For most people coming to Costa Rica, the Central Valley is the first part of the country they meet. Before landing on Costa Rica’s international airport Juan Santamaria you can observe the magnificent landscape of the valley, surrounded on all sides by the majestic mountain ranges with a lush green tropical vegetation. The Central Valley is really the heart of county, where more than 70% of Costa Rica’s population works and lives. Elevated more than 1,000 meters above sea level the Central Valley covers an area of approximately 40 by 80 kilometers. From North tot South the mountain ranges are known for their volcanic activity. In the Northwest starting with the Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles volcanoes, more to the southeast the Arenal (a highly active volcano that is erupting non-stop flows of glowing lava during more than 35 years). Going south towards the Cordillera Central you find the Poas, Barva, Irazu and Turialba volcanoes. The south part of the Central Valley is the highest where the Talamanca mountains contain Costa Rica’s highest point; the peak of the Chirripo with an altitude of more than 3,800 meters. The Central Valley is dense populated area where once separate cities as Cartago, Tres Rios, San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Escazu and Santa Anna are now connected to form one vast metropolitan area. The Central Valley is also the geographical heart of Costa Rica and offers a perfect base camp for the exploration for the rest of this beautiful country. It’s worthwhile to take advantage of your stay in San Jose to visit its beautiful National Theatre, the vivid central market, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Jade Museum or just to enjoy the animated nightlife. If you prefer a more rural ambience the provinces of Heredia and Alajuala offer a variety of accommodations and attractions. The Central Valley is well connected by land and by air. Public transportation in Costa Rica is cheap and reliable, whether you want to discover the Pacific or the Atlantic coast. For a few dollars more you can take a small plane from San Jose to over 15 destinations within Costa Rica or in Nicaragua (Granada) and Panama (Bocas del Toro). Excursions to coffee plantations, rivers for rafting, volcanoes, waterfalls, canopy tours exist in abundance and are easily booked from almost every hotel. If you have your own rental car, take a tour through the country side and visit the many historic cities such as Cartago, Sarchi, Heredia or Grecia and connect with agricultural roots of Costa Rica.