San Jose, central highlands and central valleys holidays
San Jose, central highlands and central valleys holidays at a glance
San José itself is honest rather than beautiful: a busy, modern city of offices, malls and American-style bars, with plenty of traffic and no real colonial core to speak of, though the warmth of the people more than makes up for it.
Good museums and excellent restaurants give it more to offer than it’s often given credit for, and as Costa Rica’s main international gateway, most holidays start here whether they mean to or not.
The real draw lies just beyond the city. Fertile valleys and volcanic soils support some of the country’s most productive coffee-growing regions, watched over by the smouldering cones of Poás and Irazú.
The surrounding countryside is dotted with traditional towns, gardens and scenic mountain landscapes, offering coffee tours and Costa Rica cultural holidays a rewarding insight into everyday life, all while staying conveniently connected to the rest of the country.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
San José, the Central Highlands and Central Valleys combine coffee estates, volcanic landscapes, historic towns and a rich cultural heritage.
When to visit San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
The Central Highlands enjoy a more moderate climate than many coastal areas and can be visited throughout the year.
Temperatures remain fairly constant year round in San José and its surrounding highlands and valleys, with highs of around 28°C in April and cooler evenings. Rainfall is rare from December through to March and in the latter month you can also enjoy the San José International Arts Festival.
Although the capital is drier than the coasts, the most rain falls from May to October. Throughout this period there are pleasant temperatures in the mid 20°Cs. Independence Day in San José on 15 September sees locals pour out onto the streets to enjoy live music and dancing.
Top Things to do in San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
Between coffee estates, volcano viewpoints and white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, there’s no shortage of things to do in San José and the surrounding highlands.
Enjoy thrills and spills on this rip-roaring voyage along the Pacuare river, passing through a scenic river canyon.
Walk the trails of the Tirimbina Nature Reserve with a qualified naturalist drive to learn about the life of the rainforest.
Visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the impressive crater lake at the top of Poas volcano, stopping at a coffee farm along the way.
Go on an exciting water-borne safari to spot giant crocodiles in Costa Rica.
Visit one of the estates where Costa Rica’s celebrated coffee is produced to see the full process in action and sample a delicious hot draft for yourself.
Look out over the enormous crater of Poas volcano, with its vivid turquoise lake and frequent bursts of steam.
Accommodation in San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
Accommodation options range from boutique city hotels and historic properties to elegant coffee-estate lodges and countryside retreats. Many properties offer easy access to both San José and the surrounding highlands, making them ideal for the beginning or end of a Costa Rica holiday.
Exclusive eco-lodge offering beautifully furnished suites housed in individual luxury cabins scattered within lush tropical grounds.
An atmospheric and elegant converted colonial mansion in one of central San José’s most stylish buildings.
A cosy family-run eco-lodge in tropical gardens with walking trails, river boat rides and a simple spa.
This top-quality, sustainable riverside lodge deep in the Costa Rican rainforest offers rafting, zip-lining, wildlife and bird-watching.
Modern San Jose hotel with rooftop bar and an unrivalled location in the heart of the city.
Tranquil resort set in a coffee plantation, offering the allure of the Costa Rican countryside with the convenience of proximity to the airport.
A good quality mid-range hotel close to the international airport.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
Discover our range of holidays taking in Costa Rica’s central highlands and valleys. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Group San Jose, central highlands and central valleys Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Tanager: Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest
12 days from £3,443
Tailor-Made San Jose, central highlands and central valleys Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Osa Peninsula
13 days from £4,565
Explore and Relax in Costa Rica: Volcanoes to the beach
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
11 days from £4,100
Luxury adventures in Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north
8 days from £3,850
Mini Adventures in Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
15 days from £4,350
Off The Beaten Track Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills · Pacific coast · Osa Peninsula
14 days from £3,750
Self-drive Costa Rica: Coast to coast adventures
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
14 days from £2,400
Signature Costa Rica and Panama Coast: Pacific route
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Osa Peninsula · Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands · Pacific Coast of Panama · Panama City
14 days from £3,800
Signature Costa Rica: The natural highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
12 days from £3,450
Signature: Best of Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north · Rio San Juan · Granada · Ometepe Island
12 days from £3,100
Value Costa Rica: The essential highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Pacific coast
12 days from £1,900
FAQs about visiting San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
San Jose, central highlands and central valleys is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to go to San Jose and the central highlands?
If good weather is your priority, choose the dry season Dec – Apr when there is plenty of sun. The green (i.e. rainy) season is quieter in terms of number of visitors. San José, at 1,150m, has a pleasant climate with temperatures averaging 15-25°C.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in San Jose and the central highlands?
The main language spoken in San Jose and the central highlands is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in San Jose and the central highlands?
The Colón is the main currency used in San Jose and the central highlands. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too.
- What is the time difference between San Jose and the UK?
The time difference between San Jose and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with San Jose and the central highlands?
A visit to the Caribbean or Pacific coasts for a beach wind down; Arenal, in the north, the most spectacular volcano; Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, for excellent bird watching. There are light aircraft flights from San José airport to many destinations. Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even winding ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others are poor and require 4WD vehicles
- How do I get to San Jose and the central highlands?
There is a direct flight from London Gatwick to San José (11 hrs) as well as non-direct flights via US and European hubs.
- What are the cultural events in San Jose and the central highlands?
International Arts Festival: San José, Mar. Music, dance, film art exhibitions.
Independence Day: San José, 15 Sep. music and dancing in the streets starting the evening before.
El Tope: San José, 26 Dec. A horse parade through the city is followed by fairs, fireworks and bull-running south of the city.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.