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San Jose
Costa Rica’s one true city lies in the Valle Central and is ringed by volcanic mountains and small colonial towns. This is where most Costa Ricans live, favouring the climate afforded by its elevation of 1,150m.
The Valle Central is a major coffee growing area with lush vegetation, dormant volcanoes and churning rivers. There is a lot to see and do within easy reach of the city, from brightly coloured sulphurous crater lakes to wild rivers that carry you through verdant scenery.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below are some examples of what you can see and do in the area, though we can tailor any itinerary to suit your interests.
San Jose. The capital is a typical Central American concrete sprawl but inhabited with open, friendly and welcoming locals. The local markets, pre-Columbian gold museum and the jade museum are well worth some time. White-water rafting. The Reventazon and Pacuare rivers have a big reputation for great rafting, with grades of white water to suit all levels of experience from beginners to experienced. Poas Volcano National Park. The massive crater of this 2,700m volcano is filled with a bright blue sulphurous lake and is easily accessible, with transport taking you virtually to the top. Half day.
Lankester Gardens. Costa Rica’s answer to Kew Gardens! This fascinating biological research centre is home to the world’s most important collection of orchids, with nearly 800 on a carefully tended site.
Irazu Volcano National Park. From the peak of this gigantic volcano you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on a clear day. A road takes you all the way to the lunar landscape of the summit where you can look into its four craters. Half day.
Recommended lodges in this area:
San Jose
This is a grand and sumptuous hotel filled with fabulous antiques and art, which takes you back to another era – early 20thcentury San Jose. Old black and white photographs line the corridors and are a fascinating illustration of what life in Costa Rica used to be
San Jose
This 13 room hotel is situated 20 minutes away from San Jose airport and located within its own coffee farm, you immediately feel away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. You are surrounded by rolling coffee plantations along with sweeping views of the mountains
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