Top San Jose Day Trips - page 3

La Paz Waterfall Gardens From San José

4.4

(33)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $134

Experience Poas Volcano National Park, learn about Costa Rica's coffee industry, and see one of the only metal churches in Central America on this tour. You'll start with the volcano, where you'll get to check out fantastic landscapes, continuing to an included lunch at the Doka Estate. It's then on to Grecia to see the metal church, with a stop to see local artisans at work in the town of Sarchi.

Poás Volcano, Coffee & Crafts Tour-Grecia & Sarchí from San José

(14)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $125

Likely to Sell Out

From San Jose, the easiest way to take a day trip to Arenal Volcano is on a guided tour. All transportation is included by private vehicle so you don't have to deal with slow public transit, and logistics such as lunch, dinner, and entrance fees are already planned and included in the ticket price. After visiting Arenal Volcano with a guide, head to Baldi Hot Springs to soak in thermal waters before returning to you San Jose hotel.

Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose

4.3

(3)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $199

Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José

4.0

(22)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $92

4.3

(22)

One Day Tour 2 Activities to choose (Zipline, ATV and more) From San Jose

Our meeting will take you to 3 magical places that will leave you in love with Costa Rica. We will visit the Poás Volcano at only 2,574 meters above sea level, a natural wonder that will impress you. Then The Coffee Tour at the Doka Estate; where you will learn more than you imagine. And finally The wonderful La Paz Waterfalls, without a doubt an experience that you cannot miss. For this and much more we invite you to this magical adventure!

from $195

Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour

4.5

(315)

Our company focuses on going beyond what first meets the eye, this means that we'll guide you through the jungle with a naturalist spirit, full of curiosity and wonder. We have designed this experience to go deep into the tropical forest and also have a dose of relaxing but exciting time while jumping on a boat ride that will leave you amazed by the biodiversity and richness of a mostly overlooked destination. We carefully design every stop in order to support local families and businesses to get you closer to the costarican culture and to let our Pura Vida lifestyle embrace you. • The only birdwatching and wildlife One Day Tour to Carara National Park • Walk the trails of the most important forest in the Central Pacific side-by-side with our biologists • Embark with us on a boat journey • A percentage of the earnings goes to Funga Conservation, a non-profit foundation. • Small-group tour with a maximum of 4 people ensures an intimate experience

from $155

Likely to Sell Out

From San José: Carara National Park and Tárcoles River Tour

(51)

8 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $257

La Paz Waterfalls Gardens Tour (Half day)

4.5

(32)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $147

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

4.3

(350)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $80

Spend a day exploring nature and learning about coffee production with this group tour from San Jose, which includes breakfast, lunch, and hotel transfers. You'll start at the Doka Coffee Estate, where you'll learn about the lifecycle of coffee, from bean to cup. You'll then visit Poas Volcano National Park for some hiking, wrapping your tour up with a stop to observe flora and fauna at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Hacienda Café Doka, Volcán Poas & Jardines de La Catarata La Paz

(353)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $187

4.9

(22)

Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago City and Orosi Valley from San Jose

from $149

This is not just any excursion: it is a premium adventure, designed for those who value comfort and authentic experiences. More than a tour, it is an intimate trip through the natural wonders of Costa Rica.  Super-small groups and premium transport guarantee you comfort, flexibility and personalized attention throughout the tour. We observe lava pourings, stop at hidden viewpoints and explore the legacy of the imposing Arenal Volcano. We stop at local places: postcard waterfalls and hidden viewpoints, where you will try typical fruits and dishes (meals not included so you have freedom of choice). We enjoy everything from a hidden river of hot water to the thermal pools of a resort with excellent amenities. ️ Our guide not only knows the route, he lives it. Natural, attentive and close narrator, because in a world full of generic tours, this trip feels like with a local friend who wants to show you the best of his land.

Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano Waterfall and Thermal

(25)

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $199

Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens from San José

4.6

(45)

See Costa Rica’s iconic La Paz waterfall during this full-day guided, tour with animal sanctuary visit and an eco-boat ride down the famous Sarapiqui River. Get up close and personal with toucans and monkeys and learn about the five waterfalls, flowers, and rainforest within the sanctuary. Afterward, absorb the biodiversity on a relaxing boat trip down the Sarapiqui river ecosystem surrounded by wildlife in the water and on land.

from $137

Semi Private La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River from San Jose

(13)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $225

Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose

Likely to Sell Out

4.4

(102)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $175

Get away from the city and into a world of magic, relaxation, and beauty. After pickup from your San Jose hotel, you’ll travel via private, air-conditioned vehicle across the countryside to beautiful Arenal Lake. Here you’ll enjoy a private boat tour, take in views of the volcano, and grab lunch at Baldi Hot Springs. Then it’s time for a soak in Arenal’s thermal pools—and soaking in Mother Nature’s luxury.

Lake Arenal Boat & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose

(4)

from $305

Beach Break Day in Pacific Ocean with Lunch. Private from San Jose

Beach Tour from San Jose. Private Tour

(2)

from $275

Marvel at one of Costa Rica's most impressive volcanoes and get close to its enchanting wildlife on this 2-in-1 combo tour. Stand above the steaming fumaroles and lake-filled crater of Poas Volcano with direct summit access, and then admire smaller-scale natural wonders at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a beautifully landscaped animal sanctuary. A typical Costa Rican lunch and hotel pickup complete this all-inclusive tour.

Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Tour

(21)

Discover the heart of adventure in Costa Rica with this exhilarating ATV activity. Explore the lush jungles, picturesque river paths, and pristine beaches, all while taking in the beauty of the landscape from the mountaintop with an unobstructed view of the majestic ocean. This privately guided tour promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of nature, adrenaline, and fun.

from $255

Private ATV Tour from San Jose Enjoy jungle, Beach, River Paths and Ocean Views

4.5

(18)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $189

Explore the Orosi Valley and the Lankester Botanical Gardens on this guided combination half-day tour from San José. The gardens, which are located outside of Cartago, serve as a center for orchid research, including more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads, and other plants. Following the gardens, head to the town of Orosi to view the 18th-century Iglesia de San José de Orosi and colonial churches.

Orosi & Lankester From San José

4.4

(8)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $96

Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose

(210)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $229

Escape into Costa Rica’s majestic nature—and get away from the crowds—on this multi-activity tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll head for lunch beneath the active Arenal volcano. From there, you’ll kayak the country’s largest lake (always keeping an eye out for exotic creatures), working toward a relaxing dip into nearby hot springs, all heated by the volcano you’re getting to know and love.

Full day kayaking and hot springs with lunch at Arenal Volcano from San Jose

4.7

(3)

8 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $154

Connect with two key pieces of Costa Rican life: coffee and wilderness on this combination tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Doka Coffee Estate plantation. This full-day, guided tour kicks off with a tour of plantation where you’ll learn how your cups gets from bean to breakfast. Afterwards, hike over volcanic terrain, under waterfalls, and into the rainforest during a challenging hike in the nature reserve.

Day trip DOKA Coffee Plantations & La paz Waterfall Gardens

4.6

(28)

from $175

Day Trip from San Jose to Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago City and Orosi Valley

4.6

(47)

from $149

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

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Top Attractions in San Jose

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Attractions

What are people saying about San Jose

Nishant_K, Apr 2026

Must Do in Costa Rica

We got this tour after looking for things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica because the overall online reviews for this city was 'dont go there'. Thankfully we booked this tour and had such a fun time learning about this city and Costa Rican food with Marcello :) Highly recommended.

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

Cynthia_L, Apr 2026

So glad I did this trip.

I really appreciated that I was picked up at my hotel, and there was a breakfast stop. A great beach day, and for the first real day in Costa Rica it couldn't be beat. It was different from any other excursion I experienced in my 13 days in Costa Rica. Saw some giant crocodiles at low tide when we returned to the dock in the afternoon.

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

Varghese_A, Apr 2026

Best Las Paz Poas guide and tour

The guide was excellent. She knew in detail all about La Pas Poas volcano national park. The operator and guide was very nice and was never trying to hurry but kept the schedule to make sure we saw all. I would recommend others to use this tour thru Assisttours. We saw a family owned coffee plantation and hence was better than the big companies visits. We were also taken to strawberry shp family owned and coukd taste and buy strawberry wine. Before being picked up we were given approximate time of pick up with live Whatsapp Gps location of van before reaching us for pick up.

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

Brianna_T, Apr 2026

Must do 10/10!!!

I had an amazing experience on this full-day tour in Costa Rica! Our guide was incredibly sweet, friendly, and made the entire day feel so enjoyable and relaxed. We made plenty of stops along the way to take pictures and spot wildlife, which made the experience feel really special and not rushed at all. One thing I really appreciated was how the guide took the time to take photos of us.They were also very communicative, explaining what we were seeing and making sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the tour. Overall, it was such a memorable experience, and I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Costa Rica!

Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour

Joanne_C, Apr 2026

Well-organized and fulfilling tour

This was a very well-organized and fulfilling tour. It covered all the must-see highlights around San José.We started at Doka Coffee Estate with breakfast and a coffee tour, then visited the Poas Volcano and Botos lagoon, and later explored La Paz Waterfall Gardens with animals, lunch, and waterfalls. The itinerary was packed but well-paced. Our guide, Fila, was experienced and explained everything clearly. Overall, it met my expectations and I would recommend it.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

Blair_B, Apr 2026

This tour was a great...

This tour was a great experience! Our tour guide, Roger was very kind and passionate about allowing us to have a memorable experience. Before arriving to the waterfall, we made two stops along the way to get coffee and wine. Both places allowed us to also buy souvenirs. The lunch was SOOO GOOD! Very fresh and delicious. Toward the end of the trip, there was a lot of walking and climbing steps so keep that in mind when booking

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

Lukas_R, Mar 2026

This tour is great if you...

This tour is great if you want to see a variety of places in one day. The lunch was a highlight — probably the best meal I had during my 7-day stay in Costa Rica. I also appreciated that the guide added an extra stop at the Cartago ruins when I asked. Highly recommended.

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

Razel_D, Mar 2026

Spectacular activities

This tour was worth every penny, from San Jose pickup to dropping us off were so smooth. Our driver, Diego, picked us up on time and was knowledgeable about the roads and some of the mountains we passed by. We did surfing and atv. Both were amazing. Our instructor, Mario for surfing was very nice, accommodating and very patient with us. We learned so much from him and taught us so well. He was very funny as well. Sebastian was our tour guide for atv, he was also amazing and accommodating. Just beware, there’s only specific locations for pickups and drop-offs, we were just fortunate that our hotel is one of those.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Christopher_T, Mar 2026

You gotta go

I’d just like to say for everyone who said this made their trip NO LIES WERE TOLD. For my first time rafting the guides were 10/10 great energy, funny, knowledgeable all around great people really. Prepare for an arm workout you do get breaks in between paddling. Breakfast was ok but the lunch was great. They have lockers and changing stations bring a change of clothes you get soaked depending on your placement. We thank yall for the longest but most eventful day.

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Kayla_G, Mar 2026

A Perfect Day in Costa Rica

We could not have asked for a better tour! Adriana was kind, knowledgeable and fun to have along for the ride. This experience had everything we were looking for in our short visit, and more! The Zipline was a challenge (be prepared for an arm workout!), but the hot springs were sooo relaxing to follow up. I was a little bummed that rain and clouds obstructed our view of the volcano peak, but what can you do? I enjoyed the time in the van, being able to look out and enjoy the eye level view. They kept us well fed throughout the day, but my favorite thing to try was the cas juice at the waterfall lookout.

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

Anitra_D, Nov 2025

Fantastic San Jose Walking & Bus City Tour!

I had an absolutely amazing time on the San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour! Everything was so well organized, and the guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made the entire experience fun and engaging. I loved getting to see the city from both perspectives—walking through the historic streets and then relaxing on the bus while taking in even more sights. The pace was perfect, the information was interesting, and I came away with a much deeper appreciation for Costa Rican culture, history, and beauty. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area. It was truly a memorable experience and well worth it!

Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

Joslyn_G, Nov 2025

A Great Experience

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-Do Experience — Especially with Eric as Your Guide! The Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Costa Rica, and that is largely thanks to our incredible host, Eric. If you’re looking for a tour that immerses you in the true culture, history, and rhythm of Costa Rica — this is it. From the moment we started, Eric’s passion for his country was undeniable. He didn’t just point out landmarks — he taught us about the central cities, the number of volcanoes in the region, and even the crops that are planted and valued across Costa Rica’s beautiful wetlands. His knowledge was as impressive as his heart, and he made sure every member of our group felt welcomed, informed, and included. We were able to eat like locals, stay perfectly on schedule, and have all our (many!) questions answered with patience and enthusiasm. Some of the most memorable parts of the experience included: • Friendly, engaging tour guides at every stop • Fantastic food at thoughtfully selected local restaurants • A meaningful stop at an ox cart workshop, where we learned about the labor history behind ox carts and the traditional hand-painted designs created by paid local artists Although the weather didn’t allow us to see the volcano due to fog (a reminder to avoid travel during peak wet season if a clear view is a must), the day was still unforgettable — and honestly, we’d gladly return just to tour with Eric again. He was professional, kind, funny, and kept the group engaged from start to finish. We always knew where we were headed next, when we’d eat, and what to expect — which made the full-day tour feel smooth, organized, and relaxing. Highly recommend this tour — and even more so, highly recommend Eric. Costa Rica came alive through his eyes, and that’s something we will always remember.