Central Valley attractions

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.

Orosi River Valley is a tranquil, secluded area filled with rural charm and scenic landscapes, not far from the hustle and bustle of San José. With the silhouette of the volcanoes as a backdrop, the mountainous area has green forested hills covered by coffee plantations, natural hot springs, andxa0 colorful colonial towns in the middle of the lush vegetation.

The Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) proves that Costa Rica is as rich in history and cultural offerings as it is in biodiversity. The museum, located in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, showcases more than 1,000 years worth of artifacts from Mesoamerica dating from 500 BC to 800 AD—including pre-Columbian jade, wood, and ceramics.

Explore the works of some of Costa Rica’s greatest artists from the colonial era through today at the Costa Rican Art Museum, including almost the entire body of work from prolific local artist Juan Manuel Sanchez. The museum is housed in the building that once served as the main terminal of San Jose’s original international airport and outside, toward where the tarmac once sat, is a lovely sculpture garden where visitors can walk around an enjoy the tropical weather. The museum often has chamber music concerts playing in the Golden Hall.

Housed in the barracks of the Bellavista Fortress, the National Museum (Museo Nacional), displays indigenous and pre-Columbian artifacts, religious artwork, and geological and archaeological pieces linked to Costa Rica’s rich and colorful history since 1950. Separate rooms explore ancient cultures dating back some 12,000 years, as well as collections of ornate jewelry, medallions, and gold statues.

These ancient caves were carved by tectonic movement and water currents passing over limestone for millions of years. Inside this deep network of tunnels, visitors will find stalactites, stalagmites, rock formations, and subterranean rivers and caverns. There’s also a chance to spot wildlife, including bats, fish, insects, and frogs.

Built between 1975 and 1983, the Plaza de la Cultura is a square in downtown San Jose. Sitting atop the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, this square is a social gathering spot for locals, though it offers little of a tourism draw. Except for some landmark attractions, the square has largely no historical significance.

Tree-shaded walking paths, sports fields, and family-friendly fun draw San José locals to the 178-acre (72-hectare) La Sabana Park, the city’s biggest urban green space. It’s a great place to get outdoors, with opportunities to enjoy a public pool, a skating rink, and children’s play areas—there’s even an onsite ice cream parlor.

Proyecto Asis is a wildlife rescue center focused on the protection and rehabilitation of native animals. Visitors can tour the facilities, take Spanish classes, or volunteer to help care for the animals, whose natural habitats are often threatened by expanding development in the region.

Spread over 36 acres (14.6 hectares) near San José, Rescate Animal Zooave is a conservation park that primarily houses rescued animals that wouldn't be able to survive in the wild on their own. The focus here is on conservation, and park tickets help fund other initiatives, including a rescue center and breeding programs.

The Lankester Botanical Garden (Jadín Botánico Lankester), in the outskirts of Cartago, is a research center operated by the University of Costa Rica—and a fabulous place to see orchids. The garden is a center for botanical research and is also open to visitors who want to get out into nature and see tropical flowers and plants.

Nestled in the rainforest of northern Costa Rica, the Butterfly Conservatory lets visitors discover diverse butterflies and flowers via a network of trails and gardens. Dedicated to the preservation of butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, the conservatory has a learning center and educational exhibits.

A relaxing visit to the local hot springs in the uplands of La Fortuna is a must, and Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park offers the chance not only to sit and soak, but also to have some wet and wild fun. Visitors can relax in thermally heated pools near the base of the Arenal Volcano, while enjoying the thrills you’d expect at a modern waterpark.

The hot springs of Termales Los Laureles offer visitors a relaxing experience surrounded by tropical forest. The complex, which comprises thermal baths and cold pools accessible by water slide, is a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive hot springs of Monteverde. Plus, you can see Arenal Volcano from the baths.

A sunshine-bright facade makes the 1916 Yellow House (Casa Amarilla) a cheerful landmark in San Jose’s Otoya neighborhood. Home to Costa Rica’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, the building is closed to the public but still merits a quick detour, especially since the Yellow House is strolling-distance away from a handful of other sites.

Housed inside a bright yellow castle, the Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños) in San Jose, Costa Rica, is designed to delight little ones. With interactive displays across 40 rooms, children (and the adults accompanying them) can learn about the human body, plants and animals, space exploration, and much more.

A well-heeled suburb of San José, Escazú often draws comparisons to Beverly Hills, with sprawling mansions and hotels dotted around the hills. Though there is little in the way of traditional tourist attractions here, there are lots of draws, including upscale malls, chic boutiques and restaurants, and views of the Central Valley. 

Imagine soaring at 55mph while 300 feet above ground. Unlike a standard zipline, however, you’re stomach down in a “Superman” position, arms extended before you, as you fly across a lush preserve of Costa Rican forest. This is just one of the adventures available at Turubari Tropical Park, a 538-acre reserve between San José and the sea. Aside from the aerial, “Superman” cable, visitors can strap in a harness and helmet and ride the 8 different ziplines, or spend a few hours up in the saddle while horseback riding through gardens. The park is comprised of over 70,000 plants, and trained guides lead nature hikes that discuss the area’s natural flora and pristine mountain habitat. Because the park is an hour from the coast, it’s a popular choice for shore excursions while docking in Puntarenas.

Far from the tourist center of La Fortuna, the village of El Castillo offers a more secluded place to view Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa, one of the few hotels on this side of the mountain, offers impressive views of the volcano, plus well-maintained hiking, horseback riding, and mountain-biking trails.

Home to Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó Grande, the rugged aChirripó National Park is an excellent introduction to the country’s diverse ecosystems. From tropical jungle with emerald green vegetation and waterfalls to cloud forest with giant oak trees shadowing ferns and bamboo, this national park is a lush refuge for hundreds of species of exotic birds and animals.

The elegant metal facade of this San José landmark was made in Belgium and then shipped piece by piece to Costa Rica. Now an elementary school, the 1896 Metallic Building (Edificio Metálico) is a recognizable San José landmark on some San Jose walking tours, along with nearby Parque España and Morazan Park.

Tumbling downhill from Costa Rica’s central mountains, the Sarapiqui River (Rio Sarapiquí) is a jungle-fringed playground. Alternating flat water and big waves mean there’s something for nearly every group here—boat trips on the Sarapiqui River range from family-friendly wildlife cruises to rafting on Class III–IV whitewater rapids.

From jaguars to capuchin monkeys, more than 100 animal species reside at this scenic nature park. Stop by to take in the animal exhibits, dine at the restaurant, and walk the 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) of well-maintained trails, which take you past five waterfalls scattered throughout the rain forest and cloud forest.

Home to the highest active volcano in Costa Rica, Irazu Volcano National Park serves up some extraordinary panoramas. Think lush tangles of forest, gnarly cliffs of volcanic rock, and emerald-green crater lakes, all beneath an ethereal canopy of clouds.

Costa Rica has some of the world’s most flavorful coffee and travelers who favor this bold brew can see how these prized beans make it from farm to table on a tour of Doka Estate. This iconic plantation puts visitors right up close to the production and practices of this age-old crop. Travelers can tour the grounds, see where workers hand-pick coffee berries from prized plants and even sample some of the eight roasts the Doka Estate creates on site.Organized small-group, on-site tours ensure visitors receive personalized attention and loads of information, while the plantation’s gift shop, Casa de Artesanias, is filled with unique and flavorful items picked fresh from the farm that are perfect souvenirs for friends and family back home. The Doka Estate is also home to a Bonsai Tree and Orchid Garden, as well as a Butterfly Farm, making it the ideal place to spend the day exploring some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.