Top San Jose Private Sightseeing Tours

Immerse yourself in the world of premium coffee and witness the staggering geothermal power of an active volcano on this exclusive private day trip from San José. Your scenic journey winds upward into the fertile Alajuela highlands, taking you past rolling dairy farms, vibrant flower nurseries, and strawberry plantations. Along the way, you'll sample rich local flavors, including a traditional prestiño pastry drizzled with pure sugar mill syrup. At the Poás Volcano National Park, your guide will lead you to the edge of the colossus's main crater—one of the largest in the world, stretching 1.7 km wide—to marvel at the boiling, highly acidic Laguna Caliente and its active fumaroles. The journey continues to Hacienda Alsacia, the only Starbucks property in the world dedicated to coffee research and experimental sustainable farming, where you will explore the fascinating lifecycle of coffee and enjoy a traditional local lunch.

This tour is the perfect choice for travelers seeking the ultimate blend of high-flying thrill and up-close wildlife encounters, seamlessly combining two of Costa Rica’s most iconic attractions in a single day. Starting with private, door-to-door transportation from San José, you will soar above the rainforest canopy on a world-class zipline with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, followed by an exclusive private eco-boat cruise along the Tárcoles River to observe massive wild crocodiles and exotic tropical birds. With a delicious included Costa Rican buffet lunch, top-tier safety gear, and expert naturalist guides leading every step of the way, this 10-hour day trip delivers a hassle-free, action-packed immersion into the very best of Costa Rica's Central Pacific region.

Escape San José for a private, customizable day trip that blends Costa Rica’s scenery with total relaxation. Begin with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive through rolling coffee plantations, pausing for a taste of the highlands. Continue to the Arenal Volcano Viewpoint, where the iconic conical peak rises dramatically above the landscape—perfect for panoramic photos. Next, explore La Fortuna Town, a charming hub with lively streets, shops, and cafés. End the day at a renowned hot springs resort, where thermal pools set amid tropical gardens invite you to soak, relax, and recharge. With hotel drop-off included and the flexibility to adjust timing and stops, this full-day ride offers the perfect balance of sightseeing and comfort before returning to San José through the lush countryside.

Discover San José’s vibrant energy, history, and flavor on this private highlights ride, perfect for a few hours in the capital. Begin with hotel pickup and head to Mercado Borbón, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, herbs, and spices, offering a true taste of local life. Just steps away, explore the historic San José Central Market, with narrow alleys filled with souvenirs and traditional eateries. Next, pause at Central Park & Metropolitan Cathedral, the city’s lively heart framed by leafy trees and colonial architecture. Continue to the National Theatre of Costa Rica, an architectural gem and cultural landmark. With an English-speaking driver, pickup and drop-off, and customizable stops, this tour blends daily life, history, and culture into a complete introduction to Costa Rica’s capital.

Experience the best of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands on this complete full-day journey. Your adventure begins at Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks' exclusive global agronomy research farm, where you will explore coffee fields with views of the Poás foothills, learn about sustainable coffee processing, and enjoy freshly brewed specialty coffee. Ascend higher into the cloud forest to Poás Volcano National Park to marvel at its massive active crater and steaming sulfur lake. Finish your day at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, strolling scenic pathways beside rushing waterfalls and observing rescued Costa Rican wildlife in a lush rainforest setting.

Paddle across Costa Rica’s largest lake with front-row views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This private, all-inclusive tour blends outdoor adventure with local flavor — enjoy a calm morning on the water, visit a rural café with a waterfall view, and learn about the region’s cultural roots along the way. With gourmet meals, personalized guidance, and full comfort throughout, this experience offers a peaceful yet enriching escape into Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Get ready for the ultimate family adventure! Step into a real-life "Jurassic Park" hidden deep within the lush, misty rainforests of Bajos del Toro. Dinoland is an immersive park specifically designed for families with children, where prehistoric magic meets jaw- dropping natural wonders. Walk along scenic trails to discover over 25 life-sized, roaring animatronic dinosaurs. Finally, ascend to the breathtaking Panoramic Viewpoint to capture unforgettable family photos in front of the famous giant colorful wings with the cloud forest as your backdrop. It’s an educational, thrilling, and safe expedition perfect for young explorers and parents alike.

With our private transfer service, you can enjoy optimizing your travel time and the comfort of our cars. Our experienced local driver always has your safety and comfort in mind. From the beginning of the trip, when he picks you up in San José at your desired time and takes care of your luggage, until the end of your journey in your chosen location in La Fortuna. Here begins your private stress-free trip full of wonderful authentic experiences and insights into the local culture. Our travel experts have chosen the most interesting sightseeing stops and top-rated attractions for you to choose from and enrich your journey. You will travel comfortably with a reliable driver who speaks English and has a good knowledge of the area. The only thing you need to do is relax while being taken care of.

At the foot of Costa Rica's highest and most sacred mountain lives a five-hectare sanctuary of cloud forest, medicinal gardens, and ceremonial land. This is where your journey begins. Led by Thomas Michael, sacred land guardian, gridworker, and initiated guide with direct lineage from Qero Paqo elders in Peru and Arhuaco Mamas in Colombia, this 5–6 hour immersion takes small groups into the living intelligence of Chirripó. You'll move through sacred terrain, engage in land-based ceremony, share food grown from the earth, and return with something you didn't arrive with. This is not a hike with a spiritual flavor. It is a guided encounter with one of the most powerful mountain ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere, held with intention from beginning to end.

Immerse yourself in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. Located near the Carara National Park in the Central Pacific, this exclusive hiking tour takes you deep into a private tropical rainforest to witness the spectacular Bijagual Waterfall—the second highest waterfall in Costa Rica, towering at an impressive 328 meters (over 1,000 feet). Led by a certified expert local guide, you will hike through dense jungle trails, wade across pristine mountain rivers, spot incredible wildlife like Scarlet Macaws, and swim in crystal-clear natural pools. After this exhilarating hike, the adventure continues with an exceptional culinary experience at The Crocs Skywalk, where you will enjoy a premium artisanal lunch paired with breathtaking panoramic views of the famous Tárcoles River and its giant crocodiles from an exclusive aerial perspective.

Step into a world where dense, emerald rainforest meets the sparkling, turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Manuel Antonio National Park is a vibrant, living paradise waiting to be explored. As you wander down winding jungle trails, look up—playful white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and rare squirrel monkeys swing through the canopy, while gentle sloths snooze in the treetops. Bright toucans and iguanas complete this wild, colorful tapestry. But the journey doesn't end in the forest; emerge onto pristine, white-sand beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio, where warm, crystal-clear waves invite you to take a refreshing swim. Whether you are mesmerized by exotic wildlife, panoramic ocean lookouts, or pure tropical serenity, this guided immersion offers an unforgettable day in Costa Rica’s most famous natural wonder.

Discover the magic of the cloud forest with the Suspension Bridges and Canopy Tour in San Luis Adventure Park, an experience that combines nature, adrenaline and pure Costa Rican life. Walk along a 1.8 km circular path across six impressive suspension bridges, surrounded by birdsong and the soothing sound of the falls. Start the tour in a colorful hummingbird garden and be amazed by the lush vegetation of the tropical forest. Then boost your energy with the exciting 12-wire canopy, where you can soar through the treetops and feel the thrill of Tarzan’s famous swing. To close with a golden clasp, dare with the Superman Cable, plying the air more than 100 meters above the river. End your adventure by enjoying delicious typical Costa Rican food, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Do you want to live the full adventure? Book now and discover the forest from a new perspective!

The Coffee Tour, Poás Volcano, and La Paz Waterfalls is a complete experience that combines tradition, breathtaking landscapes, and lush nature all in one day. The tour begins with a visit to a coffee plantation, where you will learn about the journey of the coffee bean from the plant to the cup while enjoying beautiful mountain views. You will then explore the impressive Poás Volcano, one of the country’s most spectacular active volcanoes, featuring a massive crater and unforgettable panoramic views. To end the day on a high note, you will walk along the trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, surrounded by tropical rainforest, majestic waterfalls, and an incredible variety of wildlife. An ideal tour for those who want to discover the best of Costa Rica in a single adventure.

Explore Tortuguero National Park in depth during a 3-day tour from San Jose that includes accommodation and transportation to this remote wilderness destination on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Travel by car and boat with a guide who shows you through the canals and rivers of Toruguero, and where you might spot Atlantic green turtles, monkeys, and other wildlife. This all-inclusive tour takes care of the logisitcs so you can have fun.

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.

Experience the ideal fusion of Costa Rican agricultural heritage and stunning natural beauty on this premium full-day excursion. Your journey commences with a picturesque drive to the province of Alajuela, where you will visit the esteemed Finca Doka. There, you will engage in an interactive and comprehensive exploration of gourmet coffee production, encompassing seed germination, traditional cultivation, and roasting techniques for the finest beans. Following your immersion in the coffee world, you will proceed to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the nation's most frequented privately owned eco-attraction. Accompanied by local Costa Rican experts, you will hike along safe, verdant trails to uncover five magnificent waterfalls, an aviary, a butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden, and a wildlife reserve dedicated to the rescue of jaguars, pumas, and monkeys. A hearty buffet lunch will perfectly complement this enriching eco-experience.

Just 90 minutes from San Jose lies a world of fiery, steaming, white-hot adventure, and with this private tour, you’ll walk into it yourself. Picked up from your hotel, you’ll make the drive to Poas Volcano National Park, where you’ll literally step into the volcanic crater. After getting your fill of this lava land, you’ll cool down with stops at a bucolic farm, coffee plantation, or other Alajuela attractions.

During this 2-hour river safari, you will ride in a comfortable boat down the Sarapiqui River and enjoy the very rich wildlife of this region. In there, it is easy to see Howler Monkeys, White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Crocodiles, giant Iguanas, River Turtles, Otters, many aquatic birds and more. After the boat safari, a short drive will take you to La Tirimbina Biological Reserve. 10% of Tirimbina is accessible for tourist and educational activities, the rest of the reserve is maintained for research and conservation. Within the area open to the public, they have easily accessible trails that will allow you to visit the different microenvironments of the rainforest. Access to the forest is through a 264 m long suspension bridge, which crosses the Sarapiquí River. Additionally, there is a second suspension bridge open to the public between the trails to explore the forest from another perspective.

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.

If you only have a short amount of time to discover Costa Rica, a guided tour is a great choice for making the most of it. This guided tour from San Jose includes a taste of everything: see wildlife, try tropical fruits, zipline, cruise down a river, and more. All activities and transportation are included, so you don’t have to book or plan anything extra.

The Coffee, Poás, and La Paz tour is a unique experience that combines culture, nature, and adventure. It begins with a visit to a coffee plantation, where you'll learn about the production process of one of Costa Rica's most famous products. Then, you'll explore the Poás Volcano, a majestic active volcano with breathtaking views. Finally, you'll enjoy the natural beauty of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a wildlife sanctuary with spectacular waterfalls and a wide variety of fauna. A must-do tour to experience the best of Costa Rica in one day!

The experience for the traveler will be exciting from the beginning to the end, being a personalized tour. The client can decide where to stop, as long as it does not affect the tour schedule which may vary one or two hours. The 2017 X-TRAIL SUV, centa with current insurance and civil risk policy. The journey is comfortable and safe full of biodiversity and ethnicities.