Central Valley Overview

The Central Valley, or Meseta Central, makes up the heart of Costa Rica, comprising its demographic as well as geographic center. Cordoned off by the two great volcanic ranges that divide the country, this valley is home to four of the nation’s five largest cities and almost two-thirds of the entire tico population. But the cities and coffee fields cover up the explosive truth: two of the region’s towering volcanoes (Irazú and Poás) are still active and have caused the valley’s residents heartache on multiple occasions. Residual volcanic ash has secured much of the region’s livelihood, blessing these temperate plains and rolling hills with enough fertile soil to cultivate crops and rich coffee.

Many travelers skip over the landlocked Central Valley and rush to more-touristed vacation spots on either coast, but those with a few extra days will not regret exploring Costa Rica’s interior. Even the largest cities, like San José and Alajuela, are only a short drive from more-picturesque, agricultural communities like Sarchí and Grecia, as well as national parks and pre-Columbian ruins. Visitors can experience urban conveniences while keeping massive volcanoes, butterfly gardens, and the country’s wildest rafting a daytrip away.