ABOUT COSTA RICA - CENTRAL VALLEY: San JosE, and more...

The central zone is the heart of Costa Rica. San José the capital and other important cities are part of this region. The Central Valley is known for having some of the most important museums in the country, including: Gold Museum, National Museum, Jade Museum, Costa Rica Art Museum, La Salle Natural Science Museum, University of Costa Rica Insect Museum, Children´s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Fortin - Herediaand Design. This region is also home of the architectural jewel of our country, the National Theater which was built more than a century ago, or the Melico Salazar Theater. The International Airport “Juan Santamaria” is also located in the Central Valley through which thousands of tourists arrive each day.

Dozens of “one day tours” can be taken from San Josè. For nature lovers, tourists can enjoy tours to the National Parks. Located in this area are the Poás Volcano, IrazÙ Volcano, Turrialba and Braulio Carrillo. Each of these parks was created as protected areas to preserve the volcanoes. They all have road access so visitors can easily enjoy nature, birds, flora, rivers and landscapes. There are other places that you will not want to miss: the town of Sarchí in Alajuela, it is the most famous Costa Rican handcraft town where the world famous oxcars are painted. As you travel further into Alajuela, towards the Poás Volcano, tourists should visit the DOKA Coffee Plantation tour where guests will visit an working coffee plantation and mill. Another attraction nearby is La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a magical place with a magnificent Butterfly Obseratory, a Hummingbird garden that attracts 24 different species, as well as a serpentarium, ranarium (frog exhibit), a Casita tipica (Typical House), trout lake, cloud and rainforest and five incredible waterfalls.

Continuing to the west side of the Central Valley, the Rainforest Aerial Tram is another good tourist attraction. The 90 minute tram ride above the trees provides a different and magnificent perspective of the rain forest. Visitors will see: snakes, monkeys, sloths, butterflies, birds and plenty of plants. This tour is located in the Braulio Carrillo National Park, mentioned above. For those who like the adventure of whitewater rafting, Sarapiquí River is perfect! It has rafting for Class I, II or III.

As you travel to the east side of the Central Valley, the Lankaster Botanical Garden is the best option to see an impressive collection of orchids and other colorful tropical plants. An architectural and religious site is La Basílica de los Angeles. This church has a very special meaning for Costa Ricans. On August 2nd, Catholics walk towards the church to greet the Virgin Mary for favors and miracles. The IrazÙ National Park is another interesting spot. This active volcano has a long history of activity with a majestic crater.

Also in the east side of the Central Valley is Turrialba. Here tourists are able to visit the Turrialba Volcano while horseback riding or hiking through its trails. For the more adventurous, the most popular rafting can be done in the Pacuare or Reventazon Rivers. The most important archeological monument of Costa Rica is in Turrialba known as Guayabo National Reserve. This reserve exhibits the existence of human occupation from 500 B.C. The beautiful surrounding nature adds to the experience.

If you want to enjoy these attractions we recommend you to stay in our hotels:

• Hotel Grano de Oro, an oasis in the heart of the Capital, San José.
• Hotel Peace Lodge, an amazing lodge that will delight your senses with a spectacular view of the Poás Volcano.
• Hotel Casa Turire, an exclusive plantation home immersed in the verdant mountains of Turrialba Valley.