As the popular English name suggests, the "Central Valley" covers the central region of Costa Rica. Surrounding the national capital city of San José, the Central Valley is bounded by the Cordillera Central mountain range in the north and east and the Cordillera de Talamanca to the south. The western edge of the Valley falls off into the Pacific lowlands. The highlands surrounding the Central Valley include the famous Poás and Irazú Volcanoes and the Reventazón River Valley that are often visited as day excursions from San José and other larger cities in the area.
This region has been an important agricultural zone since thousands of Native farmers cultivated the land before the arrival of the Spanish. The first Spanish to settle in the area were attracted by the pleasant climate and the fertile volcanic soil. Today, roughly two-thirds of the Costa Rican population live in the Central Valley, and four of the seven provinces of Costa Rica are included in the region. A unique situation can be seen as the provincial capital cities of Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago lie within 25km/16mi of San José, also the capital city of San José province.
An agricultural area producing pineapples and sugarcane, Grecia was once voted the cleanest town in Latin America. The picturesque small town is noted for its unusual metal church, which is painted a deep red and has a white gingerbread trim.
This serpentarium features over 150 snakes representing over 50 species from around the world, with an emphasis on species found in Costa Rica. The snakes, as well as some frogs, crocodiles and other reptiles are displayed in cages simulating the species' natural habitats. The open-air exhibit is committed to research as well as breeding endangered species.
Address: World of Snakes, Box 4100-566, Grecia, Alajuela , Costa Rica
La Paz Waterfall Gardens includes several trails through the forest along the La Paz river offering lookouts over a series of waterfalls. The most dramatic is the park's namesake, Catarata La Paz (Peace Waterfall), where a short trail leads behind the falls between the cascading water and the side of the mountain.
Other attractions found here include a large butterfly garden, and orchid garden and several hummingbird feeders. Local legend claims the La Paz waterfall is charged with negative electricity "that helps reduce the stress of modern life".
The waterfall at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
The lush La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Address: La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Vara Blanca, Alajuela , Costa Rica
About 800ha/2000ac of cloud forest surround a dairy ranch that is owned by former Costa Rican president Rodrigo Carazo. There is a 1.9km/1.18mi boardwalk trail as well as other foot and horse trails that lead to good vistas of the cloud forest and waterfalls. Several bird species can be seen, and bilingual naturalist guides offer hikes and canopy tours.
This small village is known for its annual fiesta that occurs over ten days in the middle of January. The celebration takes the form of a country fair and attracts residents from the entire Central Valley.
Family-oriented events include interesting sideshows and carnival rides. Bullfights also happen, however in Costa Rica the bull is never killed. Food and drink vendors are abundant.
Rancho Redondo is a small community at an elevation of 2,000m/6,560ft. The village offers excellent vistas of San José and the agricultural countryside of the Central Valley. In and around the community are country roads lined with the famous "living fence posts": the fertile volcanic soil has caused the posts to sprout and turn into trees.
San Ramón is a large agricultural center producing various fresh produce. Each Saturday, a huge farmer's market offers the region's fresh fruits and vegetables. San Ramón is known locally as "the town of presidents and poets" since many of them were born or have lived in the area.
This small museum exhibits the local history and culture of the area from pre-Columbian times. Local efforts to ward of William Walker and famous native sons (such as former president José Figueres) are highlighted.
Known locally as Moravia, this village is famous for the handicrafts produced by locals. Once a coffee-farm center, today most travellers visit Moravia to stock up on the locally made goods, especially leather but also crafts of woods, ceramics and jewellery. There are many shops surrounding the spacious Central Park (Parque Central).
Zarcero lies on the western edge of the Cordillera Central at an elevation of 1700m/5576ft. The town is known for its production of homemade white cheeses and peach preserves, but also for an interesting garden in front of the town church.
The shrubs and bushes have been attractively sculpted into forms of humans and animals such as rabbits, horses and elephants. Due to the elevation of the town, the temperatures are cooler here but pleasant and fresh.
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Rainforest Aerial Tram
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Our Lady of the Angels Basilica, Cartago
Poás Volcano National Park
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Our Lady of the Angels Basilica, Cartago
Poás Volcano National Park
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Insect Museum
