startDate=2026-01-31&endDate=2026-02-01)[31 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6228028&startDate=2026-01-31&endDate=2026-02-01)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6228028&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[30 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6228028&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Estadio National and La Sabana Park. San José Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/507595/a90020ae-c78c-4a6b-b4db-8e7642ad88b1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sabana Park

4/5(4 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Sabana Park, a lovely green space in San José. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sabana-Park-La-Sabana.d507595.Attraction)

![Beautiful aerial view os the city of San Jose Costa Rica, and its main park The Sabana ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6101134/b27329da-b981-4821-9424-d629ab914aa0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Stadium of Costa Rica

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Catch an event at National Stadium of Costa Rica during your trip to San José. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/National-Stadium-Of-Costa-Rica-San-Jose.d6101134.Attraction)

![Autódromo](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6355960/58d2e5cc-412d-4d2a-9b47-1f7546f50987.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Parque Viva

Learn about the events happening in Parque Viva during your trip to Guacima. Take in the festivals while you're in the area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Parque-Viva-San-Jose.d553248634304701374.Attraction)

![Parque Central de San José en Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/507591/ffc02a7a-38fa-4cdc-9dc2-79fa04c60bd8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Central Park

4/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of San José with a visit to Central Park. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Park-Hospital.d507591.Attraction)

![Volcán Irazu costa Rica ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6255883/fa848028-d2ce-4d68-bc5f-ac9067653c00.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Irazu Volcano National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Irazu Volcano National Park, a lovely green space in Santa Rosa. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Irazu-Volcano-National-Park-Cartago-Province.d6255883.Attraction)

![San Jose, Costa Rica, National Museum Building in historic city center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502506/9198f440-9feb-4a49-a1d0-9fb86f5e1bf4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Museum of Costa Rica

3.5/5(4 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in National Museum of Costa Rica in San José. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this vibrant area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/National-Museum-Of-Costa-Rica-Catedral.d502506.Attraction)

## Cities near Central Valley

![San José](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/603085/8cc5329d-3997-49fc-ac6a-b6d11b9493c8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### San José

![Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano (Spanish: Volcan Arenal) in north-western Costa Rica in the province of Alajuela. It is an active andesitic stratovolcano.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/11901/ffa4e92c-3a53-47c1-8e58-1b286baa491f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Alajuela

![Man on zip-line. Aventuras del Sarapiqui, Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/12062/b36942f8-72ce-4e41-a9cf-0f5321e66e5e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Sarapiqui

![Beautiful aerial view of the city of San Jose with view of the Sabana Park and the Stadium.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/177814/641d55bf-5b17-4b9a-91f2-d588a97de821.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### San Antonio de Belen

## Explore a world of travel with Expedia

- Accommodation

- [Hotels near Braulio Carrillo National Park ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Braulio-Carrillo-National-Park-Hotels.0-l6101121-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)

- Cities near Central Valley
- Places of interest

[San José](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Jose.dx603085)[Alajuela](https://expedia.co.uk/Alajuela.dx11901)[Sarapiqui](https://expedia.co.uk/Sarapiqui.dx12062)[San Antonio de Belen](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Antonio-De-Belen.dx177814)[Guapiles](https://expedia.co.uk/Guapiles.dx180434)[Escazu](https://expedia.co.uk/Escazu.dx500184)[Santa Ana](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Ana.dx506075)[Alajuelita](https://expedia.co.uk/Alajuelita.dx6004863)[Desamparados](https://expedia.co.uk/Desamparados.dx6004865)[Parrita](https://expedia.co.uk/Parrita.dx6046747)[La Fortuna](https://expedia.co.uk/La-Fortuna.dx6047145)[Atenas](https://expedia.co.uk/Atenas.dx6047932)[Birri](https://expedia.co.uk/Birri.dx6052083)[Tarbaca](https://expedia.co.uk/Tarbaca.dx6052835)[Muelle San Carlos](https://expedia.co.uk/Muelle-San-Carlos.dx6126524)[Santa Barbara de Heredia](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Barbara-De-Heredia.dx6143463)[Tárcoles](https://expedia.co.uk/Tarcoles.dx6143466)[Boca Tapada](https://expedia.co.uk/Boca-Tapada.dx6192151)

- [Multiplaza Mall Escazu ](https://expedia.co.uk/Multiplaza-Mall-Escazu-San-Jose.d6128290.Attraction)
- [Sabana Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Sabana-Park-La-Sabana.d507595.Attraction)
- [Avenida Escazú Shopping Center ](https://expedia.co.uk/Avenida-Escazu-Shopping-Center-San-Jose.d553248634304708374.Attraction)
- [Plaza Real Cariari ](https://expedia.co.uk/Plaza-Real-Cariari-San-Jose.d6193950.Attraction)
- [National Museum of Costa Rica ](https://expedia.co.uk/National-Museum-Of-Costa-Rica-Catedral.d502506.Attraction)
- [Estadio Nacional ](https://expedia.co.uk/Estadio-Nacional-La-Sabana.d6298647.Attraction)
- [Hacienda Alsacia ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hacienda-Alsacia-San-Jose.d553248635976095285.Attraction)

![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg)

## Go further with the Expedia app

Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go.

Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app