Top San Jose Day Trips

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

12 to 18 hoursFree Cancellation

View several of Costa Rica's top scenic attractions in a single day, and leave all the logistics and planning to someone else, on this hassle-free day trip from San José. Traveling via air-conditioned vehicle, head first to Poás Volcano, an active volcano known for its vast crater and bubbling lake. Then, make a scenic stop at La Paz Falls before enjoying a tour and tasting at a local coffee farm.

Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

14 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,647)

from $165

San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,212)

from $35

Costa Rica’s capital is located inland but you don’t need a weeks-long vacation to enjoy time at the beach. This day trip to Tortuga Island makes it easy to swim and sunbathe directly from San Jose. After a pickup in the capital and transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, spend the day on a beach featuring clear turquoise water and surrounded by rainforest. Swim, snorkel, and refuel with the provided lunch.

Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José

Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José

12 to 15 hoursFree Cancellation

Poás hides wonderful traditions and stunning landscapes that captivate every visitor. Start your tour with a cup of freshly brewed coffee on an authentic local estate, where you can enjoy panoramic mountain views and experience the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality. A few minutes away, discover the majestic La Paz Fall, a 35-meter waterfall that rushes through a green-covered canyon, in the middle of a cloud forest full of wildlife. Then head to the imposing Poás Volcano. Its huge crater, one of the largest in the world, reveals a turquoise acid lagoon surrounded by steam and volcanic formations. The views are surreal and the atmosphere transmits the living force of nature. Whether you love nature, culture or are looking for a peaceful getaway, Poás offers the perfect combination of adventure and serenity. Come and explore a place where tradition meets natural wonder.

Poas Coffee tour, La Paz Falls and Poas Volcano

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(99)

from $129

Rainforest Aerial Tram Half Day Pass – Braulio Carrillo Park

2 hoursFree Cancellation

(102)

from $78

Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

12 to 13 hoursFree Cancellation

Sample a wide variety of Costa Rican flavors while learning about the country's cultural heritage on this San Jose walking tour. You'll shop for fruits and veggies at the Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón, visit the National Theater and Morazan Park, and try local treats including traditional picadill, a hands-on cooking class with artisanal chocolate empanadas, and specialty coffee at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop.

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Monteverde Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Tour from San Jose

(1,921)

from $37

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(98)

from $185

Half Day Tour: Coffee Tour + Poás Volcano from San Jose

Enjoy an unforgettable experience that combines nature, culture and one of the best coffees in the world. This half-day tour is ideal for time-poor travelers or those on a same-day flight, as we offer free transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) at the end of the tour. Start the morning with a delicious breakfast at the historic Hacienda Doka, a traditional coffee farm where you will know the entire coffee-making process, from plant to cup. In addition, you can taste freshly prepared coffee, coffee chocolates, coffee liquor and other house specialties. Then we will continue to Poás Volcano National Park, home to one of the largest active craters in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Central Valley and discover one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes in a comfortable, complete and perfect experience to make the most of half a day’s travel.

Half Day Tour: Coffee Tour + Poás Volcano from San Jose

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.2

(6)

from $119

Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views

Enjoy an exciting zipline adventure with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano (if weather permits) at Airtime Zipline Adventure, located just minutes from downtown La Fortuna and next to the famous Sloth Watching Trail. The course features 9 cables (including a practice line) and 10 platforms, built with sustainable and recycled materials. Perfect for families and beginners, this activity offers a thrilling experience without extreme heights children 4 years and older are welcome! Our professional guides will ensure your safety and fun throughout the tour. We operate with all official permits and insurance from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), giving you total peace of mind. On clear days, you’ll soar with amazing volcano views while enjoying a memorable experience surrounded by nature. The adventure lasts only a couple of hours, so it’s easy to fit into your La Fortuna itinerary.

Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(354)

from $55

Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(811)

from $185

Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Full-Day Tour from San José

11 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(26)

from $197

From San Jose: Zipline, ATV, Surfing, & Chocolate Tour

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, horseback riding, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure, and a mountain bike tour.

From San Jose: Zipline, ATV, Surfing, & Chocolate Tour

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(145)

from $171

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

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.

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class

(238)

from $63

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Safely immerse yourself in Costa Rican nature and wildlife on an 8- to 9-hour tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Leave the busy streets of San Jose behind in comfortable air-conditioned transportation from your hotel. Discover more than 100 species at the sanctuary, including titi monkeys, 2-toed sloths, pumas, and toucans. You can even feed hummingbirds by hand. Have your camera ready for the cloud forest, waterfalls, and aviary.

(556)

from $49

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

(317)

from $135

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Visit three Costa Rican highlights in one day on this guided tour from San José. First explore a Starbucks-owned coffee farm, learning all about how your morning brew is grown, harvested, and roasted. Next, visit the Poas Volcano Crater and marvel at its powerful geysers and bubbling lake of aquamarine water. Then, experience La Paz Waterfall Garden–a lush rainforest that boasts spectacular waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Finally, stop by another coffee plantation and enjoy a lunch of traditional Costa Rican fare.

(361)

from $80

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

San Jose Sightseeing City Tour

(180)

from $149

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

(62)

from $95

Poas Volcano National Park Half Day tour from San Jose

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(74)

from $135

Explore Irazú Volcano, the highest volcano in the area, reaching 11,000 feet (3,432 meters) above sea level, on this full-day combo tour. After visiting the volcano, descend to the city of Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, where you will stop at the Basilica of the Angels. Also see the Orosi Valley, known for its diversity of crops, such as coffee and sugar cane. Next, explore the ruins of one of the oldest ruined churches in Costa Rica in Cartago.

4 in 1 : Irazu + Orosi + Lankaster + Lake Cachi with Lunch

4 in 1 : Irazu + Orosi + Lankaster + Lake Cachi with Lunch

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(69)

from $150

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Top Attractions in San Jose

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What are people saying about San Jose

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

Molly_B, Aug 2026

Fruits, Coffee, Empanadas and History!

Our guide, Oscar, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable! The tour gives you a great lesson on history and foods of Costa Rica. Visiting the local markets and tasting local fruits was fun and the capstone was going to Sloth Coffee Shop were we made our own empanadas and had amazing coffee with the owner, Eric, who also is very knowledgeable of Costa Rica. He brewed the coffee in an amazing pour over ceramic pot from a neighboring town. We liked it so much that we travelled there today to buy one to take home. We can’t wait to enjoy our Costa Rican coffee in our beautiful ceramic pot when we get back home.

Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views

Claribel_c, Aug 2026

My Birthday Shinanigins

It started to rain and I was the only one that early morning...I was given a choice to do this at a later time to avoid the rain but I was leaving right after. It was invigorating!! It rained hard and they helped me transition from one jump to the other! Absolutely awesome!!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

Terri_R, Aug 2026

Fantastic excursion!

Everything about the trip was fantastic! We were picked up on time and immediately handed a bottle of water. Our guide was knowledgeable and personable. He shared great information about the plants and animals, and was engaging in all of our locations. Sharing information while keeping kids and older adults excited and interested is a gift, and Mario definitely has that gift!

Poas Coffee tour, La Paz Falls and Poas Volcano

Michelle_H, Aug 2026

Very nice day trip at a...

Very nice day trip at a good price. Our guide was Luis and our driver was Annie, who were both great. A lot of driving, but it is a far drive from San Jose to up the mountain. Nice bonus stops along the way, including breakfast and we saw a mama sloth in a tree with her baby! A few stops for snacks and souvenirs. The waterfall was beautiful, learned a lot about coffee making, and beautiful landscapes along the way. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t let us see the volcano, just a zero visibility cloud, which was kinda cool in its own way. Overall, a good value, and a good day.

4 in 1 : Irazu + Orosi + Lankaster + Lake Cachi with Lunch

Susan_K, Aug 2026

I walked in a crater!

I’m a solo traveler and I appreciated this tour company because they allowed me to book as a solo when there were several others that would only allow me to book as a couple. I also appreciated being picked up, even though I was the first stop in the early morning and the last stop at the end of a long day. Once we had collected all the guests, we made a rest stop to use baños and get something to eat before we made the drive up to the volcano. It rained along the way and the clouds were thick, but our guide told us that the clouds roll in and they roll out very quickly. He was right. There were clouds obscuring the first crater we visited and just as I was heading back to the van in disappointment, the clouds rolled out and there was a clear view of the Playa Hermosa crater. Then we drove down to where we could actually walk on the crater. The clouds rolled in and out of the main crater so you could see it clearly, but because of safety barriers you can’t see to the bottom (unless you are 25 ft tall). Other stops on this tour were the Basilica of Los Angeles in Cartago, the beautiful Lankester Botanical Garden, the ruins of Ujarrás, and a lovely viewpoint overlooking the Orosi Valley. We had a great lunch at La Casona del Cafetal with a wonderful view of the lake. Our guide Donald switches effortlessly between Spanish and English so it felt like he was talking to all of us at the same time instead of talking to one group and then another group. Marco was a safe and patient driver. It was billed as a 7-1/2 hour trip, but with the pickups and the traffic, it was a bit longer for me. Still, it was a good day and I would recommend this tour.

Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

Carol_U, Jun 2026

Animals, Birds and Bugs!

Great day trip from San Jose. We had a wonderful guide and driver, Oxana was our guide and we saw many animals because of her sharp eyes! Breakfast and lunch stops were very good. We did an extra stop for water. Be sure to bring plenty of water! The tour does not have water on the van. (They should have a cooler).

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

Marion_H, Jun 2026

Arenal Volcano Experience Full Day Tour.

If you are being picked up in San Jose for this tour adventure, expect a long ride. But it is well worth it. Our driver and tour guide were amazing, The tour guide keep us entertained with information about Costa Rica as we made several stops during our journey. Once we got to our destination, our planned activities were all very enjoyable. Please take this tour. You will enjoy it. The lunch and were also very good. Our driver and tour guide were amazing.

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

cn2qqgrvp5, May 2026

Great experience!

The experience was amazing! Ricardo was very attentive with our group and very informative about every activity we were doing. The coffee tour was amazing. We even got to pick our own coffee bean. The Poás Volcano was breathtaking as well as the lake! The restaurant we stopped at had amazing food. Get the Chi-frio!!!! The La Paz waterfall was breathtaking. I would highly recommend Ricardo to anyone interested in visiting Costa Rica, PURA VIDA!

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Miranda_B, May 2026

Best Tour!

Firstly, Steven our guide and Victor our driver were absoulutely wonderful. We love Steven! Absolute best guide and so blessed we had him for our trip. He also made little stops along the way to show us animals like a toucan, macaw, and sloths! The food included was great as well. The hot springs were beautiful. The ziplining was fun! Id definitely do another tour with Steven again.

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

Nasim_A, May 2026

Very informative

Their timings were amazing. Our guide Enrique was very knowledgeable, sweet and kind guy. He was able to tell us all the highlights of the city. The trips into the Museums of arts and gold were good. The National Theater lobby was beautiful and lastly the lunch was good. A very good trip for half of the day.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Maiyah_R, May 2026

A must do while in Costa Rica

This adventure is 100% worth the drive from San Jose. The views were breathtaking, the guide was so knowledgeable. If you do this tour, ask for Estebàn! He made the trip worth it with great group morale. At one point you can even jump in the river and float. As someone who has never been white water rafting I felt safe the entire time.