San Jose & The Central Valley

This buzzing capital city is surrounded by a stunning valley of coffee plantations full of excellent lodges.

San Jose is surrounded by vast coffee bean plantations, whose profits helped build the city many years ago. You can sample the delicious “golden bean” in cafes throughout the city or take a day trip to nearby farms to see the coffee-making process firsthand.

Historical highlights in San Jose include the elegant National Theatre, built in 1897, and the Museo del Oro, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.

Many visitors choose to explore the rest of Central Valley, where San Jose sits. This attractive area offers coffee plantations, waterfalls, and short hikes, along with some fabulous lodges and hotels. These properties are ideal for an easy one-night stay after a late arrival but also provide excellent activities and abundant wildlife for a longer visit.

The Pacuare River runs through this stunning region and offers thrill-seekers some of the best white-water rafting in the world. Around its banks, visitors can also enjoy horse riding, zip lining, and mountain biking.

Located in the very heart of Costa Rica, San Jose makes a perfect base from which to start or finish a luxury holiday, combining cultural experiences with adventurous outdoor activities.

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"I loved trekking up to the Poas Volcano with the endless smell of sulphur at this very active site."

SimonWilliams
Simon

FOUNDER, TRAVEL DESIGNER

Where to stay

Grano de Oro, Costa Rica
Grano de Oro
El Silencio Lodge and Spa Costa Rica, Costa Rica Central Valley Relais and Chateaux Costa Rica, luxury Costa Rica, luxury holidays to Costa Rica, tailor-made holidays to Costa Rica
El Silencio Lodge and Spa
Finca Rosa Blanca San Jose Costa Rica
Finca Rosa Blanca
Poas-Lodge-RSZ-1
Poas Volcano Lodge
xandari-2-RSZ
Xandari Resort and Spa
Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge
Chayote Lodge, Costa Rica
Chayote Lodge
Casa-Turire-1-RESIZED
Casa Turire
Alta-2-RESIZED
The Alta Hotel
Gran Hotel, San Jose, Costa Rica
Gran Hotel Costa Rica

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