Central Valley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Paz Waterfall Gardens National Park
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.
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
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.
the color changing crater lagoon

Where to stay in Central Valley

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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 National Theater.

La California
Aerial view of La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium and San Jose, Costa Rica Skyline

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.

Barrio Escalante
La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium

La Sabana

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

La Sabana
Aerial view of La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium and San Jose, Costa Rica Skyline

Hospital

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Precolumbian Gold Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Hospital
Such a treat to see the incredible blue colors of Rio Celeste from above.

Ciudad Cariari

Ciudad Cariari is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Cariari Golf Course or Cariari Bowling Center.

Ciudad Cariari
Parque morazan

Carmen

While visiting Carmen, you might make a stop by sights like Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and National Center of Art and Culture.

Carmen
Barceló San José

Barceló San José

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas 3km San José San Jose
The price is £57 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
£57
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San José. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,934 reviews)
Service was excellent

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Barceló San José
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas La Asunción Heredia
The price is £88 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
£88
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in La Asunción. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,025 reviews)
Breakfast menu was good. Did not take the shuttle but private reservation was good

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
Hwy 1 Airport Blvd Rio Segundo
The price is £121 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
£121
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (2,457 reviews)
The hotel was clean, staff was top notch and the breakfast was awesome.

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
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

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

3.5 out of 5
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (983 reviews)
Clean room and nice staff

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina

Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina

3.5 out of 5
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! (748 reviews)
One of the reasons I booked this hotel was that it stated in the description that the suite contained a washer and dryer. It doesn’t. The laundry room is downstairs and it costs US$12 to wash and dry a load. The suite itself was huge with a very comfortable bed in a separate bedroom. The breakfast ...

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina
BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante

BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante

3.5 out of 5
San José, Barrio Escalante. San José San José
Stay at this apartment in San José. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (246 reviews)
The condo was clean but smelled of disinfectant. The smell was so unpleasant that I had to keep the window open all the time. Although the window stayed open for the entire time, the smell remained. As soon as I stepped into this condo, I called the BEE management and asked for a different condo, ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Valley