Our most recommended things to do in Central Valley, Costa Rica

Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

1. Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Experience Costa Rica's nature and culture on this full-day tour from San José. Your first destination is the Doka Estate coffee plantation, where you'll learn all about the ancient techniques of producing some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. Experience the careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting of the Golden Bean before tasting the delectable product. After your coffee tour, continue to Poás Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and beautiful scenery in a cloud forest. Climb up Poás Volcano, an active stratovolcano that most recently erupted in 2017. The crater of the volcano is over a mile across and 1,050 feet deep, making for breathtaking views. Hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon as you learn about the different ecosystems in the park. Then, continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and enjoy a buffet lunch of traditional Costa Rican dishes. After lunch, explore the lush tropical rainforest. See the flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds before returning to San José.

From San Jose: La Paz Waterfall Garden & Rainforest Tour

2. From San Jose: La Paz Waterfall Garden & Rainforest Tour

Travel from San Jose to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and enjoy a walking tour on rainforest trails. See flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, bird, butterflies, and other species and enjoy educational animal exhibits for all ages. Be picked up from your hotel or accommodation in San Jose, and depart for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Enjoy wandering walking trails in the local rainforest and admire the natural beauty of the area. Watch as white rivers flow and see spectacular waterfalls. Spot local wildlife while wandering through the rainforest, like birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds, and see them in their natural habitats. Stop at different exhibits for local wildlife like the Aviary, Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpoentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and Frog Exhibit. Enjoy a buffet lunch after the tour, rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council, that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more. Finish the tour after lunch and be returned to your accommodations in San Jose.

From San Jose: Arenal Volcano With Ecotermales Hot Springs

3. From San Jose: Arenal Volcano With Ecotermales Hot Springs

Relax in the soothing waters at Ecotermales Hot Springs while enjoying of wonderful nature. This tour shows the best of both worlds, in terms of the raw untamed beauty of the imposing Arenal Volcano, which is juxtaposed against the lush and soothing thermal waters of Ecotermales Hot Springs. All this, set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and breathtaking views of the nearly perfect conical shaped lines of the volcano. Enroute to the Arenal Volcano, we will stop at the famous town of Sarchi, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. In Sarchi, you will be able to appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs that Costa Rica has to offer. Also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book. The impressive Arenal Volcano is a magnificent natural wonder that is situated in La Fortuna (The Fortune) of San Carlos, previously assumed to be dormant, until in 1968, when it experienced a major eruption. Now is visited by tourist from all around the world hoping for the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, such as the white plumes of smoke that emanate from the conical shaped behemoth. Ecotermales Hot Springs combines the four elements of nature; the heat of the volcano, the flowing waters of the hot springs, the pure air of the rainforest, and the fertile earth of the Fortuna de San Carlos Region.

San Jose: Doka, Grecia & Sarchi Oxcart Factories and Stores

4. San Jose: Doka, Grecia & Sarchi Oxcart Factories and Stores

Dive into the art, architecture, history, and flavors of Costa Rica's countryside on this fun-filled day tour. Check out a coffee and sugar cane plantation with plenty of time for samples, make a stop at a butterfly museum, and get up-close looks at the creations of artisans in the town of Sarchi. Start your day at the Doka Estate, where you can follow the process of creating the perfect cup of coffee. See how beans are harvested and roasted, get tips on your tasting technique, and then wake up with a rich cup followed by a tasty lunch. In the afternoon, head to the charming town of Grecia to learn how its brick-red metal church was built using materials from Belgium in the late 19th-century. Nearby, pop into a butterfly museum for up-close looks at exotic species. Then, hop back in your shuttle to head to Sarchi. When you arrive, get an insider's look at artisan workshops that produce the colorful ox carts the town is famous for, and then return to San Jose with convenient drop-off back at your hotel.

San Jose: Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Trip

5. San Jose: Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Trip

Depart from San Jose to reach the Arenal Volcano National Park and admire the magical landscape. Discover Costa Rican arts and crafts in Sarchi and pass mango groves on the way to La Fortuna. Soothe your body at the hot springs before having dinner with volcanic views back in San Jose. Get picked up from your accommodations in San Jose and meet your friendly guide and group for the day. Set off from the city and drive into the Central Valley. Make a short stop in Sarchi known as the birthplace of Costa Rica's artisinal crafts. Pick up some souvenirs and see the world's largest ox cart before continuing your journey into the Alajuela Province. Gaze out of the window at pineapple and plantain farms, mango groves, and cattle ranches until you arrive in La Fortuna. Refresh yourself with lunch at a cozy restuarant with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. Enter the Arenal Volcano National Park and be blown away by the breathtaking scenery. Witness volcanic activity if you're lucky with white plumes of smoke rising from the crater and look out for local wildlife like jaguars and tree frogs. Travel a short distance to the hot springs in this area to relax your body, mind, and soul with the cleansing and rejuvinating effects of the thermal waters. Choose to have a massage or other therapeutic rituals. Experience the picturesque landscape of the Alajuela Province one more time as you drive back to San Jose. Finish your trip with a wonderful dinner and views of the volcano.

San Jose: Arenal Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs Tour

6. San Jose: Arenal Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs Tour

The day begins with pickup from San Jose, Alajuela, or Heredia and travels to the artistic town of Sarchi. Spend some time exploring and begin to appreciate the many arts and crafts that Costa Rica has to offer. You’ll also see the world’s largest ox cart, according the Guinness Book of World Records. Breakfast will be served on the way. Continue the tour towards La Fortuna, passing through colorful pineapple and plantain plantations, mango groves, and cattle ranches along the way. Learn about how the volcano was assumed to be dormant until 1968 when it experienced a major eruption. Visit the stunning Mistico Park next which boasts a dense biodiversity with luscious forests and an abundance of wildlife. Take a stroll amongst the treetops on the hanging bridges that line the jungle canopy, and admire the array of plants that surround you while enjoying lunch. Finally, it’s time to relax in the gorgeous waters of Baldi. Slide into the bubbling hot springs and unwind as the thermal waters cleanse and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. At the end of a magical day, chill out on the return journey to San Jose

San Jose: San Luis Rainforest and Zipline Tour with Lunch

7. San Jose: San Luis Rainforest and Zipline Tour with Lunch

Travel from the bustling streets of San Jose to the rugged countryside of San Luis on this full-day rainforest and zipline tour. Feel the adrenaline rush as you cruise above the treetops, hike narrow trails, learn about a variety of rainforest ecosystems, and hear scientific facts from your guide. Begin your tour with transportation to San Luise in an air-conditioned van, watching as the city skyline of San Jose transforms into a dense jungle. Upon arrival, listen as your guide details zipline safety instructions and the day's itinerary. Then it's time to harness up and fly through the trees. Follow your guide through the cable system, watching closely for wildlife like toucans, parrots, ocelots, hawks, iguanas, and howler monkeys. During lunch, learn about the rainforest canopy, its role in the protection of forest biodiversity, and current conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

San Jose: City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide

8. San Jose: City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide

San Jose offers you the chance to discover a secluded location in the Central Valley of Costa Rica with its skyline dominated by the majestic Talamanca Mountains, hugging the city to the south, and a volcano ridge to the north. Why Costa Rica is a trendy destination for ecotourism and adventure travel? Is that true that San Jose have not street addresses? Which is the Costa Rican influence at The National Theater? What means Pura Vida? Gaze at San Jose’s local architecture which reflects strong Spanish colonial influence manifested in places like Catedral Metropolitana in Calle Central, and the neoclassical National Theater presiding over downtown’s Plaza de la Cultura. Get ready to experience Costa Rica from a different perspective. A local charismatic guide will reveal interesting facts about San Jose. Pura Vida!

Sloth Sanctuary and Wildlife Rescue Center with Lunch

9. Sloth Sanctuary and Wildlife Rescue Center with Lunch

There are hundreds of fascinating animals that live inside of the Sanctuary such as: sloths, jaguars, tapirs and much more. Each one of them has a unique rescue story to learn about, such as Guapo, the jaguar found floating on a log after a hurricane, or Coco, a 2.5 meter crocodile raised as a pet in the backyard of a house! Marvel and discover the beautiful wildlife species of Costa Rica.

Walking tour and blue waterfalls

10. Walking tour and blue waterfalls

Live the unique experience and immerse yourself in an unique ecosystem. full day hike visiting the beautiful waterfall of turquoise and blue tones surrounded by pure nature and hiking trails. On this tour we pick you up from hotels located in downtown of the city and travel to a water sanctuary located in Sarchí Alajuela, 2 hours away from the capital San José an area which is recognized for its stunning waterfalls. During our trip you can see the Poas volcano from a different side view, coffee farms, sugar cane fields, city views from the mountain points, beautiful towns like Sarchi and finally the amazing Bajos del Toro. We make our first stop in this place to take a delicious typical breakfast. After the meal we continue on the road for about 25 minutes and get to the final stop to begin the adventure. Once we are ready we begin our hiking between the rainforest and waterfalls. This walk will be an easy to medium level total distance 8 miles (*additional information you can swim on every waterfall so bring everything you need to enjoy more this adventure*). After the hike we will return to a local restaurant to have lunch. Finally we start our way back to the city to the point of drop-off / hotels.

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Central Valley, Costa Rica

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What people are saying about Central Valley, Costa Rica

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 35 reviews

Ronnie our travel guide was absolutely amazing!! If you could chose based on tour guides then I would recommend him! He was so knowledgeable and honestly we want to move to Costa Rica because of him! Our day was absolutely perfect for rainy season. We had a beautiful drive and we enjoyed every minute! We had a very very small group just us! Seeing the volcano, doing the hanging bridges and relaxing in the hot springs was an adventure!!

This was such a good way to kick off my travels in Costa Rica! I felt super comfortable doing this as a solo female traveller, and I met some really lovely people over the course of the day. The tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable, and the overall day wa as great balance between exploring at an easy pace and learning lots! Definitely worth the price, I really recommend!

Doka, Sarchi and Grecia were great tours! We learned a lot and were able to drive through the beautiful countryside! It was a great day seeing some of the less busy, tourist areas of Panama! Our guide was very knowledgeable too! Get ready to learn about Panamanian culture and get some great photos!

Ronnie, our tour guide was funny, down to earth, and very knowledgeable. He took great care of his tourists and we could tell he enjoyed what he does. I will request him anytime I do this tour again.

We loved this trip on our first day in Costa Rica. The Waterfall Gardens and animal sanctuary were lovely.