Top San Jose Day Trips - page 5

Sarchi Oxcarts & Souvenir Shopping Private Tour

(4)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $189

Irazu Volcano Orosi & Lankester Full Day with Lunch from San Jose

4.2

(18)

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.

from $138

2 in 1 Volcano Irazu + San Jose City Tour

(1)

Enjoy some of the most beautiful attractions in Costa Rica on this private full-day excursion to the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Visit the highlights of the Rio Celeste area, including the Rio Celeste waterfall and the Blue Lagoon. If you wish, you will have the opportunity to swim in the Rio Celeste. Receive personalized attention from your guide and enjoy tons of wonderful sights in just one day.

from $187

Tour to Río Celeste from San Jose with Lunch and River Bath

4.6

(9)

11 to 13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $282

Likely to Sell Out

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $206

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.

4.5

(46)

La Paz Waterfalls

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $135

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

4.9

(44)

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $183

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

4.9

(22)

from $149

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

Rafting III-IV in Pacuare River

(3)

12 hours

from $140

Likely to Sell Out

4.6

(11)

Day Trip from San Jose to Arenal Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs Resort

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $300

Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano and Sloth Watching Tour From San Jose

4.6

(62)

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.

from $185

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

Private Zipline Canopy Tour & Horseback Riding from San Jose

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $335

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.

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

Chocolate Tour & Arenal Hot Springs. Private Tour

(4)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $295

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

Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls Gardens. Private Tour

(9)

from $308

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

4.1

(21)

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.

from $203

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

2 in 1 : Suspension Bridges + Hot Springs in Arenal

(7)

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.

from $224

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

Irazu Volcano and Small Towns. Private Tour

4.8

(4)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $250

Tortuguero One Day Private Tour from San Jose

(19)

from $365

Coffee Farm Experience & visit Poas Volcano crater from San José

4.5

(42)

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.

from $110

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

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $365

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

(1)

from $345

Our coffee tour is unique because it allows you to enjoy a wonderful day near San José, on the way to the Poas volcano is our Doka coffee farm, it is one of the farms that preserves the old method for making the best coffee in Costa Rica. On our tour you will be able to enjoy a guided tour of our farm, you will taste our coffee chocolates, coffee liqueur and of course our wide variety of house coffee. Right after our coffee tour we will visit the beautiful Poás volcano, also one of the most active in the world, and with the second largest crater on the planet. We will visit the Poás Volcano area and you will be able to appreciate the beautiful views of the central valley, an ideal tour for people who want to make a quick, relaxed trip with a lot to see and learn.

Traditional Coffee Tour + Poás Volcano from San José

4.0

(5)

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $120

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Top Attractions in San Jose

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Attractions

What are people saying about San Jose

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

Victoria_F, May 2026

Worth It!

Raquel did a great job explaining to us the intricacies of coffee growing, showing us Poás (which we were very fortunate to see clearly), and walking us through the animal sanctuary. I love how she told the back story of many of the animals. The waterfalls require a lot of walking up and down steps. The pace was good. We did not feel rushed. She prepared us for whatever we encountered such as a steep hike to the lagoon (optional). Olman was a great driver too. I highly recommend!

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

Victoria_F, May 2026

Amazing Day!

Alex did an amazing job as our tour guide and driver! He was super attentive to guests who needed extra care in our group. He was super energetic although he had a lot of us to keep up with. He was able to spot animals with his naked eye then show us through his telescope. He prepared us for everything (entry rules for Manuel Antonio, the heat, etc). Know that it is a very long day and that it is very hot and humid in the park so be prepared.

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

Joe_A, May 2026

Great time! We were able...

Great time! We were able to see dolphins before the snorkeling! The snorkeling time was fun and lots of fish. On the island it’s worth renting chairs and an umbrella! Drinks are available to buy and very delicious! Met a lot of fun people and the tour guides are great - book this one!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

T_A, May 2026

Fun family adventure

Our guide, Mauricio was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time at the La Paz Waterfall and Garden tour. We did this at the start of our trip. We wanted to at least see some of the animals native to the area in case we were not able to see them in the wild. I was quite happy that we did not run into any large cats outside of an enclosure. This day did not feel too long. There was a stop on the way to and from the gardens.

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

Nyasia_T, May 2026

Amazing 100000/10

My friends and I did ATV and Ziplining , let’s just say we have the time of our lives. Our ATV instructor was Juan and he was amazing . Zipling was truly an amazing experience overall. The instructor all were fun and extremely helpful. Overall I’d do again and again and again

Poas Coffee tour, La Paz Falls and Poas Volcano

Sophie_K, Apr 2026

Viktor was a super nice...

Viktor was a super nice guide and very happy to answer questions. He even took us to an extra stop (strawberry - cheese - wine - shop and tasting) after the 3 stops. I didn't understand why we first went to the coffee farm and then to the volcano because it's better to visit the volcano early so you can actually see something. We were lucky, but 10-15min after we arrived everything was cloudy and you couldn't see anything anymore. I hope they'll change it for future tours, so people can actually enjoy a good view.

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Amy_L, Apr 2026

Amazing tour!

What an amazing day! Our tour guide Steven was simply the best. He was so friendly and knowledgeable. The tour was a full day, about 15 hours, but it was 100 worth it. We learned about one of the coffee plantations, enjoyed so Costa Rican coffee, saw the waterfall, zip lined and spent some time at the hot spring. It was the best tour we could have started our vacation doing.

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

Payton_T, Apr 2026

Eric was a wonderful...

Eric was a wonderful guide and incredibly informative! My friend and I really felt immersed in the culture in San José and felt even more comfortable navigating through the markets and parts of the city after this tour. The food was absolutely delicious and worth every penny. I highly recommend doing this tour with Eric!

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!

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.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Desirae_D, Mar 2026

Spectacular, unforgettable, and beginner friendly!

Such a special experience on one of the best natural rafting rivers in the world. We had a good traditional breakfast with fruit and coffee, then we went to the river. As a first time rafter and solo female traveler, I was so intimidated at first, but we got the hang of it quickly and nobody fell in. I felt safe the whole time. If everyone follows instructions, you'll be good (Tip: if ya think you'll get away with just relaxing, think again!) We had an amazing guide, Carlos, who taught us well, kept us safe, and taught us a lot. We saw bird species and waterfalls. For lunch, we pulled over for sandwiches/wraps, on a kind indigenous person's land, very special. Pictures on the river are available for purchase and ours came out great! Due to the active tectonic faults, this river changes every few years, and is absolutely worth coming back to! This was an experience worth every penny and I will cherish it forever!

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!