San Jose & Central Valley
Why go?
San José lies in a valley in the lush rolling hills of the
Central Highlands, and while the capital itself is a bustling,
scrappy place with little appeal, the surrounding landscapes of
terraced coffee plantations make the ideal place to start your
holiday. You can stay at tranquil Finca Rosa Blanca
Country Inn or secluded hilltop resort Xandari and still
drive into the city for dinner or to explore a museum.
From here it’s just a couple of hours’ drive up to the
Poás volcano - lodge and spa El Silencio provides
a luxurious retreat nearby. There are spectacular trails through
the rainforest in the Braulio Carrillo National Park, and you can
watch wildlife from your terrace at remote Pacuare Lodge,
which is reached by an exhilarating rafting trip through pristine
forest.