Costa Rica has seven provinces or states: San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Limón. San José is the capital city and it's located in the Central Valley. The provinces are largely dependent on the central government and most of the time you won't even know when you cross from one to another.

San José and the Central Valley

The Central Valley is a small region that packs the largest population, specifically in San José and surrounding cities like Heredia, Alajuela and Cartago.

San José is located 3900 feet over the sea level and its temperatures vary between 70ºF and 78ºF. In the wet season from May to October, the rain is mixed with the fresh winds coming from the Pacific Ocean.

This region is considered the heart of Costa Rica because it has most banks, hospitals, universities and the most important theatres and entertainment centers.

Here you can find One Day Tours departing from San José