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

Default Image

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 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
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

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
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 Rp2.625.277 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
Rp2.625.277
Rp2.966.563 total
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! (2,458 reviews)
ok

Reviewed on 6 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 Rp1.708.707 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
Rp1.708.707
Rp1.930.839 total
16 Feb - 17 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! (3,099 reviews)
Loved that there rooms have 2 levels in one room. Definitely a flex and perfect for families or guest that want to be separated. Airport shuttle included and walking distance to restaurants and stores.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

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

Barceló San José

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas 3km San José San Jose
The price is Rp1.155.931 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
Rp1.155.931
Rp1.306.202 total
12 Mar - 13 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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,900 reviews)
All the above

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Barceló San José
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! (961 reviews)
Lots of decent amenities.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 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