Our Top Central Valley Picks

  • Costa Rica Vacation House Rental Location

    • The Central Valley is our favorite area of Costa Rica. When we're at Villa Hada we love to visit the weekly farmer's market on Fridays and Saturdays in San Ramon near the University of Costa Rica San Ramon campus where you can buy the most amazing fruits and vegetables for a fraction of the price in North American or European markets. We spend a day or two a week shopping or having lunch at Rincon de Poeta in San Ramon, a delightful little city where you'll find anything you could possibly want all around the central plaza and historic church (Iglesia de San Ramon). Our children love the butterfly garden located about 8 miles north on the road to La Fortuna. We often go horseback riding at the stables located just outside the entrance to Hotel Villablanca where the rates are very reasonable and the trails rides are fantastic. Our house is on the southern edge of the Los Angeles Cloud Forest and the cloud mist that moves through the valley and past our house is indescribably beautiful. We love to hang out and enjoy the mist before it burns off in the morning. The views from our home are outstanding especially from our upstairs balcony where we practice yoga daily. We hike on our own private nature trail at least twice a week to see blue morphos, hummingbirds, tree ferns, epiphytes and bromeliads. During the rainy season, especially September-November, the waterfall is at least two stories high and loud enough that you can hear it from the balcony. We like to go to Las Muses water park just outside San Ramon and over to Sarchi for wooden handicrafts. The Sunday day-long soccer matches in Bajo Zuniga are an excellent way to really act like a local and are great fun for soccer fans! Our house is a terrific place to come home to after day trips throughout the Central Valley. We love Poas and all the little vendors along the road selling strawberries and homemade jam. And when we don't feel like cooking, the pizza at Mi Rancho restaurant by our house is excellent. The manager learned his pizza-making skills in New Jersey!

    Our rental house is an hour northwest of the capital, San Jose and Juan Santa Maria International Airport, San Jose (SJO). The second largest district in the province, San Ramon is loaded with services including an excellent hospital, universities, service stations, several supermarkets, many small restaurants and sodas (small restaurants that typical Costa Rican food), and a small modern mall with a three screen multiplex. You can view our rental rates here or view our availability calendar and make a reservation.

    Restaurants

    Rincon de Poeta, San Ramon, Costa Rica
    We love the casados and fresh seafood at Rincon de Poeta. Located on the main road into San Ramon a couple of blocks before the church.

    The large restaurant/bar is set off the street with three palapa umbrella covered tables in a private alleyway and has secure parking. It's not too noisy, plays good music and is perfect for everyone from 20-somethings to families.

    Rental Cars

    Dollar Rental Car, Costa Rica
    We have always had very good luck with Dollar Rental Car.

    They have a fleet of 350 vehicles and all are recent models. There are 4 locations in Costa Rica: In the Main Terminal of the Juan Santamaria International Airport, in San Antonio de Belen (off-airport), in Paseo Colon and in Liberia, Guanacaste. We always use the San Jose Airport branch and they are quick, courteous and have reasonable rates.

    Local Coffee

    Doka Coffee Estate, Costa Rica
    Doka Estate coffee is one of Costa Rica’s highest quality coffees. It is located on the slopes of the Poas Volcano and offers a great day tour as well as one of our favorite coffees.

    Cafe 1820, Costa Rica
    1820 Coffee is easily found in most supermercados and is easily one of the most affordable of the local coffees grown in Costa Rica. 1820 is a balanced mixture of Café Oro, which uses coffees coming from the 7 coffee production zones in Costa Rica and is from the high altitude coffees harvested in volcanic soils rich in nutrients, located higher than 1000 meters above sea level.

    Real Estate
    Do you love the look of our neighborhood? There are currently several houses for sale in our neighborhood. Stay at Villa Hada Escondida and you maybe you'll find your own Costa Rican dream home. For more information please click on the following link to see a YouTube video of our friends' beautiful home. House for sale