Choose from 31 Fun Things to Do in Central Valley
Children's Eternal Rain Forest (Bosque Eterno de los Niños)
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Metallic Building
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Tabacon Hot Springs
- Entrance includes a towel and sunscreen.
- The number of guests is limited for a more enjoyable experience; book ahead.
- Tabacon Grand Spa services can be booked as part of an entrance package or separately.
- Pack or wear your swimsuit; changing areas are available on-site.
- Though out of range for most budget travelers, Tabacon Hot Springs is a worthwhile splurge.
Venado Caves
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Sarapiqui Canopy
You’ve heard all about Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity – and the tropical rainforest Sarapiqui Canopy is the place to experience it first-hand.
Home of the endangered green macaw, and a number of famous reserves including the Braulio Carrillo National Park, Sarapiqui’s river-filled fertile landscape is best discovered by boat cruise.
From the waterways you’ll spot monkeys, sloths, otters, turtles and all kinds of birds, including the quetzal.
The base for boat excursions into the Sarapiqui Canopy is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, at the junction of the Sarapiqui and Puerto Viejo rivers.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is 80 km (50 miles) north of San Jose in Heredia province, a drive of around 2 hours. The only access is by road, and the most convenient way to visit is by organized tour.
Morazan Park
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Jade Museum (Museo de Jade)
- This site is a must-see for history buffs.
- Children under 12 receive a reduced rate of $2.
- Plan to spend roughly two hours exploring the five floors of displays.
- Engaging kid-friendly activities include an excavation role-play and giant puzzles.
- The museum offers a souvenir shop, restaurant, and cafe; take your drinks to go while you tour the exhibits.
Yellow House
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San Jose Central Market (Mercado Central)
- Vendors are typically open to bargaining.
- Ask permission before taking photos.
- Avoid overwhelm by taking your time or visiting with a tour.
- The Central Market is suitable for visitors of all ages.
- The market is close to other attractions such as Mercado Borbón.
National Museum (Museo Nacional)
Separate rooms explore ancient cultures dating back some 12,000 years, as well as collections of ornate jewelry, medallions and statues made of gold. And while the Museum’s impressive collection of grinding stones and other artifacts from ancient Costa Rica grant tourists a chance to travel back in time, visitors should be sure to explore the grounds, too. Nationals fought at the barracks during the Civil War in 1948, and damage from bullet holes and warfare can still be seen in the Spanish-style courtyard.
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National Theater
Free tours of the historic building, which was built in1897, take place daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the theater’s highly regarded café with picturesque San Jose views, is a perfect spot to grab lunch before exploring the rest of the city.