To experience the heart and soul of Costa Rica, carve out time for a kid-friendly stay in the Central Valley — 70 percent of the country’s population resides here. Catch a soccer match in the national stadium in San Jose, where you’ll also find the country’s largest airport (read: easy access). The high plateau of this region gives it some of Costa Rica’s best weather, and the thriving plantations and old colonial towns that surround the city are fun to visit. For a one-of-a-kind Costa Rica accommodation experience, opt for an intimate eco-focused inn in the Central Valley. This proven Ciao Bambino favorite doubles as a working coffee plantation and brews up lots of kid-friendly charm.