The Central Valley of Costa Rica

Smack-dab in the middle of the nation, the Central Valley is the heart and soul of Costa Rica. About 70% of the country’s population inhabits the area, which includes the bustling metropolis of San José and incorporated suburbs, as well as the prominent surrounding towns of Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. Historically, Spanish colonists were attracted to the valley’s fertile soil, from which crops flourished and plantations prospered, helping farmers achieve easy sustenance—a reality that was already well-known to the region’s many indigenous inhabitants.

Although referred to as the Central Valley by English speakers, the region is actually more characteristic of a plateau than of a valley. Visitors who speak a bit of Spanish will hear Ticos refer to the area as Meseta Central, which translates to Central Plateau—literally, Central Table.

Perhaps the plateau earned the name Central Valley due to the many mountain ranges that encompass it, which certainly gives visitors the false impression that they are indeed in a valley. The Mountains of the Cordillera Central (Central Mountains) bound the valley to the north and east, while the massive Talamancas hem the region to its south and west. These highlands are easily accessible from San José and the surrounding areas, including volcanoes Poás and Irazú in the Central Mountains.

Between the mountain ranges lies the Reventazón River valley, where the smooth alluvial plane extends to the Caribbean coast. The Guápiles Highway (Hwy 32) runs east to west to Puerto Limón, a mere 2.5 hour drive away, filling the gap left after the destruction of the old railway during the 1991 earthquake.

San José gives way to its diverse suburbs outside the city limits, which include the upscale areas of Santa Ana and Escazú—known locally as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Costa Rica. Outside of San José lie the important colonial towns of Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago, each of which is the administrative capital of the provinces that bare their respective names. Once the colonial capital, Cartago lost out to San José in a very brief civil war between the two aggressors in 1823, following independence from Spain.

The Central Valley’s ideal climate is a blessing in a country that can be drudgingly hot, epically during the summer months. These highlands offer an escape from the dry Guanacastecan summer or the sticky Caribbean humidity.

Conversely, life in the city is more hectic, which discourages many visitors who prefer a relaxing beach or secluded natural reserve. Most visitors spend a very short time in the Valley—typically two days max—before moving on to the country’s more sought after destinations.

Often visitors commute from the Central Valley to attractions in the surrounding highlands, where several active volcanoes and Braulio Carrillo National Park are highlights. The excellent transport services offered from San José allows for cheap and efficient travel to and from any of the area's surrounding areas so that visitors can make it back to the city in time to catch a movie, or perhaps dine out at one of the city's many superb restaurants.

Visitors seeking accommodations will not be disappointed in the Central Valley. Hotels can be found within any budget range, however, high season—December to May—can present some challenges to visitors without reservations. For the last few weeks of December, around Christmas time, reservations should be made three months in advance as hotel space quickly fills up.

Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela serves visitors bound to the San José area from abroad. From here, major hotels and accommodations are within a short 20 minute drive away.