The South Central Valley

The towns of Cartago, Orosi, and Turrialba generally have a mild and pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging from approximately 15–25 degrees Celsius (mid-60s to low 80s 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 Irazú 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. The Turrialba area is known for more frequent rainfall. Prepare yourself for cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings, by bringing a sweater and a rain jacket. 

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.

The town of Cartago is located, approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of the capital, San Jose. It is one of the oldest cities in Costa Rica, founded in the 16th century, and was the country's capital until 1823. The town has got some colonial architecture of which two main historical highlights, the ruins of a Catholic Church, and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles, a famous Catholic Church that attracts pilgrims from all over the country. You will not find many historical buildings, as Cartago had to deal with several earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in its past. The most destructive earthquake in the history of Costa Rica was on May the 4th, 1910 killing approximately 2450 people and severely damaging the city of Cartago. The city is closely located to the Irazú volcano, which has a turbulent past, with 23 recorded eruptions since the first one officially was recorded in the year 1723. The most famous eruption began in March 1963 and eruptions lasted for two years, reaching a peak during December 1963 and January 1964, covering the land west of the volcano up to San José with ash, with Cartago in between. 

Nowadays Cartago is still one of the largest cities in the country, the capital of the equally named province, and a hub for the roads connection the South Central Valley and the Caribbean and the Central and South Pacific. Until Ruta 32 from San José connecting with Guapiles on the Caribbean side was created, the main connection with Puerto Limón and the South Caribbean was Ruta 10 via Cartago and Turrialba. This route is still an important alternative for when Ruta 32 closes due to heavy rains or landslides.

The main attraction of Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú or Irazú Volcano National Park is the summit with the volcano craters. With an altitude of 3432 meters (11260 feet), it is the highest volcano in Costa Rica and the view is breathtaking. Due to the altitude, the area consists of low vegetation, low temperatures, and the weather is usually wet and cold. With clear skies you are able to see both the Caribbean and the Pacific coast, the park however is not unknown to foggy conditions. Check weather conditions before you are going to visit the volcano, usually conditions are best in the morning. While the main craters are the obvious touristic attraction of this park, the lesser known Prussia sector holds approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) of more forested hiking trails to discover the surrounding area of the volcano. There is also a lookout point in the direction of the nearby Turrialba volcano. Check the official website of the national park for more information and tickets: SINAC ACCVC Irazú NP.

Jardin Botanico Lankester, or Lankester Botanical Garden, is located in the town of Paraíso near Cartago. The garden was established in 1973 by Charles Lankester, a British botanist who had been living in Costa Rica since the early 1900s. Jardin Botanico Lankester is home to over 3,000 species of plants, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and cacti, many of which are native to Costa Rica, while others come from other parts of Central America and South America. Being part of La Universidad de Costa Rica, Jardin Botanica Lankester is an important center for Orchid research. It will not surprise you that one of the highlights of the Jardin Botanico Lankester is its collection of orchids, which is one of the largest in Central America. 

Explore where to stay

• For those looking for a place to stay up in the mountains close to the Irazú Volcano with a breathtaking view, check out Hotel Cabanas y Mirador Secret Garden. Check out Hotel Cabanas y Mirador Secret Garden on Booking.com for great deals!

• Casa Mora B&B is a convenient place to stay in the city center of Cartago, right next to the Basilica. Check out Casa Mora B&B on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do

• Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles, an impressive 17th century Catholic Church in the center of the city.

• Ruinas de Iglesia de Cartago, These ruins are the remnants of a church destroyed by earthquakes multiple times. The ruins now contain a small but nice park inside.

• Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú or Irazú Volcano National Park. With an altitude of 3432 meters (11260 feet), it is the highest volcano in Costa Rica and the view is breathtaking.

• Jardin Botanico Lankester, The Lankester Botanical Garden, is a research center of the University of Costa Rica and the largest one to Orchids in Central America and the Caribbean. Besides orchids, the botanical garden has a Japanese garden and many other plants to see, including a cacti section.

• Ruinas de Sanatoria Carlos Duran, the ruins of an old and a bit spooky sanatorium.

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

The town of Orosi is located south from Paraíso in the Orosi Valley. The Orosi Valley is situated between two mountain ranges and is home to a number of natural attractions like the Orosi River, which flows through the valley. At the southern end of the valley starts Tapanti National Park, while at the beginning of the valley there is a lookout point with astonishing scenic views over the town, the river, coffee plantains, and towards the beginning of Tapanti. Orosi is also known for its rich history and cultural significance, with for example the Iglesia de San Jose de Orosi, which is one of the oldest intact churches in Costa Rica dating back to the 18th century. The town has a couple of shops, restaurants and accommodations can be found both in the center as in the surrounding valley.

Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte National Park, or in short Tapanti National Park, is located at the edge of the Talamanca mountain range. The park consists mostly of montane forest, pre-montane rainforest, and cloud forest. The mountainous region, and the fact that this is one of the places that receives the most annual rain in Costa Rica, makes the park a bit more adventurous than the average parks well visited by tourists. The park contains over 150 rivers and is home to 400 bird species, tapirs, monkeys and wild cats, although hard to spot due to the dense forestation. Check the official website of the national park for more information: SINAC ACCVC PNTMM.

Ujarras is a small town located east of Paraiso and close to Orosi. The town is located in a scenic valley surrounded by rolling hills and forest. One of the main attractions in Ujarras are the ruins of the Ujarras Church, which is considered to be one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica. The church was built in the 16th century. Today, only the ruins of the church remain. When you drive from Paraiso to Ujarras, you will pass a lookout point with amazing views over the scenic valley, a waterfall and the ruins. 

Explore where to stay

• Orosi Lodge, a beautiful lodge and a great location if you want to stay in the town of Orosi. Check out Orosi Lodge on Booking.com for great deals!

• Looking for a quiet and intimate, more rural accommodation outside town. Check out Finca Queveri. Check out Finca Queveri on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do

• Mirador de Orosi, a nice recration area with a lookout point over the Orosi valley and the town of Orosi, all the way to Tapanti National Park.

• Parque Nacional Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte, Tapanti National Park is one of the lesser known, but one of the most beautiful national parks of Costa Rica.

• Iglesia de San José de Orosi, one of the oldest intact colonial churches in Costa Rica.

• Ruinas de Ujarras, the ruins of the 16th century Ujarras Church.

• Mirador de Ujarras, a lookout point with amazing views over the scenic valley and the ruins.

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

The Turrialba Volcano National Park is a protected area located close to the town of Paraíso and Turrialba. The park covers a wide area with a rich flora and fauna with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The park is named after the Turrialba Volcano, which is one of the country's most active volcanoes. The volcano showed increased activity during 2014 until 2017 and had several large eruptions during this period, including clouds of volcanic ash that in several cases led to the closure of the international airport Juan Santamaria. The national park has been closed for the public during this period, as you can see on one of the pictures below. Unfortunately, due to the long active period of the volcano, I haven't been able to hike to the summit. 

Since the end of 2020, beginning of 2021, the National Park reopened and tourists can hike up to the volcano and view the craters. This is only possible supervised by a guide, and the park is only open for visitors in the morning. With a height of 3340 meters (10958 feet) the view must be spectacular, seeing as far as the Caribbean coast and the Talamanca mountain range. Check the official SINAC page for more information. The town of Turrialba is located west of Cartago down Ruta 10 in the direction of the Caribbean coast and a great place to stay if you want to go to Turrialba Volcano National Park, the Guayabo National Monument or the other highlights in the region. 

Monumento Nacional Guayabo or the Guayabo National Monument is a hidden gem near the town of Turrialba. This archeological site contains various pre-Hispanic structures, discovered in the pre-montane rainforest early in the 19th century. Although only a small portion of the area has been excavated, there are several foundations of buildings, aqueducts and roads visible for the public. It is estimated that the site was home to a population of approximately 10,000 people during 1000 BCE until 1400 CE. From the park entrance, it is only a small hike to the historical area, and the site also has a lookout point. Check the official website of the national park for more information: SINAC ACCVC Guayabo.

Explore where to stay

• Hotel Casa de Lis, is a cozy, family feel hotel with a garden and rooftop terrace with views of the Turrialba volcano. The hotel is conveniently located in the town center of Turrialba near the bus terminal. Check out Hotel Casa de Lis on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do

• Monumento Nacional Guayabo. The Guayabo National Monument is the country's most significant archaeological site. The foundations of a 540-acre city occupied between 1000 B.C. and 1400 A.D.

• Parque Nacional Volcan Turrialba, Turrialba Volcano National Park, has been closed for a long time due to the activity of the volcano, including a couple of eruptions. Recently the park reopened, and the summit can be visited with a guide. The trails of the park must be spectacular, with the often foggy conditions and the reminders of the volcanic activity. 

• Aquiares Coffee & Community Experience, explore one of the largest coffee farms of Costa Rica and its surrounding nature.

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

San Gerardo de Dota and Los Quetzales National Park are located in the Talamanca Mountains between Cartago and San Isidro de El General. The area enjoys a mild, temperate climate with cool temperatures and frequent misty or rainy conditions due to its elevation (approximately 2,200 meters or 7,200 feet above sea level). The climate is ideal for the growth of lush cloud forests, making it a perfect area for birdwatchers that want to spot the quetzal, one of the most iconic birds of Costa Rica. There are several lodges, eco-lodges, and cabins in San Gerardo de Dota. 

Los Quetzales National Park is adjacent to and encompassing much of the San Gerardo de Dota area. It was established in 2005 to protect the region's cloud forests and diverse wildlife. There are several well-marked hiking trails within Los Quetzales National Park, varying in difficulty. These trails provide opportunities to explore the pristine cloud forests, rivers, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. Some popular trails include the Quetzal Trail and the Savegre River Trail.

Explore where to stay

• Hotel de Montaña Suria, is a truly amazing place when you are visiting San Gerardo de Dota and Los Quetzales National Park. Check out Hotel de Montaña Suria on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do

• Parque Nacional Los Quetzales, Los Quetzales National Park, a prestine cloud forest named after the beautiful Quetzal bird.

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

From San Jose, you can take a direct bus to Cartago. The journey takes about 1 hour, depending on the traffic. If you have a rental car, you can drive to Cartago from San Jose. The journey takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic. You can take the Route 2 east of San Jose, which passes through Cartago. Visiting the Central Valley is however also an interesting option when you want to travel from the Caribbean to the south Pacific or vise versa. 

For detailed descriptions and a map on how to get to the South Central Valley and for detailed descriptions and a map on how to travel between the South Pacific and the Caribbean and vise versa, via the South Central Valley check the Routes & Roads page.

• North of the South Central Valley you will find The North Central Valley with the nation its capital city. 

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

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

• South-west of the South Central Valley you will find The South Pacific, with laid-back beaches and The Osa Peninsula.