San Jose City & Central Valley
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| The Central Valley, or Meseta Central, is a high and vast region cordoned off to the north and south by the great volcanic mountain ranges that divide Costa Rica in two, the Cordillera Central and the Cordillera de Talamanca. | ||||||
 Cosmopolitan San Jose City sits at an altitude of 3,770 feet above sea level. This Central American city-with its nearly perfect climate, modern surroundings and warm, friendly residents-has lured many travelers to stay and call it home.
Daytime temperatures in San Jose City average between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During the rainy season, this lasts from May to October; showers fall primarily during the afternoon hours and produce refreshing breezes. San Jose City offers many interesting attractions to entertain visitors. There are several museums; the National Theater, a centennial architectural jewel depicting the cultural level of this society, churches, parks, and an active nightlife featuring elegant gourmet restaurants and entertainment areas, including casinos, sports bars and more.
San Jose City has a little bit of everything to buy. You will find the standard tourist fare like T-shirts and postcards. All manner of books have been written about this country, many of which make great souvenirs. Music stores have a wide selection of recorded music by local artists. And then there’s the distinctive art and handicrafts made by local, indigenous and international artisans. Into the Central Valley. Costa Rica Central Valley has a lot to offer. If handicrafts and souvenirs are at stake, then a trip to Sarchi is a must. Widely known for its woodcrafts, the Sarchi area is a blessing for those in search of a famous hand-painted ox-cart and many other wooden designs including beautiful artistically carved doors. The good thing about Sarchi is that one can visit the shops and admire the artists at work. Painting or carving delicate pieces featuring tropical designs ranging from birds to colonial settings, they use a wonderfully varied color palette. If nature is what visitors are after, then San Jose is a key stop while in the country’s Central Valley.
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Shopping is a must in the area, with shops and artisans displaying their work in selected areas of the city. If the thrill of the hunt for that perfect souvenir is just as exciting for you as bungee jumping, then Costa Rica will not disappoint. And you certainly can work up a sweat walking from shop to shop if you like to get your exercise in a little more sedate way than climbing mountains.
From the city it is easy to join a one day tour to one of the two main volcanoes that overlook, from the distance, the country’s capital. Poas Volcano is located in the northwestern area of the Central Valley, while Irazu Volcano National Park is located to the northeast. In fact, a tour to Sarchi, sitting on the slopes of Poas can also combine with a visit to this semi-dormant smoky giant. A one-day tour can perfectly combine both destinations.