Central Valley Region of Costa Rica

Although many foreigner refer to it as Costa Rica's Central Valley, the region is actually more characteristic of a plateau. Costa Ricans refer to the area as Meseta Central, which translates to Central Plateau—literally, Central Table.

Central Valley Costa Rica

Perhaps the plateau earned the name Central Valley due to the many mountain ranges that encompass it, which certainly gives visitors the false impression that they are indeed in a valley. The Mountains of the Cordillera Central (Central Mountains) bound the valley to the north and east, while the massive Talamancas hem the region to its south and west. These highlands are easily accessible from San Jose and the surrounding areas, including volcanoes Poas and Irazu in the Central Mountains.

Between the mountain ranges lies the Reventazon River valley, where the smooth alluvial plane extends to the Caribbean coast. The Guapiles Highway (Hwy 32) runs east to west to Puerto Limon, only a 2.5 hour drive away, filling the gap left after the destruction of the old railway during the 1991 earthquake.

San Jose has many suburbs outside the city limits, which include the upscale areas of Santa Ana and Escazu. Outside of San Jose lie the important colonial towns of Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago, each of which is the administrative capital of the provinces that bare their respective names. Once the colonial capital, Cartago lost out to San Jose in a very brief civil war between the two in 1823, following independence from Spain.

The Central Valley’s ideal climate is a blessing in a country that can be drudgingly hot, epically during the summer months. These highlands offer an escape from the dry Guanacaste summer or the humid Caribbean coast.

Conversely, life in San Jose is more hectic, which discourages many visitors who prefer to relax at the beach or visit Costa Rica's National Parks and natural reserves. Most tourist spend a couple of days in the Valley before moving on to Costa Rica's more sought out destinations, such as Jaco, Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific, or Cahuita & Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. Tamarindo, Ocochal, Flammingo beaches are popular destinations in the Nicoya Peninsula. Surfers and naturalist enjoy visiting the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica's Southern tip for the great waves in Drake Bay and the world famous Corcovado National Park.

Visitors can commute from the Central Valley to attractions in the surrounding highlands, and see active volcanoes such as Irazu and Poas, as well as Braulio Carrillo National Park. Transportation is easily accessible from San Jose. Large comfortable buses offer cheap and efficient transportation. Rent your own mini bus or driver to any of the Central Valley's surrounding attractions. You can easily have a action packed day and be back in San Jose to dine at one of the city's many excellent restaurants.

Costa Rica accommodations are plenty and range from modest cheap rooms, hotels and bed & breakfasts to 5 star hotels with all the amenities. Your budget  and the time of year, will determine the options. High season—December to May—can present some challenges to visitors without reservations. Weather is at its best and prices reflect it. The "green season", or rainy season, you'll find less crowds, and rates are lower. Keep in mind, Costa Rica holidays such as the last few weeks of December around Christmas, and during Semana Santa (Costa Rica's Easter week) locals swarm to the beaches. Reservations should be made ahead of time, up to three months in advance, as hotels fill up quickly.

Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela is the landing spots for visitors bound to the San Jose area from abroad. From here, you can choose from many nearby hotels that offer free shuttle service from the airport, or head downtown San Jose only a short 20 minute drive away.

San Jose Guide:

San Jose, the Capital of Costa Rica, is the hub of all transportation in Costa Rica. For that reason, it is usually the first place you will visit while in Costa Rica. It lies between three Costa Rica volcanoes. There is a large variety of Costa Rica hotels, parks, restaurants and attractions for visitors. The first thing noticed about San Jose is the local friendliness. The city is set up on a pretty logical grid system. When on foot and touring the capital, Costa Ricans, also known as Ticos, are always willing to lend a hand with directions. Always remember though, locals use landmarks not street names for directions, and if you just can't figure out where you are, find a local church. Every church in Costa Rica faces west. While in the Capital, you have access to the best public transportation in all of Central America.  

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