Getting Oriented

The Central Valley is something of a misnomer, and its Spanish name, the meseta central (central plateau) isn't entirely accurate either. The two contiguous mountain ranges that run the length of the country—the Cordillera Central range (which includes Poás, Barva, Irazú, and Turrialba volcanoes) to the north and the Cordillera de Talamanca to the south—don't quite line up in the middle, leaving a trough between them. The "valley" floor is about 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. In the valley, your view toward the coasts is obstructed by the two mountain ranges. But from a hillside hotel, your view of San José and the valley can be spectacular.

• Escazú. Posh town with a growing number of shops and restaurants.
• Santa Ana. Explore the wildlife refuge and traditional church in quaint Santa Ana.
• Grecia. Home to the area's best farmers' market and a unique metal church.
• Sarchí. This relaxing town is known for its crafts and oxcarts.
• Carara National Park. Spot monkeys and toucans in the biologically diverse park.
• San Antonio de Belén. Convenient departure town for trips to the western Central Valley and more.
• Alajuela. Costa Rica's second most populated city is a 30-minute ride from San José.
• Heredia.An important coffee center and buzzing city with university life and old colonial structures.
• Poás Volcano National Park.Peer into the crater of Costa Rica's most famous volcano here.
• Cartago.Costa Rica's oldest city and colonial capital is home to the country's national shrine.
• The Orosi Valley. This pastoral land is the cradle of Costa Rican history.
• Turrialba. Near the bustling market town are its namesake volcano and the archaeological ruins of Guayabo.
• West of San José. The communities immediately west of San José are the capital’s booming, upscale suburbs. Things turn more pastoral the farther west you go, and you’ll find one of the country's best craft communities, Sarchí, and some luxurious countryside lodges near Grecia and San Ramón. Atenas, a thriving agricultural center known for its coffee plantations and livestock, offers a glimpse into a quintessential Costa Rican town. Heading farther west toward the Central Pacific coast, Carara National Park is home to an impressive collection of plants and animals.
• North of San José. Coffee farms and small valley towns dominate the area north of San José. Their beautiful hotels attract visitors on their first and last nights in the country. Coffee plantations Café Britt and Doka Estate are both here, as is the international airport, near Alajuela. North of Alajuela, Poás Volcano’s turquoise crater lake and steaming main crater make it many visitors’ favorite volcano stop.
• East of San José. The less visited eastern Central Valley holds Cartago, older than San José, with a couple of historic attractions. Irazú is Costa Rica's tallest volcano. On a clear day you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from its peak. The nearby Orosi Valley is an often overlooked beauty. The drive into the valley is simply gorgeous, and a tranquil way to spend a day. Birding destination Tapantí National Park is at the southern edge of the valley. Rafting trips on the Pacuare and Reventazón are based in bustling, growing Turrialba. The nearby Guayabo National Monument, ruins of a city deserted in AD 1400, is Costa Rica's only significant archaeological site.