SAN JOSE AND THE CENTRAL VALLEY
This buzzing capital city is surrounded by a stunning valley of coffee plantations.
San Jose is encircled by large coffee bean plantations, the profits of which built the city many years ago. You can sample the delicious ‘golden bean’ in cafes across the city or enjoy a day trip to see the coffee making process in one of the many farms nearby. Historical highlights within San Jose include the elegant National Theatre which was built in 1897 and hordes of pre-Colombian gold in the Museo del Oro. Despite the wide spread of this bustling city, many visitors sidestep San Jose and head to the central valley in which it sits. This is an attractive area to visit, with coffee plantations, waterfalls and short hikes, plus the added bonus of some fabulous lodges and hotels. These properties are perfect for an easy one-night stay after a late arrival to San Jose, but still offer excellent activities and abundant wildlife for a longer stay. The Pacuare River flows through this stunning area, offering thrill seekers some of the best white water rafting in the world, and in the areas surrounding its banks it is possible to go horse riding, zip lining and mountain biking. Being in the very centre of the country, San Jose makes a perfect base from which to start or finish a luxury holiday to Costa Rica.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Grano de Oro
Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis in the heart of the city.
Marriott San Jose
The Marriott Hotel San Jose, voted as one of the best hotels in Central America by Condé Nast, is a delightful mix of unique architecture, elegant furnishings and luscious surroundings.
El Silencio Lodge and Spa
El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a perfect luxury retreat for travellers who seek respite from the stress of daily life. The design of this unique lodge provides a seamless natural immersion experience that showcases the most beautiful elements of Costa Rica’s traditional rural farms and countryside homes.
Finca Rosa Blanca
The Finca Rosa Blanca Resort is a coffee farm plantation and luxury destination situated in the central valley mountain highlands of Costa Rica. Located only a short distance from the San Jose International Airport, it has long offered eco-travellers a luxurious, sustainable boutique hotel experience
Dantica Lodge
The Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is situated high in the mountains of the Talamanca mountain range, at an altitude of 2.600 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Upper Montane Cloud Forest.
Poas Volcano Lodge
Poas Volcano Lodge is a pretty property with an excellent location from which to start or end your holiday in Costa Rica, less than one hour from the international airport at San Jose.
The Retreat
If you are looking to disconnect from your busy lifestyle and take some time to truly relax, The Retreat in Costa Rica an idyllic choice.
Trogon Lodge
Surrounded by a collage of green trees and mountains, the serenity of the Cloud Forest, and the sounds of the Savegre River, Trogon Lodge is a nature lovers hideaway, a picture perfect honeymoon destination and wonderful holiday retreat.
Xandari Resort and Spa
Xandari is a luxury hotel located in San Jose’s beautiful Central Valley. Just 20 minutes from San Jose airport yet in the heart of the countryside, this is an idyllic place.
Pacuare Lodge
Pacuare Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge in the rainforest overlooking the Pacuare river. Named by National Geographic as one of the most scenic rivers in the world, this is a truly idyllic spot.
Chayote Lodge
Chayote Lodge is a new lodging concept that combines nature with the rural traditions and authentic lifestyle of the mountains and the warmth and hospitality of the people of Costa Rica.
Casa Turire
Set in a beautiful colonial building by La Angostura Lake, Casa Turire benefits from a stunning location just 2 hours east of the capital San Jose. In this lush green valley, the Terrialba mountains can be viewed in the distance, and the gardens of the hotel are filled with both endemic and exotic plant species which attract many different birds
The Alta Hotel
This first class boutique hotel is a perfect escape for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Secluded and elegant, the Alta Hotel also benefits from a central location and stunning views over the Valle de Sol.