Central Valley

Travel 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.

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Where to stay in Central Valley

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La California

4/5(25 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 Casa Amarilla.

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

Barrio Escalante

5/5(2 area reviews)

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
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
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
Parque morazan

Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, Casa Amarilla and Asamblea Legislativa are top sights worth seeing.

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

Hospital

4/5(67 area reviews)

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

Hospital
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas La Asunción Heredia
$103 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
$116 total
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Total with taxes and 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! (1,986 reviews)
The room was terrible. The amenities were in terrible condition. The pool table was atrocious. The shuttle smelled the driver had a prostitute in the back.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 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
$166 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
$188 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
Total with taxes and 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! (2,481 reviews)
Nice hotel

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
Barceló San José

Barceló San José

4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas 3km San José San Jose
$69 nightly
The price is $77 total per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
$77 total
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Total with taxes and 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! (1,917 reviews)
Felt like home

Reviewed on Feb 25, 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
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! (972 reviews)
Spacious, clean rooms and gated. Very posh!

Reviewed on Feb 23, 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! (745 reviews)
Staff were very welcoming and helpful, and the breakfast was amazing. Hotel is very clean.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 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, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (243 reviews)
A little pricey but spectacular, waking distance from lots of restaurants in a safe neighborhood. Highly recommend

Reviewed on Feb 20, 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