Best Things to Do in Costa Rica's Central Valley

The Central Valley of Costa Rica is a 1,000-2,000m-high basin ringed by volcanoes, containing San José and the surrounding cities of Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. The things to do in Costa Rica’s Central Valley take advantage of this altitude: Poás Volcano, just north of Alajuela, has one of the largest active craters in the world and can be visited on a half-day trip (on clear days, the turquoise lagoon at the crater’s bottom is extraordinary); Irazú Volcano, east of Cartago, is the highest in Costa Rica at 3,432m and has a similarly dramatic crater lake. The Orosi Valley, south of Cartago, is a coffee-growing region of exceptional beauty: hillside plantations, a colonial church (one of the oldest in Costa Rica), and the Ujarás ruins. Lancítiti or Tapantí National Park protects cloud forest in the valley’s eastern reaches. The town of Sarchi, northwest of San José, is the center of Costa Rican handicraft production, famous for painted ox-carts (the national symbol).

Best time to visit

December through April is the dry season — the best time for crater views on Poás and Irazú, which cloud over quickly even in clear weather. Poás in particular has frequent eruptions and closures; check its current status before visiting (ovsicori.una.ac.cr). May through November is the rainy season; afternoons bring daily rain, but mornings are often clear enough for volcano visits. San José’s altitude (1,170m) keeps temperatures comfortable year-round (18-24°C).

Getting around

Juan Santamaría International Airport is in Alajuela, 20 km northwest of San José. Buses connect San José to most Central Valley towns. For volcanoes, organized tours from San José are easiest; rental cars allow more flexibility. The Orosi Valley circuit is best done with a car. Most visitors to Costa Rica use the Central Valley as a hub, with excursions to Manuel Antonio (Pacific coast, 3 hours), Arenal (2.5 hours north), and the Caribbean coast (3-4 hours via the Génesis II route).

What to eat

Casado (a set plate of rice, beans, salad, and meat or fish) is the national lunch staple. Gallo pinto (rice and black beans fried together) is the traditional breakfast. Olla de carne (beef and vegetable stew) is a Central Valley specialty. Coffee: Costa Rica has excellent coffee; Cafe Britt, Dota (from the Tarrazu region) and Volio are reliable brands. For San José restaurants, the Mercado Central and the Barrio Amón neighborhood (the historic quarter, now gentrifying) have the most interesting options.