Things to do in  Central Valley

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Top 15 attractions in Central Valley

#1

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

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The 16 hanging bridges that line the paths of Costa Rica’s Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park stretch a total of 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) across the steep landscape. See the birds, monkeys, sloths, snakes, and frogs that call the forest canopy home by ascending these spans, suspended above gorges and stretched across jungle floors.More
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#2

La Fortuna Waterfall

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La Fortuna Waterfall cascades 200 feet (61 meters) down the sheer cliff face of Cerro Chato, the Arenal Volcano’s dormant and thickly forested twin. One of the most impressive and accessible waterfalls in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a great place to picnic, swim, and photograph the waterfall’s perpetual mists and nearby exotic vegetation.More
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#3

Arenal Volcano National Park

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Although visitors once flocked to Arenal Volcano for its impressive lava shows, the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) volcano has stayed quiet since its last eruption in 2010. However, Arenal and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park remain a hot spot for visitors to Costa Rica, especially popular among those seeking hiking trails, swimming holes, hot springs, bird- and wildlife-watching, and sweeping views of the tropical rain forest.More
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#4

San Jose Central Market (Mercado Central)

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Bountiful produce stalls, local-approved cafeterias, and vendor stalls selling everything from coffee beans to cowboy boots give visitors to San Jose’s Central Market (Mercado Central) a taste of real Costa Rican culture. Visit as part of an epic errand run or for a chance to look behind-the-scenes at everyday life in Costa Rica.More
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#5

Poas Volcano National Park

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Poas Volcano National Park houses one of the more popular volcanoes in Costa Rica—a telling superlative for a country with world-famous geothermal activity. But with its spectacular wildlife, informative museum, and variety of hiking trails, the accolade comes as no surprise.More
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#6

Braulio Carrillo National Park

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The vast protected forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park is a natural for toucans, eagles, armadillos, sloths, monkeys, and jaguars. Catch a glimpse of its rugged beauty from the comfort of your car, or hike along the trails that lead to thundering waterfalls, towering mountains, and rapid rivers.More
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#7

National Theater (Teatro Nacional)

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Modelled after the Paris Opera House, the National Theater in San José’s Catedral district is a neo-classical masterpiece representing Costa Rica’s greatest era of extravagance and sophistication. The historic building has been the epicenter of the city’s fine arts scene including opera, symphony, and other performing arts since its inaugural performance by Fausto de Gounod in 1897.More
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#8

Sarapiqui Canopy

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Costa Rica is famous for its amazing biodiversity, and Sarapiqui is a place where you can experience the thrill of the rain forest firsthand. Whether that’s ziplining through the trees at high speed, rafting along the river, or wildlife-spotting, the area is packed with natural wonders.More
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#9

Morazan Park

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This lush public park at the center of San Jose was named after Francisco Morazan, an old-school general who tried to unite all of Central America into one common country. And while Morozan Park was once a hub for San Jose’s grit and grime (it used to be a known for drug sales and prostitution), the park has recently undergone a complete renaissance.Travelers can safely wander through the green gardens that make Morazan Park a respite from the otherwise urban feel of San Jose and stretch out for an afternoon picnic on thick lawns under massive shade trees. The Templo de Musica, a concrete gazebo at the center of the land, is the highlight of any visit to Morazan Park—especially when live local musicians are playing.More
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#10

Gold Museum

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Housed in a historic building and managed by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum holds one of the largest collections of gold artifacts in Latin America. In total, the museum holds more than 1,600 pre-Columbian items, including Costa Rica’s very first coin, handmade ceramics, jewelry, and religious icons dating from 500 AD to 1500 AD.More
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#11

Sarchi

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The quaint town of Sarchí is famous throughout Costa Rica for its handicrafts. From the brightly painted oxcarts that were once used in the coffee industry to decorated bowls, handmade jewelry, leather goods, and furniture, visitors looking for memorable souvenirs should plan to visit the town, only an hour’s drive from San José.More
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#12

Tabacon Hot Springs

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Tumbling waterfalls, luxury spa and dining options, and the dramatic backdrop of Arenal Volcano set Tabacon Hot Springs apart from Costa Rica’s many thermal springs. Numerous pools dotting the Tabacon River create a completely natural hot spring experience on a private rain forest reserve, perfect for a day of pure relaxation.More
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#13

Celeste River (Río Celeste)

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The dazzling centerpiece of Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park, theCeleste River (Río Celeste) is most famous for its shockingly bright blue color. The river’s hue results from a natural reaction of volcanic sulfur and calcium carbonate, which tints the clear waters.More
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#14

National Museum (Museo Nacional)

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Housed in the barracks of the Bellavista Fortress, the National Museum (Museo Nacional), displays indigenous and pre-Columbian artifacts, religious artwork, and geological and archaeological pieces linked to Costa Rica’s rich and colorful history since 1950. Separate rooms explore ancient cultures dating back some 12,000 years, as well as collections of ornate jewelry, medallions, and gold statues.More
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#15

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

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Offering scenic views of Volcan Arenal and Lake Arenal, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges are a series of tall suspension bridges that form meandering trails through the rain forest, providing access to remote areas filled with natural beauty. The bridges immerse you deep into the heart of the forest, close to the extraordinary biodiversity of the jungle.More
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Top activities in Central Valley

Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano Hike

Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano Hike

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917
From
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One day tour Manuel Antonio from San José

One day tour Manuel Antonio from San José

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66
From
$90.00
Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

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264
From
$165.90
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

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2122
From
$169.00
Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs + lunch & dinner From San José

Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs + lunch & dinner From San José

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130
From
$176.00
Combo Tour Arenal: Hanging Bridges + Hot Springs + Waterfall from San José

Combo Tour Arenal: Hanging Bridges + Hot Springs + Waterfall from San José

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51
From
$243.43
Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

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560
From
$149.00
Day trip from San Jose to Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Day trip from San Jose to Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens

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59
From
$130.00
One Day Adventure Tour all included from San Jose

One Day Adventure Tour all included from San Jose

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44
From
$155.00
Hanging Bridges Guided Tour, Mistico Park

Hanging Bridges Guided Tour, Mistico Park

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687
From
$48.00
Tortuguero Park 3 days Vacation Package

Tortuguero Park 3 days Vacation Package

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$475.00
White Water Rafting Pacuare River Full Day Tour From San Jose

White Water Rafting Pacuare River Full Day Tour From San Jose

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100
From
$110.00
Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

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496
From
$145.00
Amazing Mega Zipline (25 lines) over 11 Waterfalls

Amazing Mega Zipline (25 lines) over 11 Waterfalls

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91
From
$109.00
Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding

Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding

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89
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$66.00
Monteverde Sky Tram & Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Tour from San Jose

Monteverde Sky Tram & Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Tour from San Jose

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170
From
$195.00
ATV River, Beach, Jungle Adventure and Crocodiles Hotspot from San Jose

ATV River, Beach, Jungle Adventure and Crocodiles Hotspot from San Jose

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42
From
$179.00
Costa Rica Full Day Combo Tour - Zip lining, Waterfalls, Volcano & Hot Springs

Costa Rica Full Day Combo Tour - Zip lining, Waterfalls, Volcano & Hot Springs

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120
From
$169.00
Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose

Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose

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164
From
$179.00
Private Transportation from LA FORTUNA to SAN JOSE AIRPORT or hotels

Private Transportation from LA FORTUNA to SAN JOSE AIRPORT or hotels

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35
From
$180.00
per group
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All about Central Valley

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38
Tours
1,456
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