Travel Guides

Central Valley and Highlands Travel Guide

Colonial cities and coffee plantations in fertile volcanic valleys

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Costa Rica’s Valle Central, also known as Meseta Central, is a plateau located between two mountainous areas at the heart of the country. The Cordillera Central to the north and east is home to the volcanoes of Poas and Irazu, while the south rises up to the Cordillera de Talamanca, home to the country’s highest peak Chirripo (featured in the Southern Costa Rica section).

The Central Valley is home to San Jose, capital of Costa Rica, as well as three other provincial capitals – Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago – which are each within a short 25km of San Jose. As such, this region, which occupies just 6% of the country’s landmass, is home to over 60% of Costa Rica’s population. Outside these cities, the rich, fertile surrounding land is covered with coffee plantations and farms producing fruit, vegetables and livestock.

For visitors, the compact Central Valley is the main gateway to the country. San Jose is an essential overnight stop, with its Gold, Jade, Art and National Museums as well as the colonial gem that is the National Theatre.

Within a short distance of the capital, the National Parks of Poás, Braulio Carrillo, Irazú and Turrialba, which protect the ecosystems of the region’s main volcanoes, are easy to reach for a day’s excursion or relaxing longer break.

The Rio Reventazon and Tapanti National Parks are also popular places to visit.