Top San Jose Private Sightseeing Tours

Every guide in San José will tell you coffee paid for the National Theatre. The records tell a different story, and that is only one surprise on this self-guided walking tour of San José. There is no guide and no group. You follow the story on your phone in the Tourific app. From the fortress where Costa Rica gave up its army to the square where, so the story goes, a general ordered his own firing squad to shoot, each stop is a story told where it happened. Everything plays offline, so you can stop for gallo pinto or step into a Museum, then carry on. Ideal for a first afternoon in the capital, before you head off to the volcanoes and the coast. Over 25,000 travelers have used our self-guided tours, and the tour comes with a full refund guarantee.

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.

It is a private family reserve, managed by local national owners who are dedicated to forest conservation and tourism. Thanks to our exceptional location and easy access to our private reserve, nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforest, you can easily see the wonderful flora and fauna of the site What makes our tour special is the quality of our tour guides, always gentle and willing to share their knowledge about nature; our paths, composed of cement and gravel, guarantee excellent accessibility; and you will be provided with high quality lanterns to discover the various living things that the wonderful forest gives us. It should be noted that this is a tour suitable for the whole family, designed to enjoy without great difficulties. By visiting us, you will actively contribute to the preservation of the flora and fauna species of Sarapiquí.

Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this combined zip lining, rappelling, and hiking tour. The Carpintera Hills are close to San Jose and offer the easiest way to go zip lining from the capital. Glide through the forest canopy on steel cables strung between 19 platforms. Rappel from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and look out for birds and animals.

Switch up your daily routine with this enchanting night walk tour that takes you on a journey into the forest after dark. Discover the vibrant nocturnal wildlife in action during this 2-hour tour through a transitional forest. Led by a private guide, stop to spot a variety of mammals, birds, and insects that exhibit unique behaviors at night. Ideal for families seeking adventure, explore the area and observe everything from sleeping birds to creepy crawlers.

Enjoy a private tour to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José with a naturalist guide and professional photographer. Includes high-quality photos, drone videos, private transport, and time to relax at Espadilla Beach. Support local businesses and travel stress-free.

Get a close-up view of beautiful Poas Volcano without having to hike there on this private scenic helicopter tour. Enjoy bird’s-eye views of the huge crater, the surrounding rainforest, and the blue volcanic lagoon. Witness volcanic activity and learn more about it via headsets that connect you with the pilot. The flight lasts about one hour.

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.

Discover Panama's Pacific countryside on a side-by-side ATV/UTV adventure through a variety of coastal, rural and mountain landscapes. Ride past beach and golf developments, marinas, farms and local communities before heading into the mountains, where paved roads transition into dirt and unpaved terrain surrounded by tropical scenery and distant ocean views. Stop at a natural river area, selected according to seasonal conditions, where you can walk, relax, get your feet wet or swim. The beach portion of the route is influenced by Pacific tides, so the order and route may vary each day to take advantage of the best conditions. En la playa, disfruta de tiempo para caminar por la orilla, tomar fotos, nadar o simplemente disfrutar de la costa. Vehicles are 6-seat side-by-side ATVs/UTVs. Standard assignment is 3–4 guests per vehicle; a maximum 2 - guests-per-vehicle upgrade is available. Prices are per person, not per vehicle.

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.

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.

San Jose is filled with amazing attractions to see such as the National Theater of Costa Rica and the Metropolitan Cathedral, but if you’re not familiar with San Jose, it could take you ages to see everything on your list. Take this San Jose nighttime city tour and travel with a guide who knows their way around under the city lights. Plus, dinner and round-trip transport are both included.

Don’t sleep on this capital of culture, architecture, and food when you’re visiting Costa Rica. On this tour, follow your local guide across the city’s best parks, cafes, local hangouts, iconic landmarks, and more, discovering what makes San Jose the colorful heart of the country. You’ll end in the picturesque Barrio Escalante, one of the city’s best ‘hoods, with a long list of reason to stay longer in San Jose.

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and history on this guided tour of the capital city. Highlights include the National Theater, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court, and Central Market. A bilingual guide is on hand to answer questions and provide insight about what you see along the way.

This private day trip from San José blends three Costa Rican highlights into one unforgettable experience: volcanoes, waterfalls, and coffee. Start at Poás Volcano National Park, where you’ll stand on the edge of an active crater and take in its turquoise lagoon and panoramic views. Continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an eco-park of rainforest trails, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and powerful waterfalls cascading through lush greenery. On the way back, stop at a coffee plantation (Doka Estate or similar), where you can stroll among the rows of plants or visit the café and shop—note that guided tours or tastings aren’t included. With hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, and fully customizable stops, this journey combines Costa Rica’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in a single day.

This is not another tour to Poás Volcano. It is a private experience, for those who prefer to travel slowly rather than do mass tourism. We pick you up at a time that suits you best, right from your hotel or Airbnb, without having to move and without wasting time picking up other people. In Poás this is important: those who climb after mid-morning often find the crater covered by clouds. That's why we go first, when there's a better chance of seeing it clear. We stopped in front of one of the largest active craters on the planet and visited Laguna Botos, with waters that change color. We follow the iconic La Paz Falls to discover a secret passage that many overlook. We close at Hacienda Alsace, the only Starbucks coffee farm in the world, where you learn where each cup comes from. Your companion does not only know this land: he lives it. You won’t remember another tour, you’ll show off your experience on an active volcano, its waterfalls and its coffee.

Trade the hustle and bustle of San Jose for a private day on Jaco Beach. Enjoy hotel pickup and a 90-minute drive to the coast, where sun and sand reign supreme. Lunch, afternoon coffee, all-day beach pass, and a private guide come standard, with options to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or relax by the pool.

Seeing Costa Rica’s wildlife is great—getting up-close encounters on a private tour, led by a naturalist guide, is even better. Picked up from your San Jose hotel, you’ll head to one of the best wildlife rescue centers in the country to spot tapirs, spider monkeys, pumas, peacocks, and more in their natural habitat. Great for all ages, you’ll get to discover this world and get all your questions answered.

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 a more authentic Costa Rica in Blue Falls, Bajos del Toro. This private experience from San Jose is designed for those looking for real nature and personalized service. Tour seven blue waterfalls in a volcanic rainforest, accompanied by a local guide who adapts the rhythm to your energy and curiosity. Walk among lush mountains, feel the contrast of turquoise water, photograph yourself in a dreamy setting and immerse yourself in hidden natural pools. Each stop reveals a distinct, intimate and surprising landscape. Many travelers want to visit the popular Rio Celeste, but they don’t know that outside of traditional tourist routes there is this hidden gem, closer and less crowded. As an optional extension, add volcanic hot springs in a local family hotel in the middle of the forest, to complement this adventure with a space of relaxation and well-being. An experience designed to connect with nature deeply and personally.

It is a tour where you will see all the traditions that our grandparents lived in their towns and dances and the food that is a delight for all people and everything with the flavor of our Grandparents And the most important thing is to see our Capital at night in the distance and then return to our hotels, it is an experience of knowing our customs of our ancestors.

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rainforest from the floor to the canopy on an Aerial Tram tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram for unrivaled views of the natural landscapes.

Coffee lovers, get your fix on a tour of the Café Britt plantation including private transfers from your San Jose hotel. Learn the history of this famous Costa Rican export, and see firsthand how coffee beans are cultivated, roasted, and transformed into fragrant elixir with a behind-the-scenes look at the farm and processing facilities. Browse products at the Britt factory store, order a freshly brewed drink from the coffee bar, and enjoy a buffet lunch from the plantation’s own restaurant.