Many of Costa Rica trips begin from the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, San Jose provides direct access routes to much of the country. Just about everything of interest in Costa Rica is within a 3-hour drive of San Jose.

Lake Arenal

Surrounded by green and forested rolling hills and back dropped by the imposing cone of Volcano Arenal, offers premier windsurfing spots. Lake Arenal also provides opportunity for fishing if you are so inclined on your Costa Rica vacation. With so many activities available it is no wonder that this area is so popular.

La Paz Waterfall

Lush tropical gardens, spectacular waterfalls, hummingbirds that drink out of your hand, a multitude of butterflies and meandering trails that take you to nature exhibits are all part of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. So is the Peace Lodge featured on the Travel Channel’s “Honeymoon Hotspots International’s as one of eight of the most romantic worldwide destinations for honeymooners.Weddings are also popular here. It's all just one hour from the San Jose, Costa Rica International Airport. Visit for the day or stay where rooms include river rock fireplaces and amenities such as waterfalls that come to life when you enter your Jacuzzi tub.

Poas Volcano

Easily accessible from San Jose City, Poas Volcano is a bubbling crater that is situated inside one of the country's oldest and best known National Parks: Parque Nacional Volcán Poás.

Irazu Volcano

Near Poas, we find Irazu Volcano, which provides another option for viewing an impressive live volcano in Costa Rica. You can see both the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean on a clear day from Irazu. The landscape here resembles a moonscape and wildlife is very scarce, but you may be able to see eastern cottontail rabbit, coyote, armadillo, porcupine, weasel and tiger cats.


Rio Pacuare

Costa Rica's most scenic river and one of the great rafting rivers in the world, the Rio Pacuare offers class lll and lV white water rafting. Some sections drop 100 feet per mile as the river makes its way through one of the rare pockets of unexplored wilderness left on this planet.

Brauilio Carillo

Primary cloud forest and rainforest covers this Costa Rica National Park. Flora and fauna here is abundant, as are rivers and waterfalls. With 32 miles of hiking trails that traverse 10,000 feet in elevation, the Park offers something for every Costa Rica vacation. The highway that bisects the park provides easy access.

Golf

If golf is part of your Costa Rica vacation plans, take note that San José has four golf courses, including Cariari, perhaps the best course in Central America. Situated on land that was once a coffee plantation, the Cariari was designed by golf course architect George Fazio and built by his now famous nephew, Tom Fazio. 

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping is one of the thrilling activities one might book for their Costa Rica vacation. In the San Jose area some jumps are done from the "viejo puente sobre el Rio Colorado," an old bridge that spans a 300-foot-deep gorge. 

Sarapiqui River

A popular San Jose day trip is the Sarapiquí River, which offers some of Costa Rica's most enjoyable whitewater river rafting amidst lush and vibrant scenery.  The river's a class lll, and the expert guides make this a fun and safe run for families. 

Costa Rica Travel Tips (Central Valley Region)
 
When booking your Costa Rica tours and accommodations, be sure to book well in advance, especially if you're planning a Costa Rica vacation during their high season. For more details, review the travel tips in our overview of Costa Rica travel.
   

  Activities:
•    Canopy Tours
•    Bungee Jumping
•    Rafting
•    Hiking
•    Golfing
•    Horseback Riding
•    Wildlife Fun/Sightseeing