All San Jose Tours & Excursions in 2026
Top Attractions in San Jose
What are people saying about San Jose
There’s no denying that most people travel to Costa Rica for the country’s natural attractions—but if you skip San Jose, you’re truly missing out. San Jose, Costa Rica tours are the best way to see the city’s highlights, whether that means strolling through the lively Central Market or catching a show at the National Theater. You can also use San Jose as a starting point for your adventures, including day trips to popular spots like Arenal Volcano and Tortuga Island.
People Also Ask
There are plenty of high-quality San Jose, Costa Rica tours. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:
Yes, San Jose tours are worth it for several reasons. Navigating the capital city by rental car or public transportation can be tricky, and some neighborhoods aren’t considered safe. Plus, tours allow you to relax while your guide handles the logistics, especially if you visit out-of-town attractions.
Per one customer who booked the Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour With Lunch and Dinner, “This was a fun-filled day with a lot of activity and information. This was a great tour, seeing animals along our journey, including good food, ziplining, rappelling, and soaking in the natural springs. It was a long day, but very worthwhile!”
If you plan to stay within San Jose’s city limits, a walking tour will cost around US$35 per person. For tours outside the city, expect to pay about US$100 to US$200 per person for excursions that typically include transportation and activities ranging from ziplining to hiking and rafting.
You can book tours such as the San Jose: Private Custom Guided Tour With A Guide (Private Tour) from US$30 per person at the lower end of the price range. This tour will take you to several key sights, but be aware that admission isn’t included for all attractions. Pricier options include a Full Day Sport Fishing Private Tour From San Jose (from US$1,400 per person). Travel from San Jose to the Central Pacific Coast on a private tour and spend the day game fishing on the open ocean.
Yes, most Ticos in San Jose will speak English, especially in tourist areas. This makes it easy to interact and get around. That said, Spanish is the primary language. If you want to win over the locals, try to learn a few common phrases in their mother tongue.
Yes, it’s customary to tip tour guides in San Jose. For private tours, US$5 per person per day is an excellent place to start, adding on if you feel the guide went above and beyond. Feel free to tip in USD or CRC, Costa Rica’s currency.
Since San Jose is a relatively small city with fewer than 1 million residents, you only need 1–2 days to see its top historical sites and cultural offerings. After that, most travelers move on to the cloud forests or the beautiful beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
According to travelers, these are the best attractions in San Jose:
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- San Jose Central Market (Mercado Central)
- National Theater (Teatro Nacional)
- Poas Volcano National Park
- Braulio Carrillo National Park
View Viator’s guide to all the best attractions in San Jose.
There are tons of great trips to take from San Jose. According to traveler reviews, these are the best day trips to book right now:
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour With Lunch and Dinner
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour From San Jose
- Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour From San Jose
- Full-Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and Coffee Plantation Experience
- Zip Line, Rappel, Hiking La Carpintera Tour in San Jose
View all of Viator’s top San Jose day trips.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time in San Jose. Here are some of the best San Jose activities under US$35:
It’s no secret that San Jose is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top outdoor tours to book right now:”
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour With Lunch and Dinner
- San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour Including Markets
- Sloth-Watching Tour
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour From San Jose
- Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour From San Jose
View all of Viator’s top outdoor activities in San Jose.
According to travelers, these are the top museums and cultural attractions in San Jose:
- Gold Museum
- Jade Museum (Museo del Jade)
- Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte Costarricense)
- National Museum (Museo Nacional)
- Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños
View all of Viator’s museum tickets and passes in San Jose.
Couples will find plenty of romantic tours in San Jose. Here are some of the top activities to book now, according to previous travelers:
- San Jose by Night tour Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class
- White-Water Rafting Pacuare River Full Day Tour From San Jose
- Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip From San Jose
- Braulio Carrillo 6-in-1 Full-Day Pass With Optional Transfer
- San Jose by Night: Sights & Culture Tour With Local Dinner
View all of Viator’s top romantic tours in San Jose.
San Jose has enough activities to entertain every member of your family. Here are some of the top kid-friendly tours to book now, according to previous travelers:
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour From San Jose
- Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip From San Jose
- Skip the Line: Day Ticket—La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge
- Day Trip From San Jose to Sloths & Other Wildlife Rescue Center
- Day Trip From San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River
View all of Viator’s top family-friendly tours in San Jose.