Central Valley

The gate to the country

San Jose, Costa Rica Central Valley the capital city of the Republic, is located at an elevation of 3300 feet (1.000 meters) above sea level. The average temperature is 79º F which makes the city a very cozy place. The cuisine and accommodations satisfy the most exquisite tastes and bed & breakfast hotels and restaurants are abundant in this city. The Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), the Museo de Jade (Jade Museum), the Museo Nacional (National Museum), The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Contemporary Art), The Museo de Los Niños (Children’s’ Museum), adorn the city. Moreover, the magnificent Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) founded in 1897 as a result of the coffee-boom and cultural influence we inherited from the European continent. San Jose headquarters three principal powers of the Republic: the Supreme Court, Parliament, and Presidential House. A big part of the population, characterized by its high educational level, attends to cultural events and attractions such as theatre, dance, concerts, academic conferences and science fairs. In fact, Costa Rica stands out for it is many disciplines related to Arts and Sciences abroad.

Picturesque landscapes:

Rural landscapes of great beauty show a reminiscence of the Costa Rica of long ago, with its adobe houses or bahareques (large lots) and trapiches (little family workshops) where the traditional “ tapa de dulce ” (pieces of unrefined sugar) is produced and milk is sold. One of the most important symbols of the country life, however, are the oxen on the road. Another such icon is Patronal Feasts (in honor of saints) and the Popular Festivities of San Jose that take place in December.

The Volcanic Mountain range extends around the valley with its peaks and volcanoes, such as the Poas and Irazu. This region presents ideal conditions for growing coffee, our golden bean and the country’s pride for its international quality. Tubercles, vegetables, fruits, ferns, and ornamental plants are also planted and commercialized in this area. Trout fishing (a variety of salmon of Canadian origin) – is practiced in the Savegre River and other areas beneath the Cerro de la Muerte (Hill of Death) that surrounds the Interamerican Highway to “San Isidro del General”, down south. These settings have an irresistible charm with their exotic vegetation, stunning waterfalls, currents of clean and clear waters, as well as the presence of the Quetzal, bird of unique elegance and beauty.

The most important sanctuary of the country is called “Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles” (Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels). Its Basilica was built in Cartago, the old capital city. On August 1 st, religious believers make a nationwide pilgrimage to Cartago to take part in the procession. The next day, we celebrate the appearance of the Virgin before a humble native girl’s eyes. The name “La Negrita” indicates the dark complexion of this local virgin contrasting the “White Dove” of Andalusia.

Fun and Entertainment :

In Josephine’s ballrooms as well as in popular pubs you can hear the tropical rhythms. These attract the tourists to the festive nightlife of the capital city. During the day, the Mercado Central (Central Market) – with its endless-like corridors stocked with crafts and other souvenirs stores – is the main attraction for visitors. Moreover, there are all kinds of boutiques: exclusive fashion shops, huge Shopping Malls with movie theatres, fine restaurants, car rentals, museums, theatres, skating parks, and private clubs…everything you might find in an active, young and cosmopolitan city. A city and a country that is waiting to offer you the best!