Top San Jose Attractions & Museums

Poás volcano is a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. When the mist and clouds part you’ll see the sulfuric, bubbling, green rain fed lake at the bottom, surrounded by smoke and steam rising from fumaroles. Water from the lake is constantly seeping through cracks in the hot rock, evaporating and building pockets of steam. When the pressure in these pockets exceeds the weight of the water above, the steam breaks through in geysers that rocket up to 820 feet (250 meters) high. Don’t worry about getting a shower though, the crater is 1,050 feet (320 meters) deep. At almost a mile (1.6 km) across it’s also the largest active crater in the world. New safety features have been added to protect visitors in case of particularly heavy activity.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

Head to La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano, on this guided all-day tour from San Jose. Sit back and relax as you travel through diverse plantations and cattle ranches on the roughly 3.5-hour drive. After arriving, enjoy lunch with a view of the volcano. Then, take a dip in the area’s thermal waters and indulge in an optional massage or other treatment.

Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica without the hassle of planning routes and logistics. This small-group tour from San José takes you into the rainforest to admire stunning waterfalls, get great views of Arenal Volcano, taste fresh local fruit, soak in a hidden thermal pool, and, finally, unwind in a hot spring resort.

Choose from a short, medium, or long hike depending on your preference. Witness the splendor of three unique waterfalls and explore interesting natural places along the well-maintained pedestrian trails. You won't face any crowds, and our experienced local staff will ensure you have a fun and safe time. IMPORTANT: Your reception is accessible by any kind of transportation. The Nature Reserve and Farm are about 2.5 km / 1.5 miles from the reception, up a steep hill. We don’t recommend hiking, but you can reach it by 4x4. If you have a 4x4 car, you can drive yourself or use our safari-style transportation service for an extra fee, available during booking.

Go beyond the city of San José and discover its beautiful surroundings on this full-day tour. Start your day with a Costa Rican breakfast at a local coffee plantation, then learn about the coffee-making process on a farm tour. Afterward, head to the active Poas volcano to explore its massive crater before heading to a nature park to see an animal sanctuary and picturesque waterfalls.

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of San Jose on an evening bus tour. Starting from your hotel, board a comfortable double-decker bus with a welcome drink. See over 25 of the city’s landmarks as you take a bus tour, and stop for bilingual guided tours at key locations, including the Costa Rican Art Museum. Enjoy an included dinner of local cuisine before drop-off back at your hotel.

Serious bird-watchers will delight in this day trip to a private nature reserve that’s home to more than 365 native bird species. You don't have to spend hours traveling from San Jose to enjoy the lush Costa Rican rainforest. A naturalist guide helps you spot an amazing diversity of feathered creatures, including hummingbirds, toucans, macaws, and more. Glide through the canopy on an aerial tram for an up-close sighting of birds not often seen from the ground. Upgrade to include a hearty breakfast and round-trip transportation from San Jose.

Get out of the city and experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife heritage with this half day private tour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. What started out as a rescue facility for toucans has expanded to include other charismatic species such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, and owls. Learn all about them from the dedicated staff committed to their care.

One of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations, The Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano Park are abundant with exciting plant and wildlife species. Venture out of the city and explore the park, looking out as you go. Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth. Manuel Antonio National park tour provides a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and pristine beaches. Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park on foot, and before ... just relax and sunbathe on the beach during this spectacular trip. Important: Minimum person to operate the tour is two people per booking You can request a change for another destination during day one available Rio Celeste (Tenorio Volcano) Manuel Antonio entry for Booking with cancellation of 24 hours before start the tour please contact us. 3 Nights Accommodation

Climbing the tallest volcano in Costa Rica need not be daunting; keep it easy with this guided tour to Irazu Volcano from San Jose. Join this guided tour to the summit of the volcano, an easy hike after the scenic drive, and take your time at the top admiring the views. This tour includes round-trip transportation from San Jose as well as all entrance fees.

Experience the beauty of Hacienda Ébano Nature Reserve at your pace with this self-guided pass. Choose from a short, medium, or long hike depending on your preference. Witness the splendor of three unique waterfalls and explore interesting natural places along the well-maintained pedestrian trails. You won't face any crowds, and our experienced local staff will ensure that you have a fun and safe time. We'll also treat you to a delicious Costa Rican lunch, and provide Safari-style transportation from our reception - meeting place to the Nature Reserve and farm.

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure through the rainforest, or a chocolate experience.

Get closer to nature while still experiencing thrills during a fun-filled day in the jungle at the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic eco-reserve. Your multi-pass gives you access to six different activities, so you can ride an aerial tram, encounter native critters at a butterfly and frog garden, cross a hanging bridge, and explore the jungle on a nature hike at your own pace. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops on ziplines, including one of the longest and fastest in the country.

Immerse yourself in nature on this 3-day, 2-night adventure. The perfect excursion for outdoor enthusiasts, the tour brings you to the artisan town of Sarchi, known for its crafts and souvenirs, and the Arenal Volcano. You’ll also visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to hike and enjoy the Sky Walk, a combination of trails and suspension bridges above the forest canopy.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where you'll learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, gain an appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose.  Finish the night with a tasty traditional meal (and wine or beer) at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

Discover Tortuguero National Park on this all-day guided tour. Boasting plenty of plant and wildlife, the park is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism attractions. Head out of San Jose and spend the day immersed in nature. While you’re at the park, be on the lookout for turtles. Four different species nest in Tortuguero, and they lay their eggs from March to October.

Get your heart racing and make the most of your trip to Costa Rica on this jam-packed adventure tour. Traverse rugged mountains and jungle trails on an ATV until you reach a beach, where you can stop and relax. Then head to a crocodile hotspot, the Tarcoles River bridge, and safely observe these reptiles that call the area home.

See the vast diversity of Costa Rica on a 3-day tour that includes hiking at Arenal Volcano, exploring the Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoying the tropical white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This expertly organized all-inclusive tour covers all of your transportation and accommodations, so busy travelers can maximize their time and not worry about any of the logistics.

Explore three of Costa Rica's most incredible national parks in just three days with this tour. You'll spend time hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, traversing the canals and rivers at Tortuguero National Park, and hanging out at the beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park. For added convenience and comfort, all accommodation, transportation, and meals are included.

Visit two special Costa Rica attractions in one day on this tour to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall from San Jose. Enjoy an easy ride up to the crater of the volcano, where you have free time to admire the sulfur fumaroles and views over the central valley, and then head to La Paz Waterfall—an incredible photo opportunity. Snack on fresh strawberries from a local farm between activities.