San José & Central Valley
Volcano craters and cultural discovery 🏛️🌋
The Central Valley is the cultural and geographic heart of Costa Rica, housing the majority of the population and the main international airport (SJO). While many travelers rush to the coast, this region offers excellent educational and natural attractions for families. A top highlight is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This private nature park features five stunning waterfalls, but the real draw for kids is the wildlife sanctuary, which houses rescued jungle cats, monkeys, sloths, and a massive hummingbird garden where the birds will land on your hand.
For a geologic thrill without the hike, Poás Volcano National Park is incredibly accessible. A paved road leads almost entirely to the top, and a short, flat walk brings visitors to the edge of one of the world's largest active geyser craters. It is stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it perfect for multi-generational groups. Note that reservations are required in advance.
In San José city, the Museo de los Niños (Children's Museum) is a must-visit. Housed in a castle-like building that was once a military prison, it now features over 40 interactive rooms dedicated to science, geography, and space. Cultural exploration can also be found at local coffee plantations like Doka Estate or Britt, where theatrical tours explain the coffee process in a way that is entertaining for kids (usually involving hot chocolate and plenty of sweets). The climate here is "eternal spring"—mild and pleasant—offering a break from the coastal heat.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The region offers unique access to active volcanoes like Poás and Irazú, alongside high-altitude cloud forests and primary rainforests. Peak months provide the best trail conditions and visibility; the off-season sees extreme rainfall (>400mm) that often results in park closures or poor visibility.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Home to world-leading coffee research facilities and plantation tours that explain the global bean-to-cup process with high authenticity. The driest months align with the tail end of the harvest and offer the best conditions for outdoor learning, while the off-season rainfall impacts accessibility to research sites.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
As the nation's cultural heart, it features sophisticated landmarks like the National Theater and unique Pre-Columbian Gold and Jade museums. Exploration is best during the 'eternal spring' of the dry season, whereas the intense monsoon rain from May to November makes urban walking tours difficult.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The region hosts boutique mountain retreats and wellness centers that utilize the therapeutic properties of volcanic soil and a cool mountain climate. Peak months offer low humidity and clear air for outdoor yoga and spa treatments; off-months can be overly humid and prone to heavy afternoon downpours.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Offers scenic drives through rolling coffee highlands and up steep volcanic ascents with generally reliable infrastructure. Peak visibility is essential for the famous crater views, which are frequently obscured by dense fog and heavy rain during the long off-season.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The valley features high-end golf courses and rugged terrain for mountain biking and hiking that appeal to fit, active families. Optimal play and ride conditions are restricted to the drier window of January to April; extreme precipitation in the later months can lead to hazardous trail conditions and course closures.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Authentic local celebrations include the Oxcart Parade in March and festive year-end events in December. While charming and culturally significant for families, the events are regional in scale compared to major global festivals.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
The Museo de los Niños (Children's Museum) is an internationally recognized interactive venue for kids, though the region lacks larger-scale theme parks. It is a reliable year-round indoor facility, though the surrounding city exploration is best during the dry season.
Attractions (56 total)
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
Cartago
The most important religious site in Costa Rica, this Byzantine-style basilica houses the nation's patron saint, 'La Negrita'.
Visit website →Ruinas de la Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol
Cartago
Atmospheric stone ruins of a 19th-century church destroyed by earthquakes, now home to a peaceful public garden in the heart of the city.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
Cartago
An iconic Byzantine-style basilica and the country's most significant religious landmark, drawing millions of pilgrims annually.
Visit website →Guayabo National Monument
Turrialba
Costa Rica's premier archaeological site showcasing the complex infrastructure of a pre-Columbian city including stone streets and aqueducts.
Visit website →National Museum of Costa Rica
San José
Housed in the historic Bellavista Fortress, this museum features pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial history, and a butterfly garden.
Visit website →National Theatre of Costa Rica
San José
A lavish 19th-century architectural masterpiece featuring opulent neoclassical interiors and hosting the nation's most prestigious cultural performances.
Visit website →Ruins of Santiago Apóstol Parish
Cartago
The hauntingly beautiful remains of a 19th-century church destroyed by earthquakes, now home to a peaceful public garden within its stone walls.
Juan Santamaría Cultural Historical Museum
Alajuela
Set in a former military barracks and jail, this museum tells the story of the 1856 campaign against William Walker's filibusters.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32)
San José
Approximately 50km of the main highway passing through the heart of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Paved. Highlights include the Zurquí Tunnel and the 'wall of green' where primary rainforest grows right up to the road edge.
Visit website →Cerro de la Muerte (Inter-American Highway South)
Cartago
90km high-altitude paved section of Route 2 reaching 3,450 meters. Duration is 2-3 hours. Notable for paramo vegetation, dramatic mountain ridges, and being one of the best places to spot the Resplendent Quetzal.
Visit website →Orosi Valley Scenic Loop
Circular
A 40-50km paved loop from Cartago. Typically takes 3-5 hours with stops. Highlights include the Mirador de Orosi, the 18th-century Orosi Colonial Church, the ruins of Ujarrás, and the scenic Cachí Dam and Lake.
Visit website →Irazú Volcano Scenic Drive (Route 219)
Cartago
35km paved mountain road ascending from Cartago to 3,432 meters. Takes about 1.5 hours. Features high-altitude dairy farms, the eerie Sanatorio Durán, and spectacular views of the Central Valley and Irazú's lunar-like craters.
Visit website →The Waterfall Road (Route 126 via Cinchona)
Vara Blanca
A 35km scenic paved stretch from Vara Blanca down toward San Miguel. Duration is 1-2 hours. Famous for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, views of the Cinchona canyon, and dramatic roadside waterfalls in a lush cloud forest environment.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños)
San José
An interactive science and discovery center housed in a historic former prison, featuring over 40 exhibits for families.
Visit website →National Museum of Costa Rica (Museo Nacional)
San José
Features a large butterfly atrium and extensive natural history exhibits alongside pre-Columbian artifacts in a former military fortress.
Visit website →UCR Insect Museum (Museo de Insectos)
San José
A scientific museum dedicated to the incredible biodiversity of insects found in the tropics, located within the University of Costa Rica.
Visit website →La Salle Natural Science Museum
San José
One of the most comprehensive natural history museums in Central America, showcasing over 65,000 specimens of animals, fossils, and minerals.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Doka Estate Coffee Tour
Alajuela
A historic coffee plantation where families can see antique water-powered mills and explore a colorful butterfly garden.
Visit website →Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm
Alajuela
Starbucks' first and only global research farm offering educational tours through coffee fields and a scenic open-air cafe.
Visit website →Corso Lechería
Poasito
A family-oriented dairy and strawberry farm offering tractor rides, cheese-making demonstrations, and fruit-picking activities.
Visit website →Hacienda La Chimba
Santa Ana
A working coffee estate offering agrotourism trails, a traditional coffee processing tour, and a high-altitude hike to a giant wooden hand.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
El Camino de Costa Rica
Quepos
280km challenging 16-day trek crossing the country from the Pacific to the Atlantic, passing through the Central Valley's Orosi and Turrialba regions with ~7,250m elevation gain. Trail management: Asociación Mar a Mar (caminodecostarica.org).
Visit website →Irazú to Turrialba Volcano Gravel Route
San Juan de Chicuá
45km challenging cycling route with significant elevation gain and loss between two major volcanoes. Offers panoramic views of the Central Valley. Bike rental: Costa Rica Bike Rental (aventurascr.com) or Bike Planet (bikeplanetcr.com).
Visit website →Sendero los Quetzales
San Gerardo de Dota
9km moderate to challenging linear trail connecting Los Quetzales National Park to the Savegre Valley. Famous for sightings of the Resplendent Quetzal in primary oak forests with ~300m elevation gain.
Visit website →Barva Volcano Lagoon Trail
Sacramento
10km moderate to challenging day hike reaching 2,906m elevation with ~400m gain. Routes include the Cacho de Venado and Lagoon trails leading to the ancient crater lake. Part of Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Visit website →Prusia Forest Loop
Cartago
16km network of moderate trails within the Irazú Volcano National Park (Sector Prusia) with elevation reaching 3,400m. Features the iconic 'Los Abuelos' trail through high-altitude pine and cypress forests.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Irazú Volcano National Park
Cartago
Costa Rica's highest volcano offering a unique lunar-like landscape and views of both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on clear days.
Visit website →Poás Volcano National Park
Alajuela
An active volcano featuring one of the world's largest craters and a stunning turquoise lagoon surrounded by cloud forest.
Visit website →Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte National Park
Orosi
A lush, high-rainfall park known for its pristine rivers, waterfalls, and incredible birdwatching opportunities in the cloud forest.
Visit website →Braulio Carrillo National Park
Heredia
A vast expanse of primary rainforest and cloud forest featuring dramatic mountains and diverse wildlife just outside the capital.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Lankester Botanical Garden
Cartago
A world-renowned research center featuring over 3,000 species of orchids and beautiful Japanese-style gardens.
Visit website →Else Kientzler Botanical Garden
Sarchí
A beautifully landscaped garden offering 7 hectares of themed areas including succulents, tropical plants, and peaceful walking trails.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park
Vara Blanca
A premier nature park featuring five spectacular waterfalls, a rescued animal sanctuary, and cloud forest hiking trails.
Visit website →Rainforest Adventures Braulio Carrillo
Guápiles
An eco-adventure destination offering an aerial tram, high-speed ziplines, and nature trails through a private rainforest reserve adjacent to the national park.
Visit website →Colinas del Poás
Fraijanes
An outdoor adventure center providing canopy ziplining, trout fishing, and trekking at the base of the Poás Volcano region.
Visit website →San Luis Adventure Park
San Ramón
A cloud forest activity center featuring canopy tours, hanging bridges, and a butterfly garden for family-oriented outdoor exploration.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Museo de Arte Costarricense
San José
Housed in a beautiful former airport terminal, this museum showcases the finest works of Costa Rican artists in a scenic park setting.
Visit website →Galería Nacional
San José
This expansive gallery within a fortress-like building hosts diverse rotating exhibitions of painting, photography, and sculpture for all ages.
Visit website →Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo
San José
Located in a historic former distillery, this museum features cutting-edge contemporary art and design from Central America and beyond.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
San José
Located in a historic fortress, this museum features pre-Columbian artifacts and a beautiful butterfly garden for children to explore.
Visit website →Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
San José
A stunning architectural masterpiece offering guided tours of its opulent interior, perfect for families interested in art and history.
Visit website →Orosi Colonial Church
Orosi
One of the oldest active churches in the country, set in a picturesque valley with a small museum of religious art.
Sarchí Artisan Village
Sarchí
Famous for its vibrant, giant hand-painted oxcart, this cultural town offers a colorful look at traditional Costa Rican craftsmanship.
Theme Park / Amusement Park
Parque Diversiones
San José
Costa Rica's premier amusement park featuring modern roller coasters, water rides, and a detailed historical replica village called Pueblo Antiguo.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Alajuela
A world-class rescue center where families can see jaguars, monkeys, and macaws in a lush tropical botanical garden setting.
Visit website →Refugio Herpetológico de Costa Rica
Santa Ana
A dedicated rescue sanctuary focusing on reptiles and mammals, offering an up-close look at crocodiles, snakes, and monkeys in a suburban forest setting.
Visit website →Toucan Rescue Ranch
San Isidro de Heredia
An internationally recognized facility offering educational tours to see rescued sloths, toucans, and owls in a highland forest environment.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Balneario Las Musas
San Ramón
A scenic recreational center famous for its towering water slide and natural pools situated at the base of a tropical waterfall.
Visit website →Balneario Ojo de Agua
San Antonio de Belén
A historic and popular aquatic complex fed by natural springs, featuring large swimming pools, a lake, and recreational areas surrounded by tropical greenery.
Visit website →Hacienda Orosi
Orosi
A sophisticated thermal aquatic center featuring multiple mineral-rich pools and panoramic views over the lush landscapes of the Orosi Valley.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Mirador de Orosi
Orosi
A beautifully landscaped public viewpoint providing panoramic vistas of the lush Orosi Valley and the Reventazón River.
Visit website →Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte National Park
Orosi
Known for its heavy rainfall and lush beauty, this park features roaring rivers and misty mountain views perfect for nature-loving families.
Visit website →Turrialba Volcano National Park
Turrialba
An impressive active volcano offering dramatic views of smoking craters and the surrounding agricultural highlands for adventurous families.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Termales del Valle
Paraíso
35-40°C volcanic thermal pools in a standalone water park. This facility features seven multi-tiered stone-lined pools with mineral-rich waters, family-friendly water slides, and picnic areas set against a lush tropical backdrop.
Visit website →Termales La Cuenca
Orosi
36-39°C natural mineral water pools in a dedicated outdoor facility. The complex features multiple stone-edged pools with high calcium and magnesium content, situated in a quiet tropical garden setting overlooking the valley floor.
Visit website →Balneario de Aguas Termales Orosi
Orosi
38°C naturally heated mineral pools in a historic public facility. This traditional site features two large swimming pools and several smaller garden pools rich in sodium and potassium, offering a local experience in the heart of the Orosi Valley.
