Central Valley

Travel Guide

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.
the color changing crater lagoon

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Where to stay in Central Valley

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La California

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Check out the restaurants, shopping, and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Theater.

La California
Aerial view of La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium and San Jose, Costa Rica Skyline

Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante might not have many top sights, but San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barrio Escalante
La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium

La Sabana

If you're spending some time in La Sabana, Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

La Sabana
Aerial view of La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium and San Jose, Costa Rica Skyline

Hospital

3/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Precolumbian Gold Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Hospital
Such a treat to see the incredible blue colors of Rio Celeste from above.

Ciudad Cariari

Ciudad Cariari is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Cariari Golf Course and Cariari Bowling Center while you're in town.

Ciudad Cariari
Parque morazan

Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and National Center of Art and Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Carmen
Barceló San José

Barceló San José

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas 3km San José San Jose
The price is CA $88 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
CA $88
CA $100 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,927 reviews)
Great restaurants on the property, friendly staff, great spa.

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

Barceló San José
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas La Asunción Heredia
The price is CA $140 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $140
CA $158 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in La Asunción. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,017 reviews)
After we checked in with Simon, who was very kind and thorough, we were greeted by Marvin who assisted us with our bags to our room. Marvin was super friendly, kind and helpful. We had been traveling for hours from Jaco and were very interested in getting a meal. We went to the hotel restaurant and ...

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
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 CA $190 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
CA $190
CA $215 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,445 reviews)
Great airport stay!

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
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
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (982 reviews)
The breakfast menu was fresh but somewhat repetitive. The staff were lovely. We'd have appreciated an extra place setting in the apartment and an extra pot and a dishcloth.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 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
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San José. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (748 reviews)
One of the reasons I booked this hotel was that it stated in the description that the suite contained a washer and dryer. It doesn’t. The laundry room is downstairs and it costs US$12 to wash and dry a load. The suite itself was huge with a very comfortable bed in a separate bedroom. The breakfast ...

Reviewed on Mar 12, 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 WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (246 reviews)
The condo was clean but smelled of disinfectant. The smell was so unpleasant that I had to keep the window open all the time. Although the window stayed open for the entire time, the smell remained. As soon as I stepped into this condo, I called the BEE management and asked for a different condo, ...

Reviewed on Mar 9, 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.

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Cities near Central Valley