Destination
San José and the Central Valley, Costa Rica
San José is the gateway to Costa Rica's volcanoes, cloud forests and Pacific beaches, and a day or two in its museums, markets and coffee country makes a good start to any loop of the country.
Trips to San José and the Central Valley from every city
No live trip to San José and the Central Valley right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | fine |
| June | fine |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | avoid |
| October | avoid |
| November | fine |
| December | best |
- May, June, July, August, September, October, November: Green season: rain most afternoons, lush landscapes, fewer visitors and lower rates.
September, October: The heaviest rains of the year across the Central Valley and Pacific side.
Where to stay in San José and the Central Valley
- Barrio Escalante: The city's restaurant and craft-beer district, walkable and safe at night.
- Barrio Amón: Historic mansions turned boutique hotels near the museums and the Teatro Nacional.
- Escazú and Santa Ana: Upscale western suburbs with international hotels and malls, near the airport.
- Alajuela: Town next to the airport for a first or last night before heading to the coast.
- La Fortuna (Arenal): Three hours north: the volcano, hot springs and adventure base most SJO arrivals head for.
What to do in San José and the Central Valley
- Look into the crater of Poás volcano at dawn
- Hot springs beneath Arenal volcano in La Fortuna
- Hanging bridges in the Monteverde cloud forest
- Sloths and white-faced monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Coffee tour at Doka or Britt estates
- Pre-Columbian gold at the Museo del Oro and the Teatro Nacional
Good to know
| Airports | Juan Santamaría International (SJO) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | America/Costa_Rica |
| Kind of trip | nature, adventure, national-park, city, culture |
Questions about San José and the Central Valley
When is the best time to visit San José and the Central Valley?
December, January, February, March and April. September, October: The heaviest rains of the year across the Central Valley and Pacific side.
Do US citizens need a passport for San José and the Central Valley?
Yes. San José and the Central Valley is in Costa Rica; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is San José and the Central Valley on the ground?
San José and the Central Valley is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.