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A close up of the side of a brightly coloured hand painted traditional Costa Rican oxcarts (Las carretas), Costa Rica

San José & the Central Valley Holidays


south & central america
The sprawling city of San José has a dramatic setting, surrounded by the hills, mountains and plantations of the lush Central Valley.

San José, or Chepe as the city is locally known, is eccentric and chaotic but also incredibly laidback and friendly. It may not have the 'wow factor' on first glance, but it offers hidden charms for those who take the time to explore and boasts some fantastic dining options.

Outside of the city, in the wider Central Valley you can find soaring volcanoes, cascading rivers and numerous exciting activities all in easy reach. Situated in the middle of the country this is the ideal place to start or end your holiday.
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OUR HOLIDAYS TO SAN JOSÉ & CENTRAL VALLEY

Nobody offers more ways to explore than with Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular holidays staying in San Jose and the Central Valley. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Luxury Adventure
Costa Rica
Private Tour
15 days / 14 nights

This private tour will take you to lush forests, towering volcanoes, and beautiful beaches whilst staying in some of Costa Rica’s finest hotels.

Guide Price: €7,695 pp

Guide Price: £6,435 pp

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Enchanting Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Private Tour
13 days / 12 nights

Discover the natural beauty of this enchanting country from lush valleys to tropical beaches, via the picture-perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano and mystical cloud forests.

Guide Price: €3,749 pp

Guide Price: £2,999 pp

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Toucans, Tree Tops & Beach Time
Costa Rica
Family Holiday
14 days / 13 nights

Home to giant volcanoes, misty forests and winding rivers, Costa Rica is a tropical playground offering amazing adventures for all the family. Float past rainforest-clad river banks, explore the jungle canopy and meet curious creatures on this fabulous fun-fi lled tour. Finish on the beach for some well-deserved chill out time.

Guide Price: €9,685 per family

Guide Price: £8,099 per family

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Wellness, Wildlife & Waves
Costa Rica
Private Tour
11 days / 10 nights

Embrace the Costa Rican philosophy of ‘Pura Vida’ and immerse yourself in this tropical environment whilst enjoying yoga and meditation, nature walks and world-class surfing.

Guide Price: €4,979 pp

Guide Price: £4,159 pp

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Classic Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Private Tour
13 days / 12 nights

Experience some of the highlights of this beautiful country on this classic journey.

Guide Price: €3,149 pp

Guide Price: £2,519 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN SAN JOSÉ & CENTRAL VALLEY

Each region of Costa Rica boasts it's own attractions and San José is no different. Explore the many barrios (or neighbourhoods) as you discover this bustling city. Visit the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral and the opulent National Theatre in the city centre, wander past Barrio Amon's old colonial mansions which house contemporary art galleries and museums, or spend an evening enjoying the excellent restaurants and quirky bars of vibrant Barrio Escalante.

Outside of the city lies the Central Valley, this is an excellent base for a few days if you want to be close to the airport but prefer to avoid the city. These green landscapes are home to coffee plantations, dense forests and towering volcanoes.
San José
San José
Costa Rica's capital has much offer; explore the city's museums, markets, and galleries before sampling the alfresco bars and excellent eateries of chic Barrio Escalante.
Central Valley
Central Valley
Sample delicious coffee from a charming hacienda, spot colourful bird life or try one of the many adventure activities on offer, as you discover the Central Valley.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SAN JOSÉ & CENTRAL VALLEY

We feature a great range of accommodation in this region, with something to suit all tastes. Maybe you're looking for modern, centrally located hotel perfect for exploring the city, or a tranquil resort where you can relax by the pool and wander along jungle trails to hidden waterfalls!

What you won't find here are thousands of hotels to wade through. We've done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Hotel Grano de Oro
4 star

San Jose

This charming hotel has been lovingly converted from a Victorian mansion and provides a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Finca Rosa Blanca
4 star

Central Valley

This lovely hotel is perched on a hillside in the beautiful Central Valley and feels a world away from busy San José.
Poas Volcano Lodge
3 star

Central Valley

This rustic mountain lodge is nestled into rolling pastures, with unbeatable views of Poas Volcano and the northern Caribbean Plains.
Chayote Lodge
3 plus star

Central Valley

Surrounded by rolling fields and verdant mountains, the lodge is inspired by elements of the coffee making process.
The Retreat Costa Rica
4 plus star

Central Valley

Perched on the edge of the hillside in Atenas, a 45 minute drive from San Jose, with panoramic views of the valley below and out towards the coast of Nicoya Peninsula, The Retreat offers wellness and relaxation and is a wonderful place to unwind.

WHAT TO DO IN SAN JOSÉ & CENTRAL VALLEY

White-Water Rafting, Arenal & San Jose
5 hours
  • Paddle down thrilling grade II to IIII rapids
  • Look out for wildlife in the jungle all around you

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