A land of scenic volcanic hills, coffee plantations and Costa Rica's major cities.
The Central Valley is located in the centre of Costa Rica and the most populous region of Costa Rica, with the main cities in the central valley are San José, the capital of Costa Rica, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago.
The area is made up of scenic volcanic hills, some 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The Reventazón River flows into the Caribbean Sea.
The soils are rich in minerals, creating very fertile land where agriculture and coffee production thrives. It is a beautiful and fascinating region to visit any time of the year.
Need some help with your trip? Our advisors have travelled extensively and using their firsthand knowledge & experience can help craft your perfect holiday.
Choose your perfect holiday The Central Valley
Find inspiration from our selection of itinerary suggestions, a great starting point for your next trip
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Discover natural wonders, Tortuguero flooded coastal forest, Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoy a 7-night Star Clipper cruise exploring the beautiful Pacifi…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Costa Rica
Luxury Lodges & Forest, Off-Grid
16 Nights from
£7,552
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste - San Jose
Staying in luxury accommodation throughout, explore five National Parks including mighty volcanoes, cloud forests, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Relax on a remote trop…
Route
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste - San Jose
Costa Rica
Ninos Family Adventure
14 Nights from
£3,844
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos - San Jose
A complete family adventure from the Caribbean side to the Pacific Ocean, exploring volcanoes, wildlife, rain forests, waterfalls and relaxing in the laid-back beach resort at…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos - San Jose
Costa Rica
Volcanoes, Rainforest and Beach
14 Nights from
£4,859
San José - Arenal - Tamarindo - San José
Discover mountain landscapes and Poas volcano, explore Arenal National Park and enjoy a week on the beach in a stylish boutique hotel.
Route
San José - Arenal - Tamarindo - San José
Costa Rica
Birdwatching, Wildlife and Rainforests
12 Nights from
£3,922
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park - Osa Peninsula - Arenal National Park - San Jose
Immerse yourself in the wildlife, birdlife and wonders of nature from Tortuguero National Park to the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park and Arenal National Park.
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park - Osa Peninsula - Arenal National Park - San Jose
Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano & Highlands In-Depth
12 Nights from
£2,811
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Explore Poas, Irazu and Arenal volcanoes, enjoy optional excursions in in Arenal National Park and discover Manuel Antonio National Park.
Route
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
Caribbean, Central & Pacific Eco-Systems
14 Nights from
£3,833
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Manuel Antonio - Osa Peninsula - San Jose
Explore five National Parks with exuberant flora and fauna, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Admire an active volcano, follow forest trails and relax on the beach.
Route
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Manuel Antonio - Osa Peninsula - San Jose
Costa Rica
Forest River Rafting & Remote Beach
11 Nights from
£5,372
San Jose - Pacuare River - Puerto Viejo
Enjoy an adventure on the Pacuare River with rapids and optional river-rafting, trek in the rainforest and stay five nights on the Caribbean coast at a delightful boutique bea…
Route
San Jose - Pacuare River - Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica
Natural Wonders & Character Lodges
14 Nights from
£3,360
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Explore National Parks, home to exotic birds and wildlife in dense tropical rainforest. Chill at the beach on the Pacific coast, stay in first class hotels and enjoy guided ex…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
Highlands & Flooded Rainforest
10 Nights from
£2,840
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde
Explore National Parks, home to exotic bird and wildlife in dense tropical rainforest. Stay in excellent hotels and character jungle lodges where our expert guides will bring…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde
Costa Rica
Quality Time for Families
14 Nights from
£3,542
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
A slow pace tour of Costa Rica, perfect for families; Arenal Volcano, rainforests, birdwatching and excellent lodgings with activities for families of all ages. Plus, relax on…
Route
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
Costa Rica
Luxury Lodges & Private Charters
22 Nights from
£25,550
San Jose - Tortuguero - Papagayo - Tenorio - Coscovado - Golfo Dulce
Extensive tour with privately chartered domestic flights, helicopter flight to Tenorio and staying in the best luxury lodges, this is truly the ultimate way to experience the…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Papagayo - Tenorio - Coscovado - Golfo Dulce