The North Central Valley

The central valley generally has a mild and pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging from approximately 15–30 degrees Celsius (mid-60s to low 90s Fahrenheit) throughout the year. However, the weather can vary depending on the time of year and the specific location. The region is mountainous with colder temperature on higher altitudes like for example the Poás volcano. The dry season in the area runs from December through April, with January and February being the driest months. The rainy season runs from May through November, with September and October being the wettest months. 

Temperature and rainfall statistics are averages over a longer period of multiple years. The 'Average Days with Rain' statistic shows the average number of days per month that had rain, but this does not say anything about the duration of rain per day. Weather, especially rainfall, is difficult to predict and varies per year due to different influences. Visit the Seasons page for more information regarding weather and climate.

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located in the central part of Costa Rica, the Central Valley region. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,160 meters (3,810 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. The surrounding metropolitan area, is home to a significant portion of the country's population. The city has a rich history and has played a central role in the nation's political, economic, and cultural development. San José was founded in 1738 and officially became the capital of Costa Rica in 1823, following the country's independence from Spain. Despite the history of the city, the general impression when walking through the city center is not that of a colonial city, although there are some buildings of cultural significance such as the Teatro Nacional, The Metropolitan Cathedral of San José, and the Museo Nacional which is located in historic military barracks. 

This National Museum is worth a visit as it offers a fascinating glimpse into Costa Rica's history, culture, and natural heritage. It features pre-Columbian artifacts and colonial art. The Teatro Nacional is an architectural masterpiece and still functions as the national theater, hosting various shows performances. Below the plaza next to the Teatro Nacional is the Museo de Oro (Museum of Gold). This museum is a showcase of pre-Columbian artifacts and as the name suggests a lot of them are golden artifacts. Despite all of this, San Jose is mainly the business and governmental hub of Costa Rica. You will be entertained if you have to spend a day or two in the capital, there are plenty of hotels, good restaurants and more highlights other than I have mentioned. You can use it as a base to visit some nearby highlights, but I would advise you to not stay too long in San Jose, as Costa Rica has so much more to offer. But before you go, don’t forget to visit the Mercado Central (Central Market) which is a large marketplace for fresh produce, traditional dishes, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the larger national parks of the country, located north-east of San José. The vast part of the National Park is located in the Heredia province and smaller parts in the San José, Limón and Cartago province. The best known part of the park is the located in the San José province. This is because in this area, Ruta 32 the highway from San José to Guapiles and Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast, runs through the park. This part of the highway is already insanely beautiful and a true attraction, with nice views over the pristine forests of the park. 

If you have time to spare when travelling between San José and the Caribbean, you can visit Braulio Carrillo National Park at the Quebrada Gonzalez sector along Ruta 32.  Due to the convenient location of the ranger station close to Ruta 32 and two relatively short hiking trails, it is easy to fit into your itinerary. From the ranger station, you can access the Las Palmas trail is 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long and will take approximately one hour. From the ranger station on the other side of Ruta 32 you can access El Ceibo trail. This trail is only 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) long and will take approximately 45 minutes. The trail will take you to the Rio Sucio lookout point. Check the official website SINAC ACCVC BCNP for more information.

Explore where to stay in San José

• Selina San José, affordable hostel with dorms and private rooms, conveniently located just a few blocks away from the city center and the below-mentioned highlights. Check out Selina San José on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do in San José

• Museo de Oro Precolombino (The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum). A museum with impressive displays of pre-Columbian golden artifacts.

• Museo Nacional (The National Museum). A museum housed in old army barracks with exhibits of Costa Rican history.

• Museo del Jade (The Jade Museum). A museum about pre-Columbian culture.

• Teatro Nacional (The National Theatre). The still operational national theater build in 1897 is probably the colonial crown jewel of Costa Rica.

• Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). The capital's cathedral build in 1871.

• Mercado Central (Central Market). A central marketplace with traditional food, artwork and souvenirs.

Explore things to do near San José

• Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo (Braulio Carrillo National Park). Visit the national park along Ruta 32 with some short hiking trails.

• Rainforest Adventures Braulio Carrillo. One of the main attractions near Guapiles is Rainforest Adventures Braulio Carrillo with a sky tram, canopy tours and hiking trails through the national park.

Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.

Alajuela is the capital city of the equally named province, located in the hearth of Costa Rica north of the nation's capital San José. It is one of the first places most people will visit when coming to Costa Rica. This is because the main international airport of Costa Rica, although abbreviated to SJO for San José, is located in Alajuela. This airport is officially known as Aeropuerto International Juan Santamaría, named after Juan Santamaría Rodriguez who became a national hero who died after his actions were decisive for winning the second battle of Rivas during the war between Costa Rica and the American mercenary forces of William Walker in the 19th century. If you're interested and have some time to kill, you might want to visit the Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría located in the city center. Although the town has some historical significance and some colonial buildings, of which the aforementioned museum and the beautiful white Cathedral of Alajuela are worth a visit, most highlights of the region are found outside the city. Surrounded by coffee plantations, the town enjoys a temperate climate and serves as a gateway to exploring the North Central Valley's natural wonders.

Poás Volcano National Park is located north of San José in the province of Alajuela. Poás is closely located to San José and the town of Alajuela. This makes it an ideal trip when you are staying near the capital or near the airport. The main attraction of the park is the Poás Volcano with a height of approximately 2700 meters (8850 feet) above sea level and has a very impressive and large crater. The Poás volcano is an active volcano. Activity is visible in the hot and acidic lagoon of the main crater, which is in fact a large geyser. Small geyser eruptions might occur and witnessed if you are lucky. The park also has a hiking trail to Laguna Botos, an old crater lake.  Access to the park is limited and tickets can only be bought online. From the parking lot it is a short walk to the main crater and the Laguna Botos hiking trail is not that difficult, but very nice as it shows the distinctive low vegetation of the volcano area. Check the official website SINAC ACCVC Poás NP for more information.

Bajos del Toro is an off the beaten path area and is home to several breathtaking waterfalls. I will describe two of them, but if you research the area, you will learn that there are more that are definitely worth to consider visiting. A day trip from San José or Alajuela is possible, or you can choose to visit this area on your way to La Fortuna in The Northern Zone. If you want to take your time to explore this area, it might very well be your first stop after arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport. Note that the main road through Bajos del Toro is paved and does not require a 4WD, but it might be a more challenging and foggy road for which you want to take your time.

Catarata del Toro is a privately-owned ecological waterfall project. The trails in this park are well maintained and will take you to an impressive high waterfall tumbling down into an old volcanic crater. You can get to the base of the waterfall by descending a stairway trail. The park also contains lookout points with views towards Castro Blanco National Park. Check out the website of Catarata del Toro for more information.

The Blue Falls, are a combination of several bright blue waterfalls (La Tepezquintle, Las Gemelas, La Celestial, La Turquesa, La Pintada) surrounded by tropical forest. The project has a secured parking area and there are restrooms available. You are able to swim at various natural pools, but be aware that you will have to undertake some light to moderate wet and slippery hiking to get around the project and flip-flops are not allowed for this. The first two blue waterfalls are a1 kilometer (0.6 miles) walk from the parking. You can make a 2 kilometer (1.2 miles) and 6 kilometer (3.8 miles) roundtrip, depending on which waterfalls you choose to visit. Check out the website of The Blue Falls for more information and hiking options.

A more of the beaten track destination, but a great place to explore the highlights of the northern part of the central valley, is the town of Grecia and its surroundings. Bosque Nubosos de los Niños and various waterfalls, of which I have visited Los Chorros. Grecia and this waterfall are not common destinations for tourists, and therefore you won’t encounter many people here. There is a parking lot where you will pay a small fee if an attendant is present. Walking to the waterfall area takes about 5 to 10 minutes, there you will find some picnic facilities. From there the trails in the area are not all that well maintained, and it gets challenging to get closer to the waterfall, so be careful. 

Explore where to stay in Alajuela

• Dos Palmas Studio Apartments, conveniently located near Juan Santamaria International Airport. Check out Dos Palmas Studio Apartments on Booking.com for great deals!

• Located a bit further from the airport, but still in the area, is Guacima Escondida Hotel Boutique, a beautiful hotel with a garden and outdoor swimming pool. Check out Guacima Escondida Hotel Boutique on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do in Alajuela

• Museo Historico Cultural de Juan Santamaria (Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum). A museum dedicated to the national hero Juan Santamaria and the independence of Costa Rica.

• Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Pillar (Cathedral of Alajuela). The city's impressive cathedral.

Explore things to do near Alajuela

• Doka Estate Costa Rica Coffee Tour & Plantation, located 30 minutes north from the town of Alajuela. Visit the Doka Estate to take a coffee tour and experience why Costa Rica is famous for its coffee.

• Parque Nacional Volcan Poas (Poas Volcano National Park). Visit the summit of the Poas volcano with views of the main crater and hiking trails.

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located close to the Poas Volcano, it combines the possibility to hike over well maintained trails to some waterfalls in combination with a zoo. 

• Los Chorros Waterfalls. Visit the waterfalls near Grecia with accessible trails to a picnic area.

• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (Metal Church). An impressive red metal church in the city center of Grecia.

• Bajos del Toro with many waterfalls like Catarata del Toro and the Blue Falls.

Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.

For detailed descriptions and a map on how to get to the North Central Valley and on how to travel between the region highlights, check the Routes & Roads page.

• North of the North Central Valley you will find The Northern Zone with lush rainforests, volcanos, and cloud forests. 

• North-east of the North Central Valley find The North Caribbean, with Tortuguero National Park.

• South-east of the North Central Valley you will find The South Caribbean with nice laid-back reggae vibed beach towns, and stunning nature and beaches.

• West of the North Central Valley you will find The Central Pacific with nice beaches and the most famous national park of the country. 

• South of the North Central Valley you will find The South Central Valley, a mountainous region with volcanos and full of hidden gems.