Costa Rica's Central Valley

As its name implies, the Central Valley is in the middle of Costa Rica.  It's where San Jose is located and where 70% of the country's population lives.  It's likely where you're plane will land when you arrive in Costa Rica.

The Central Valley is located on a fairly high altitude (over 1000m) plateau, so the climate is pleasant most of the year (average temp 24^oC), avoiding the intense heat and humidity of the coastal parts of the country.  But it is crowded with bad traffic and is not for everyone.  Most people spend a day or two here before heading to other parts of Costa Rica, as did we.

These views are taken from the north, looking south across part of the valley, as we were driving uphill into coffee growing regions.