Top San Jose Day Trips - page 5

from $206

6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose

Rafting day in one of the best rivers to practice this sport, the Pacuare. Valid for any level, if you have not done it before, you will learn and if you have already done so you will enjoy it again. Departures from any hotel in San José. Includes breakfast and picnic lunch on the river. We will pick you up at your hotel in San José to travel to the Pacuare River. Upon arriving at the operations center we will wait for you with a delicious breakfast to gain strength. Once equipped and after the safety talk, we will launch in 6-person rafts for 4 hours along the river sailing class III and IV rapids. Halfway we will have a picnic to eat and continue to the operations center again. Once finished, we can change before returning to San José, we will leave you again in your hotel

3.8

(13)

from $217

Rafting III-IV in Pacuare River

12 hours

Just one hour and ten minutes from San José we have the beautiful Irazú volcano, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, cataloged as one of the most beautiful and impressive on the planet. We will be able to walk through one of the 3 main craters, and after the tour we will go to the highest point of the National Park, which is also the second highest point in Costa Rica, then we will descend the volcano to visit the most important church in Costa Rica. We know a little about the architecture and the different constructions that the structure has had. Then our guide will take you directly to the city of San José. Discover San José like never before, we are the only operators that give you the opportunity to integrate and really get to know the culture of Costa Rica on a city tour. We combine the walking tour and guarantee maximum benefit from the experience while also having all the comforts of tourist transportation.

(3)

from $140

2 in 1 Volcano Irazu + San Jose City Tour

2 in 1 Volcano Irazu + San Jose City Tour

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.

(1)

from $187

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

(13)

from $225

The tour to Arenal Volcano includes a stop in Sarchí, renowned for its artisan tradition and for displaying the largest ox cart in the world. The journey runs through plantations of agricultural products until you reach La Fortuna, where you will enjoy lunch overlooking the volcano. The Arenal, although not directly visited, is noted for its spectacular beauty and its 1968 eruption that made it famous after years of inactivity. Then you will relax in one of the best hot springs in the area, where you will enjoy the purifying and rejuvenating effects of the hot springs and at sunset back to San Jose.

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

2 in 1 : Suspension Bridges + Hot Springs in Arenal

4.1

(21)

from $203

If you’re short on time in Central Costa Rica and want to see a lot in a day, this small-group tour is for you. From the capital you’ll visit a number of impressive natural and cultural sites. See two of Costa Rica’s most impressive volcanoes - Irazu and Turrialba - and visit the communities that live in their shadows. See how coffee is grown and harvested, and perhaps even sample a fresh brew.

(7)

from $224

From San Jose: Secrets of Guayabo & Irazú Volcano National Park

From San Jose: Secrets of Guayabo & Irazú Volcano National Park

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(44)

from $225

Enjoy an exclusive tour that combines 2 adventure activities in 1. Our tour is operated on a 100% private basis, with high quality transportation services and a professional naturalist tour guide who will pick you up directly from your hotel. The tour operates in the Sarapiqui region, which is located in the Caribbean and just 2 hours away from the capital city. We will cross the beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park, with its impressive rainforest, multiple rivers and waterfalls. Once we arrive at our operations center, we will begin with the zipline canopy tour adventure. Enjoy 9 zip lines immersed in the forest of Sarapiquí. The zipline ends with a 900 ft cable crossing the beautiful Sarapiquí River canyon. After the canopy tour, enjoy a horseback ride through the tropical forest accompanied by an expert rider. At the end of the 2 adventures, a delicious lunch awaits you before beginning the journey back to your hotel.

Zip Line Canopy Tour & Horseback Riding Combo Tour. Private from San Jose

Private Zipline Canopy Tour & Horseback Riding from San Jose

from $335

Costa Rica’s home to multiple volcanos and Poas is one of the most active. See this stunning, smokey stratovolcano during a guided trip to Poas Volcano National Park. Walk through lush forests, keeping your eye out for diverse wildlife sightings. Discover a waterfall in La Paz and pass by the serene Sarapiqui riverside before visiting a coffee farm. During the tour, you’ll also stop for a delicious, local lunch.

Combo tour Poas Volcano and La Paz waterfall and Coffee tour

Combo tour Poas Volcano and La Paz waterfall and Coffee tour

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(6)

from $154

Sarchi Oxcarts Factory & Souvenirs Shooping Experience

Escape the hustle and bustle of San Jose and experience Sarchi, a small town famous for its artisan crafts. After pickup from your hotel, your personal guide will show you the best spots, detailing the tradition of oxcart painting—and the importance of the oxcart to Costa Rica—wooden craft-making, family art factories, and more. Grab an authentic lunch and choose from 200+ shops to select a souvenir to take back home.

Sarchi Oxcarts & Souvenir Shopping Private Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

(4)

from $189

Your breath-taking adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned deluxe transportation. Destination Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park is 90 minutes away from San Jose. This tour will put you in the driver’s seat of some of the best Honda 4×4 off-road vehicles out there. In our adventure center, you will receive all the driving instructions. Before you begin your journey you will take a test drive on our specially designed private track. From here on, your bilingual guide will lead you along the jungle trails, following rivers and fun muddy dirt paths. Time and trail conditions allowing, you can take a swim in our natural swimming pool. The guides will have cold water along the ride. At the end, we will greet you with fresh fruits and water in addition to a delicious lunch. After this adventure, enjoy a boat river tour in Tarcoles River, where large crocodiles inhabit the ecosystem.

Buggy Expedition. Private Tour from San Jose

Buggy Expedition. Private Tour from San Jose

8 hoursFree Cancellation

(1)

from $345

Discover the biodiversity of Costa Rica on a day trip from San Jose to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The massive ecological park maintains six different climate zones and is home to more than 400 species of birds, 2,500 plant species, and hundreds of animal species. Take a stroll along the SkyWalk, standing at 130 feet, for an aerial view of the forest. This tour includes breakfast, lunch, and entrance fees.

Day trip from San Jose to Monteverde Cloud Forest & Sky Adventure Park

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Combine Costa Rica’s best sensations into one with this private full-day tour. First, you’ll sink deep into the wild rainforest, where you’ll learn all about the country’s obsession with chocolate—and you’ll taste some of the best, too. After your time on land, you’ll soak in Baldi Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal volcano, taking in the views and that Costa Rica feeling. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

from $365

Chocolate Tour & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose

Chocolate Tour & Arenal Hot Springs. Private Tour

12 hoursFree Cancellation

(4)

from $295

Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls Gardens. Private Tour

Poas Volcano National Park & La Paz Waterfalls Gardens Private Tour from San Jose

(9)

from $308

Half-Day Tour: Zip Line in the Rainforest with Lunch

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(6)

from $147

Cartago Highlights: Irazu Volcano- Orosi Valley- Ujarras Ruins- Cachi lake. Private Tour from San Jose

Costa Rica’s Cartago Province is home to the lofty Irazú Volcano as well as a variety of historic settlements. See Cartago’s highlights in a single day on this private tour, which allows you to experience Irazú Volcano National Park’s panoramic viewpoints and steaming craters, visit centuries-old settlements, and admire historic Spanish-colonial churches. Your guide navigates and provides transportation, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery.

Irazu Volcano and Small Towns. Private Tour

4.8

(4)

from $250

See the active Irazu Volcano and other highlights of Costa Rica’s Cartago province at your own pace on a private tour from San Jose. Reach the summit of the peak known by locals as ‘El Colosso,’ famous for its modern eruptions and lake-filled craters. Soak up regional culture in the artsy, historic town of Orosi, and spend the afternoon relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs and dining at a volcanic resort.

Irazu Volcano, small towns and Hot Springs. Private Tour

Irazu Volcano, small towns and Hot Springs. Private Tour

(1)

from $295

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is an unique rain forest experience where you can admire the jungle from the same perspective of the birds. With the narration of your guide, learn all about the ecosystem and wildlife species present at this pristine forest. The cable car, built in the 90s by a biologist and researcher of the flora and fauna of the treetops, allows a 1-mile journey over the tropical rain forest. The beauty of nature is impressive and with the narration of the local naturalist guides, it becomes a true educational experience. The park is located at less than one hour from San Jose and besides the tram, you can enjoy diverse ecological experiences such a butterfly garden, nature walks, souvenir store and a restaurant. Our tour is operated in a 100% private basis, with high quality transportation services and a professional naturalist tour guide that will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Rain Forest Aerial Tram & Nature Walk. Private Tour from San Jose

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Private Tour from San Jose

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $308

One Day Tour To Corcovado From San José

16 to 17 hours

from $505

Escape the city and experience San Jose’s surrounding nature in the most relaxing way possible—with this private, full-day tour to waterfalls, gardens, and hot springs. Picked up from your hotel, you’ll traverse the countryside until you reach the rainforest, where you’ll explore gardens, spot sloths, and get misted by waterfalls. Then you’ll head to nearby hot springs for lunch, a soak under the Arenal Volcano, optional spa treatments, and more.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Tabacon Hot Springs Private Day Tour from San Jose

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Tabacon Hot Springs Private Day Tour from San Jose

13 hours

from $525

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

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Top Attractions in San Jose

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Attractions

What are people saying about San Jose

L_T, Jul 2026

Unforgettable Experience

We had an exceptional experience from start to finish. Our tour guide Edgar was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating, making everyone feel welcome while sharing fascinating insights about the area. The pace was perfect, and they went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a memorable time. The destination itself was absolutely breathtaking and even more beautiful than we expected. The stunning scenery made every moment worthwhile. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

Samantha_S, Jul 2026

Islad Tortuga

Great experience traveling to Isla Tortuga from the moment I was picked up to the moment I was dropped off. The guide was Very informative and the island was beautiful. Was able to enjoy a restful and relaxed afternoon and was also able to see some animals in sight.

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

Veronica_R, Jul 2026

What a fantastic way to...

What a fantastic way to start our Costa Rica vacation! This was a nice and entertaining opportunity to see main sites and a have a taste of great bites. Marcelo - Chelo was an amazing tour guide, very good explanations, great costumer service, and such a pleasant personality! We never felt rushed. I highly recommend this experience!

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Grisel_C, Jun 2026

Great all day tour!

Full 14 hr experience filled with adventure, sightseeing, and beauty! Alex was great in explaining all about the culture, food, and history. About 10 stops through the entire day starting with a coffee plantation, visiting waterfalls, ziplining, and thermal springs all while enjoying fruits, lunch, and dinner. Our guide made this trip phenomenal explaining each place where we stopped. He even pulled over to make sure we saw a sloth. Only piece of advice is to make sure you buy the package with ziplining and rappelling if that’s what you want. Would recommend and repeat without any hesitation!

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.

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

Javier_O, Jun 2026

Pura vida!

Had a great time. Driver and tour guide were both bilingual and very personable. Driver made it a point to keep the van tidy - van itself was modern and in very good condition. Every stop had excellent service. I had forgotten my phone in the van after drop off and they returned it quickly. As the locals say, pura vida.

San Jose Sightseeing City Tour

Kay_W, Jun 2026

Great city tour

Ricardo was a great guide. Loved being picked up at our hotel! We were driven all around San Jose including the art museum, parks, and Steven’s restaurant for local cuisine. He told us a lot about the history of the country and SJ. I would recommend this tour for length and convenience. I didn’t see the need for the jewelry factory stop.

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

jeanine_r, May 2026

Super fun! Diego our...

Super fun! Diego our driver was so nice and would make any stops necessary like going to the bathroom or grabbing breakfast real quick. The people at the park were so nice as well! They made us feel safe and have a good time while doing the zipline/ ATV. I’m glad I took a chance on this!

Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour

Sneha_K, May 2026

Day well spent

Filander was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and informative. He was very patient and eager to answer our questions. He told us about many hidden gems of costa rica and places to eat and see. It shows how passionate he is and how much he enjoys sharing his wisdom. I was picked up on time from my hotel around 6:15 am. We drove to the coffee plantation where he walked us through the farm. We had an excellent breakfast and then drove to poas volcano. It was foggy with no visibility when we reached. He told us to visit the lagoon since he knew it was clear and knew the crater would clear out by the time we returned. He was right on spot and we saw the gorgeous views with full visibility. We then drove to waterfall garden where we saw different wildlife. We finished off with the 5 stunning waterfalls before we started our drive back to our hotels. Filander explained us about different plants, flowers insects, animals. Overall he had an amazing knowledge about everything. He even provided great options of other tours that I could take and how to book them. Overall It was a great day. Absolutely worth doing for someone visiting Costa Rica.

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!

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.