The Central Valley is the heart of Costa Rica; not only it's geographic center, but its also the cultural center. The nation's capital San José, and several other important cities are located here, and between them, they gather most of the country's museum and historic monuments. San José and nearby communities are home for about half the nation's population, but just beyond the civilization rests a number of mountains, volcanoes, and beaches where visitors can enjoy highland forests, amazing sands lined with palm trees and unforgettable pastoral landscapes.
The "Meseta Central" or Central Valley, an extensive plateau that sits more than 1000 meters above the sea level, cakes much of the Central zone up. That altitude generates a climate that is refreshingly cooler than what most people expect from the topics, and when one heads up into the mountains that surround the Central Valley, the air grows even cooler. The tops of the mountains are draped with thick cloud forests, while the slopes of those mountains are covered with coffee plantations, cattle pasture and traditional towns.
Jade Museum
This permanent exhibit is a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian jade, clay, stone and gold artifacts.
Mercado Central
San José's Central Market, covering a city block, is a buey spot where narrow passages are flanked by stalls that sell everything from fresh fish and species to local leather handicrafts.
National Museum
This large yellow building was once the headquarters of the now defunct national guard, and bullet holes from the 1948 revolution still pock it's turrets. It contains informative exhibits on pre-Columbian cultures and history of Costa Rica from the Spanish conquest to modern times.
Catedral Metropolitana
San José's-massive, neoclassical cathedral towers over the Parque Central's eastern edge.
National Theater
Europeans and Costa Rican citizens created it by, the year of 1897. A classic 19th century opera house that worthy of the opening night production of Faust by the Paris Opera.
It is an architectural and artistic gem example of our interest in education and arte that a group of growers and coffee merchants propose for self-taxation in order of its construction.
Now sits in the middle of Plaza de la Cultura as a proud monument for visitors to enjoy.
Plaza de la Cultura
This popular plaza in the heart of the city features two of San José's principal tourist attractions: the National Theater and the underground Gold Museum. A large, cement-square surrounded by shops and fast food restaurants, the plaza sits at the eastern edge of the Avenida Central pedestrian mall.
La Sabana Park
A large, verdant park at the western and of the city. It was the original site of the country’s international airport. It is now covered with large trees, a lake, jogging paths and recreational facilities. The former terminal building now houses the Museum of Costa Rican Art.
The Central Zone's attractions merely begin with San José, With its warm climate is a very welcoming place. Which is surrounded by, smaller cities and traditional towns, just beyond which stand verdant hills and volcanoes where travelers can see dozens of rare bird species, go horseback riding, gane finto volcanic crates, hike through the cloud forest, or simply enjoy the panoramic view.
Children Museum
This is an excellent high-quality museum full of hands-on exhibits dealing with technology, science, culture, art and literature, all from Costa Rica perspective. Especially noteworthy are the fun house and the earthquake simulator. This museum is perfect for people traveling with children. It was a former prison remodeled to house this great place that now stands waiting for smiling children; they even have summer camps on vacation for those to want to spend a very interesting time.
Geographical Division 
