The Central Valley is the heart of the country. In it, among the greenlands and ample valleys lie four of the most important cities: San Jose (the capital), Alajuela, Cartago and Heredia.

San Jose it’s a pleasant city to get to know on foot. It offers a range of restaurants, shopping malls, varied styles of accommodations, museums and an active nightlife. A must to visit is the remarkable National Theater, one of country’s pride and glory, was modeled after the Paris Opera House. All the details were done by Spanish and Italian artisans and was inaugurated in 1897.

Another interesting visit is not far. Only one hour from San Jose is the Poas Volcano, in the province of Alajuela. This popular volcano is famous for its enormous crater, which is one of the largest in the world. The road will take you though fertile lands plenty of coffee plantations. More than 70 species of birds have been identified and a half mile of trails take visitors through a vivid landscape, rich in wildflowers and a great variety of mosses, bromeliads and ferns.

Southeast of San Jose, Just beyond the town of Paraiso, lies the splendorous scenic Valley of Orosi, it is a breathtaking view with the Coffee Plantations and the River running through the Valley and an excellent view of the Irazu Volcano to the north. The Irazu volcano is rising 11.260 feet above the sea level, is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. This is an active volcano with fumarolas that erupt with pyroclastic flows and ash, sometimes accompanied by relatively light tremors.

When the day is clear you can see both oceans from the top.
Sarapiqui (province of Heredia) is one of the best sites for biological studies, bird lovers and naturalists. Navigating along the Sarapiqui River is an excellent way to come in contact with wildlife such as three and two-toed sloths, howler monkeys, Black River turtles, crocodiles, etc.

Activities you may perform around: City Tour, Poas Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Lankester Gardens and Orosi Valley, Rain Forest Aerial Tram, Tortuga Island Cruise, Wild Water Rafting, Coffee Tour, Sarchi Artisans.