Central Valley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Paz Waterfall Gardens National Park
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.

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Where to stay in Central Valley

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La California

5/5(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 Casa Amarilla.

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

Hospital

4/5(1 area review)

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

Hospital
Parque morazan

Carmen

While visiting Carmen, you might make a stop by sights like Casa Amarilla and Asamblea Legislativa.

Carmen
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 AU$163 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$163
18 Mar - 19 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! (2,004 reviews)
Very dirty

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Barceló San José

Barceló San José

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas 3km San José San Jose
The price is AU$106 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$106
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! (1,916 reviews)
I like the hotel, but it is located in the mist of several freeways, making it very noisy for my comfort!

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Barceló San José
Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

3 out of 5
Pan American Highway La Asunción Heredia
The price is AU$202 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$202
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in La Asunción. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Multiplaza Mall Escazu and National ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (272 reviews)
Close to the airport, appreciate the shuttle and breakfast after our late night arrival.

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose
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! (976 reviews)
We only stayed for one night after an event. The check in late at night was a breeze and the attendant was very attentive to my mother’s handicap status. The apartment we had was beautiful and very spacious. We could have accommodated 6 easily, which was the original plan. We only ended up being ...

Reviewed on 2 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! (745 reviews)
Staff were very welcoming and helpful, and the breakfast was amazing. Hotel is very clean.

Reviewed on 21 Feb 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, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (244 reviews)
Nice location. Not the smoothest check in but all in all a nice place to stay

Reviewed on 2 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