The Central Valley encompasses the territory from San Ramón de Alajuela (in the west) to Paraíso de Cartago (in the east). To the north, it is bordered by the mountains of Heredia and Barva, and the Irazú volcano. To the south, it is bordered by the Talamanca mountain range, and to the southwest by the Tárcoles River valley. It is divided into two sections, the Western Valley and the El Guarco Valley, separated by the Ochomogo hill.
The Central Valley encompasses Costa Rica’s major cities: San José, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. It also includes smaller towns like Palmares and Naranjo. More than half of the country’s population lives in the Central Valley, which is also the center of all economic activity, major institutions, and the government.
On average, the Central Valley ranges from 800 meters above sea level (masl) in Alajuela and La Garita to 1,500 masl in San José de la Montaña and Tarbaca. Temperatures range from 12°C to 35°C, depending on the time of year and altitude. The capital, San José, has an average temperature of 20°C.
Its geography tends to have gentle hills and elevations, rising towards the mountains that define the valley. It does not present extreme variations or geographical features of enormous magnitude. It is traversed by different river channels, and it is in the Central Valley where the rivers originate.
In most parts of the country (except in the Caribbean), there are 2 defined seasons:
The dry season, called “summer,” is characterized by the predominance of trade winds, clear skies, and low temperatures. It lasts from November to March.
The wet season, or winter, features high levels of precipitation, which generally occurs in the afternoon, especially in May and October. Atmospheric humidity increases with temperature. This season lasts from April to October/November.
Economic activities.
They vary depending on whether you’re cultivating chayote (a pear-shaped vegetable) in Cartago or producing microprocessors at Intel in Heredia. Significant development in commerce and services (banks, hospitals, universities, etc.) has benefited different social classes throughout the country. The main international airport is also located in the Central Valley. The Central Valley maintains important connections with different parts of the country. All parts of the country are linked by the Pan-American Highway.
The only service that the Central Valley does not offer is a port.
Alajuela and the North of the Valley.
During pre-Columbian times, Alajuela and the northern part of the valley were inhabited. In the south lived the native Huetar people, and in the northern part, the indigenous Guatuso group, Ticas, and Catapas.
In 1574, the indigenous settlement of Santa Catalina was established in the Central Valley, now known as the San Mateo neighborhood. By 1777, many families living in extreme poverty had to travel to Villa Vieja, Heredia, to attend church. The long distances and their hardship often caused them to miss services. Parish priest Manuel López, concerned about the situation, requested permission to build a church in the neighborhood. Bishop Esteban Tristán visited the area and approved the request. On October 12, 1782, the small church was built in the La Lajuela area.
At the initiative of Costa Rican Deputy Florencio del Castillo Villagra, the Spanish Court granted the title of “Villa” (a pretentious and luxurious residence with extensive land) to Alajuela in 1813. The following year, the law was annulled by King Ferdinand VII, but in 1820, the Court granted the title of ‘villa’ to the city once again, and it was retained until 1824, the year in which the Constituent Congress of Costa Rica decided to give the name of city instead of villa.
Alajuela boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna protected within two national parks: Poás Volcano and Juan Castro Blanco. Alajuela also has a national wildlife reserve (in Caño Negro), five protected areas, and several forest reserves.
As a tourist attraction, the Juan Santamaría Museum displays locally produced handicrafts. Inside the museum, one room reenacts the history of the Battle of Santa Rosa (when Costa Rican troops defeated the filibusters commanded by William Walker in 1856).
The picturesque towns of San Ramón, Zarcero, and Sarchí are another source of pride for the province of Alajuela. In these towns, you can purchase handcrafted Costa Rican artisanal goods and admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the wood.
Sarchí is the cradle of Costa Rican handicrafts, where wood is brought back to life, offering tourists a wide variety of souvenirs made from precious local wood. It’s a hub of folklore, and the colorful wooden cars have become a national symbol.
There are two active volcanoes in the area: Arenal Volcano, near San Carlos, and Poás Volcano, whose crater is 1 kilometer in diameter and 314 meters deep.
Poás is one of the few active and accessible volcanoes in the world; it stands 2,704 meters above sea level in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, 37 kilometers north of Alajuela. It is possible to observe the lower part of the crater, active fumaroles, and small eruptions.
This park protects the rivers that form the northern watershed. Around the volcano, within the park area, a vast forest teems with numerous birds and small mammals. The park is located 35 kilometers from San José and features restrooms, an information center, a marked trail, a picnic area, and a history and exhibit room.
The province of Alajuela is divided into 15 cantons and 107 districts. The cantons and their respective main cities are:
1. Alajuela, Alajuela
2. San Ramón, San Ramón
3. Grecia, Grecia
4. San Mateo, San Mateo
5. Atenas, Atenas
6. Naranjo, Naranjo
7. Palmares, Palmares
8. Poás, San Pedro
9. Orotina, Orotina
10. San Carlos, Ciudad Quesada
11. Alfaro Ruiz, Zarcero
12. Valverde Vega, Sarchí
13. Upala, Upala
14. Los Chiles, Los Chiles
15. Guatuso, San Rafael
Orientation
Alajuela is very similar to San Jose in several ways. It’s a bustling city with easy access to all services. Alajuela is also home to Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
Alajuela holds great historical importance thanks to the national hero Juan Santamaría, born in this beautiful province. Santamaría burned down the military barracks in Rivas, Nicaragua, and fought against the American filibusters commanded by William Walker. This hero of Costa Rica died in combat, but he secured the independence and peace of his beloved country.
Athens and La Garita
It is a city located on the western side of the province of Alajuela. This town is historically known as “Camino Carros” (Cart Road), because it was the place where carts were loaded with grain and then driven to Puntarenas. Atenas is also well known for having the best weather in the country.
La Garita is located 11 km from the center of Alajuela and is known as a “corn town.” Restaurants in the area specialize in delicious corn-based dishes.
Sarchí: Located on the northwest side of Alajuela, Sarchí is a small, popular town known for two main things: its wooden carts, which have become a national symbol, and its lush trees and flowers. Excellent quality coffee can also be found in the area.
Grecia: This small, traditional town is known for having perhaps the most beautiful church in the country. This famous church was crafted in Belgium and shipped to Costa Rica in 1897. It’s a very clean and welcoming town with a wide variety of insects and beautiful scenery.
Palmares: Palmares is known for its annual festival. It’s a 10-day celebration in mid-January featuring a carnival, parades, fireworks, nightclubs, bars, food, and horse parades. It receives extensive television coverage, as more than 10,000 people visit the town.
If you’re in Costa Rica in January, you’ll see posters advertising events and providing more detailed information.
San Ramón: the second canton of the province of Alajuela, it covers an area of 1,155 square kilometers, representing 2% of Costa Rica’s territory. The city of San Ramón is a major commercial center and the most important city outside the Greater Metropolitan Area. It is home to the main campus of the University of Costa Rica and numerous public institutions. Furthermore, it is a natural paradise with many tourist attractions.
Naranjo: Located five kilometers from Sarchí, it is an important agricultural center and a town with a rich tradition and cultural heritage. The main road from Naranjo extends all the way to Ciudad Quesada and Zarcero.
Zarcero: Located north of Naranjo, at the end of the Central Mountain Range, the high mountains and fresh air create a cooler climate, making it quite unique in Costa Rica. Zarcero Park is the main attraction for visitors, boasting a multitude of beautifully shaped pine trees.
North of San Jose
Heredia
Heredia Province is located in the northern part of the country, 12 km north of San José. It borders Nicaragua (to the north), Limón Province (to the east), San José Province (to the south), and Alajuela Province (to the west). Heredia is the smallest province in Costa Rica, but it is very important for its coffee plantations.
It has an altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level and maintains an average temperature of 23°C. The capital of the province is the city of Heredia, known as the “city of flowers.” It is home to the National University, one of the most important public universities in Costa Rica.
This province offers the ecological wonders of the Central Mountain Range. The Barva Volcano is 2,906 meters above sea level.
In addition, the Braulio Carrillo rainforest is a popular tourist attraction, as are its rural Central Valleys of San Isidro and San Rafael, which showcase beautiful Gothic Revival churches and scenic locations.
It is divided into 10 cantons:
1. Heredia
2. Barva
3. Santo Domingo
4. Santa Bárbara
5. San Rafael
6. San Isidro
7. Belén (San Antonio)
8. Flores (San Joaquín)
9. San Pablo
10. Sarapiquí (San Pablo)
Barva: Located just 3 km north of Heredia, Barva was founded in 1561 and is now a national monument. This small town, nestled in the mountains, boasts a colonial atmosphere with historic buildings and the beautiful Church of San Bartolomeo.
Today, Barva boasts beautiful hotels for its many visitors and numerous attractions, including the Basilica of Barva Church, built in 1767; the Museum of Popular Culture, located one and a half kilometers southwest of downtown Barva; and the Coffee Museum, inaugurated in 1834.
Barva’s hills include the volcano:
• San José de la Montaña: situated on the north side of Barva, it is known for its beautiful church and numerous hotels nestled within the pine forest.
• Monte de la Cruz: located two kilometers north of Heredia, it is known for its old Gothic church and the many mansions lining the roadside.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
is located in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, in the north. The Barva volcano, Cacho Negro, and Bajo de la Hondura make up this incredible natural park.
Braulio Carrillo National Park is Costa Rica’s second biosphere reserve, and its forest provides a significant amount of oxygen. It also boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna, including orchids, ferns, and birds.
East of San Jose
Carthage
The city of Cartago is located in the central region of Costa Rica. It was founded in 1563 by the Spanish conquistador Juan Vázquez de Coronado and was the capital of Costa Rica for about 300 years.
Cartago was the first permanent Spanish settlement in Costa Rica and was home to the Spanish governors until the country’s independence in 1821. According to the Pact of Concord signed in the capital city, the capital was to rotate between Cartago, San José, and Alajuela. However, as a result of a civil war, the capital city was permanently moved to San José.
Cartago was the headquarters of the Central American Court of Justice and was the first city in Central America to establish an International Court of Rights, along with the Human Rights Court.
Today, Carthage is a modern but historic city with 127,000 inhabitants and is famous for its majestic church ‘The Basilica of the Angels’.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is a Catholic church in the city of Cartago, built in 1639. It is an incredible Byzantine-style church in which, according to Costa Rican religious tradition, an image of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared to a young man in 1635.
Pilgrimage
Every year in August, thousands of people, not only from Costa Rica but from all over the world, still make a pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of the Angels and to give thanks for favors granted. The pilgrimage is better known as the “Romería.”
Irazú Volcano National Park
Irazú is an active volcano located in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range within the national park, 30 km west of downtown Cartago. It is named after the indigenous community of Istarú, who lived on the mountainside.
Irazú Volcano stands at 3,432 meters and is cone-shaped with several craters, one of which contains a green crater lake of varying depth. This beautiful national park is easily accessible from the capital city of San José.
On a sunny day, it’s possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the volcano’s summit. The National Park protects 2,309 hectares surrounding the volcano.
Orosi
The beautiful Orosi Valley is just an hour’s drive from the capital city of San José. The town of Orosi is home to Costa Rica’s oldest church, which is still in use by the local faithful.
On a clear day, the splendid Orosi Valley, along with its flowing river, can be seen from the summit of Irazú Volcano.
The Orosi River flows from the Talamanca Mountains and Tapantí National Park, through the valley and into a lake that was formed by the construction of the Cachi Dam.
An interesting attraction between the town and the dam is La Casa del Soñador (The Dreamer’s House), a small house made of coffee logs, each one sculpted into unique shapes and figures.
The road along the south side of this artificial lake will take you through the town of Cachí and past the dam.
Continuing past the dam, you’ll reach the village of Ujarrás, known for its ruins, coffee production, and beautiful gardens.
Tapantí National Death Hill Park
It protects the northern slope of the Talamanca Mountain Range and is one of the wettest places in the country. In 2000, this park was expanded by 585 hectares and is now part of the Hill of Death.
Turrialba
Turrialba is located 650 meters above sea level. The Turrialba River follows the Reventazón River and flows through the Central Mountain Range. In 1991, an earthquake shook the country, but Turrialba, with a population of 70,000, was unaffected.
Turrialba has the best access to white-water springs.
Guayabo National Archaeological Monument
Guayabo is 19 km northeast of the city of Turrialba. It presents a contrast between Mayan and Aztec cultures. Its aqueduct system has served more than 20,000 people in the area.
Turrialba Volcano National Park
Turrialba Volcano is a large, densely forested, active volcano. Described by many as the twin volcano of Irazú, Turrialba has unique natural attractions, such as hiking trails that allow visitors to see the various lava flows, evidence of rivers flowing from hot magma.
