Things to do in  Central Valley

Top 15 attractions in Central Valley

#1

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

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The 16 hanging bridges that line the paths of Costa Rica’s Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park stretch a total of 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) across the steep landscape. See the birds, monkeys, sloths, snakes, and frogs that call the forest canopy home by ascending these spans, suspended above gorges and stretched across jungle floors.More
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#2

La Fortuna Waterfall

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La Fortuna Waterfall cascades 200 feet (61 meters) down the sheer cliff face of Cerro Chato, the Arenal Volcano’s dormant and thickly forested twin. One of the most impressive and accessible waterfalls in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a great place to picnic, swim, and photograph the waterfall’s perpetual mists and nearby exotic vegetation.More
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#3

Arenal Volcano National Park

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Although visitors once flocked to Arenal Volcano for its impressive lava shows, the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) volcano has stayed quiet since its last eruption in 2010. However, Arenal and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park remain a hot spot for visitors to Costa Rica, especially popular among those seeking hiking trails, swimming holes, hot springs, bird- and wildlife-watching, and sweeping views of the tropical rain forest.More
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#4

San Jose Central Market (Mercado Central)

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Bountiful produce stalls, local-approved cafeterias, and vendor stalls selling everything from coffee beans to cowboy boots give visitors to San Jose’s Central Market (Mercado Central) a taste of real Costa Rican culture. Visit as part of an epic errand run or for a chance to look behind-the-scenes at everyday life in Costa Rica.More
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#5

Poas Volcano National Park

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Poas Volcano National Park houses one of the more popular volcanoes in Costa Rica—a telling superlative for a country with world-famous geothermal activity. But with its spectacular wildlife, informative museum, and variety of hiking trails, the accolade comes as no surprise.More
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#6

National Theater (Teatro Nacional)

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Modelled after the Paris Opera House, the National Theater in San José’s Catedral district is a neo-classical masterpiece representing Costa Rica’s greatest era of extravagance and sophistication. The historic building has been the epicenter of the city’s fine arts scene including opera, symphony, and other performing arts since its inaugural performance by Fausto de Gounod in 1897.More
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#7

Baldi Hot Springs

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Located in the shadow of active Arenal Volcano and surrounded by a lush jungle landscape, Baldi Hot Springs is one of the largest hot springs resorts in the world. Visitors can choose from 25 different thermal pools, plus pampering spa treatments, swim-up bars, and Costa Rican cuisine for a complete day of relaxation.More
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#8

Braulio Carrillo National Park

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The vast protected forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park is a natural for toucans, eagles, armadillos, sloths, monkeys, and jaguars. Catch a glimpse of its rugged beauty from the comfort of your car, or hike along the trails that lead to thundering waterfalls, towering mountains, and rapid rivers.More
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#9

Sarapiqui Canopy

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Costa Rica is famous for its amazing biodiversity, and Sarapiqui is a place where you can experience the thrill of the rain forest firsthand. Whether that’s ziplining through the trees at high speed, rafting along the river, or wildlife-spotting, the area is packed with natural wonders.More
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#10

Morazan Park

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Broad pathways wrap an elegant, Versailles-inspired gazebo at Morazon Park, which is a hub of cultural events and activities in San Jose’s El Carmen district. The compact park offers welcome shade and greenery for travelers exploring San Jose, and it’s a short distance away from some of downtown’s most important landmarks.More
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#11

Celeste River (Río Celeste)

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The dazzling centerpiece of Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park, theCeleste River (Río Celeste) is most famous for its shockingly bright blue color. The river’s hue results from a natural reaction of volcanic sulfur and calcium carbonate, which tints the clear waters.More
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#12

Gold Museum

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Housed in a historic building and managed by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum holds one of the largest collections of gold artifacts in Latin America. In total, the museum holds more than 1,600 pre-Columbian items, including Costa Rica’s very first coin, handmade ceramics, jewelry, and religious icons dating from 500 AD to 1500 AD.More
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#13

Sarchi

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The quaint town of Sarchí is famous throughout Costa Rica for its handicrafts. From the brightly painted oxcarts that were once used in the coffee industry to decorated bowls, handmade jewelry, leather goods, and furniture, visitors looking for memorable souvenirs should plan to visit the town, only an hour’s drive from San José.More
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#14

Tabacon Hot Springs

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Tumbling waterfalls, luxury spa and dining options, and the dramatic backdrop of Arenal Volcano set Tabacon Hot Springs apart from Costa Rica’s many thermal springs. Numerous pools dotting the Tabacon River create a completely natural hot spring experience on a private rain forest reserve, perfect for a day of pure relaxation.More
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#15

Lake Arenal

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A shimmering expanse of blue water stretching west of the active Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s biggest lake and one of its most picturesque. Beyond its striking beauty, the human-made reservoir serves an important function as a hydroelectric dam, providing sustainable power for Costa Rican residents.More
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Top activities in Central Valley

La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour

La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour

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Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Guided Tour

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Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

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La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

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$130.00
One Day Adventure Tour all included from San Jose

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White Water Rafting Pacuare River Full Day Tour From San Jose

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Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour from San Jose

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Best of La Fortuna Combo Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Best of La Fortuna Combo Tour

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COMBO Tour: Coffee, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

COMBO Tour: Coffee, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

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Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding

Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding

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$66.00
Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna

Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna

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$65.00
Arenal Combo: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano Hike

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Tubing in Rio Celeste

Tubing in Rio Celeste

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All-inclusive package 7 nights 8 days in the best destinations in Costa Rica
Special Offer

All-inclusive package 7 nights 8 days in the best destinations in Costa Rica

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Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

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$169.00
Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

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Zip Line La Carpintera. Half day Tour ZipLine+ Rappel +hiking in San Jose

Zip Line La Carpintera. Half day Tour ZipLine+ Rappel +hiking in San Jose

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Volcano, Waterfalls, Zipline, Hot Springs Full Day Tour

Volcano, Waterfalls, Zipline, Hot Springs Full Day Tour

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