The Central Valley is the most densely populated region of Costa Rica and home to the capital, San José. It is also the oldest coffee producing region, dating back to the 18th century. Coffee plantations began here and then spread to the seven other coffee-producing regions.
The Central Valley has well-defined rainy and dry seasons. This climate favours the flowering and harvesting of the cherries.
Three volcanoes, Irazu, Barva and Poas, and a gentle tectonic depression shape the landscape of the Central Valley, which includes the provinces of San José, Heredia and Alajuela. 80% of the region's coffee is grown between 900 and 1,600 metres above sea level on rich, fertile clay and volcanic soils. These soils are rich in organic matter, which promotes good root distribution, retains moisture and facilitates oxygenation.
