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.

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 Jade Museum.

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
Parque morazan

Carmen

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

Carmen
The National Theatre of Costa Rica

Catedral

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

Catedral
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
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 NZ$308 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
NZ$308
5 Mar - 6 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,457 reviews)
Room was spacious. Comfortable bed.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

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

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

3.5 out of 5
Sobre Autopista General Cañas Ulloa Heredia
The price is NZ$189 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
NZ$189
9 Feb - 10 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! (3,079 reviews)
Excellent. Great value for money. Clean and good location

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
1 Km E from Juan SantaMaria Airport Rio Segundo Alajuela
The price is NZ$338 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$338
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)
Very nice

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (960 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

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! (737 reviews)
Spotless, great breakfast and service

Reviewed on 1 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (238 reviews)
As advertised. Easy check in process

Reviewed on 20 Jan 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