All San Jose Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Private Day Trip from San Jose to Cahuita National Park (Caribbean Coast)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

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

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Get away from the city and into a world of magic, relaxation, and beauty. After pickup from your San Jose hotel, you’ll travel via private, air-conditioned vehicle across the countryside to beautiful Arenal Lake. Here you’ll enjoy a private boat tour, take in views of the volcano, and grab lunch at Baldi Hot Springs. Then it’s time for a soak in Arenal’s thermal pools—and soaking in Mother Nature’s luxury.

Lake Arenal Boat & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Leave behind the urban bustle of San Jose for the clear, aquamarine waters and unspoiled beauty of Tortuga Island on this full-day sailing adventure. Cruise on a yacht or catamaran through the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga and the surrounding archipelago, where protected forests, white-sand beaches, and pollution-free waters house an amazing array of plant and animal species. Enjoy a fresh lunch on board, sip tropical cocktails, and sway to live music as you sail through this picturesque island paradise.

Catamaran at Tortuga Island from San Jose

Catamaran at Tortuga Island from San Jose

14 hoursFree Cancellation

From San Jose, the easiest way to take a day trip to Arenal Volcano is on a guided tour. All transportation is included by private vehicle so you don't have to deal with slow public transit, and logistics such as lunch, dinner, and entrance fees are already planned and included in the ticket price. After visiting Arenal Volcano with a guide, head to Baldi Hot Springs to soak in thermal waters before returning to you San Jose hotel.

Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose

13 hoursFree Cancellation

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

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Travel between San Jose's Juan Santamaría International Airport (or elsewhere in the Alajuela area) and Guanacaste comfortably and efficiently with this private transfer service. Your English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the airport, and will monitor your flight in case of delays. As this private tour, you'll also have the option to stop along the way to use the restrooms or get a snack if needed.

Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to Guanacaste Hotels

6 hoursFree Cancellation

3 Days - 2 Nights: Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Adventure from San Jose

3 daysFree Cancellation

Get truly immersed into Costa Rica’s wildest nature on this 13-day tour, leaving no spot untouched. With pickup from your hotel, all accommodations, and most meals provided, you’ll be able to concentrate on your adventure: wandering Tortuguero National Park, exploring the active Arenal Volcano, walking through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, relaxing on Manuel Antonio Beach or Guanacaste Beach, and so much more.

13 days: Jungle and Beach in Costa Rica

13 daysFree Cancellation

Relax and enjoy your vacation instead of stressing over trip planning when you join this ten-day guided tour of Costa Rica. Travelers interested in nature and wildlife will love this tour, which includes visits to Volcan Arenal, Monteverde, and the Manuel Antonio National Parks. Learn about Costa Rica’s biodiversity as you look out for special animals, insects, and plants. Accommodation is included–choose from standard, superior, and deluxe options.

10-Day Essential Costa Rica Tour with Manuel Antonio

10-Day Essential Costa Rica Tour with Manuel Antonio

Visit the active Poas Volcano, an epic waterfall, and the one-and-only Starbucks Coffee Farm on a day trip perfect for nature and coffee lovers who are short on time but want to see it all. The small-group tour reveals cloud-forest scenery, plantations, and farms along the way to the second largest crater in the world. Plus, see behind the scenes at the farm that grows Starbucks’ renown coffee.

Costa Rica Day Trip Tour with Lunch

8 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

During this all-day guided tour, explore Monteverde, a popular wildlife sanctuary in the Costa Rican tropics. The 10,500-hectare reserve features incredible biodiversity including 400 species of birds, more than 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and about 2,500 species of plants, which you’ll be able to spot with the help of a guide. Take in the rainforest as you travel along a series of trails connected by suspended bridges.

Full day to Monteverde from San Jose with Canopy and Reptil Amphibians watching

8 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

Turn exploring San Jose into an ultra-rich cultural experience with this guided “bites and sights” tour. You’ll start at the city’s best markets—Central and Borbon markets—tasting empanadas, fresh fruits, coffees, and more, plus learning all about local goods and handicrafts. You’ll also get a guided exploration of the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, diving even deeper into the city’s gilded history.

San Jose Bites & Sights: City Walking Tour & National Museum

5 hoursFree Cancellation

San Jose Airport to Jaco Beach Private Shuttle

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience two of Costa Rica’s impressive natural wonders in one day with this private full-day tour from San Jose. Enjoy a scenic hike through the Poas Volcano National Park, admire magnificent views of the crater, and look out for hummingbirds and quetzals in the cloud forest. After lunch, explore the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can spot wildlife such as white face and spider monkeys, wildcats, snakes, and butterflies. Finally, visit a coffee farm to learn about its production process.

Poas Volcano + La Paz Waterfall Gardens + Coffe tour PRIVATE

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

From San José: Monteverde Cloud Forest & Local Farm Experience

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

DAY 1 After picking you up early in the morning at your hotel in San José we head to the first capital of the country, Cartago. Typical breakfast before starting the adventure of class III and IV rapids. Lunch will be on the river bank or at the camp, buffet style before arriving at the camp where you can explore the treasures of the forest. In the evening, enjoy a pre-dinner Happy Hour by candlelight. A couple of drinks and "mouths" should open your palate for the delicious menu and glasses of wine with which you will close the first day of your trip through the Pacuare. DAY 2 On the second day, wake up to the song of the river and a delicious fresh coffee that will be waiting for you with breakfast. At the end you will be able to change before heading back to San Jose where we will return you to your hotel in San Jose around 6:00 pm.

Two-Day Rafting Tour on the Pacuare River Transportation included

2 daysFree Cancellation

San Jose: Private 3-in-1 Rainforest Tour with Tram and River Boat

9 hoursFree Cancellation

From San Jose Combo tour Canyoning with Canopy, Rappel, Trails, 4x4 ride

7 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Secrets of Guayabo and Irazú Volcano National Park from San Jose

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

Step into the heart of San José’s everyday flavor with this immersive street food crawl, where local vendors, family-run kioskos, and night-market bites tell the story of Costa Rica’s culinary soul. Guided by a bilingual local host passionate about Costa Rican foodways, you’ll explore a curated lineup of must-try snacks and comfort dishes, from golden empanadas and chorreadas to regional twists on tamales and freshly griddled tortillas. This is not a tourist trap.. this is where locals go when they’re hungry. Between bites, you’ll learn the cultural roots behind each dish, explore vibrant neighborhoods, and pick up tips on what and where to eat next during your trip. A few refreshing drinks and a sweet surprise round out the experience. You’ll walk moderate distances through a few bustling blocks of San José, stopping frequently to eat, chat, and learn. Bring an appetite, a camera and a spirit of discovery!

A guided food crawl through local neighborhoods

Essential Costa Rica Street Food Crawl in San José

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Britt Coffee Tour with Lunch. Private Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Get to know Costa Rica’s capital through its food, culture, and everyday life on a guided walking tour. Explore popular city landmarks before heading to the Central Market to sample traditional favorites such as empanadas, tamales, and seasonal fruits. Finish with an introduction to Costa Rican coffee, including a look at the production process and the chance to sample different varieties. It’s an engaging way to experience San José beyond the usual tourist sights.

San Jose City Tour and central Market with local food

San Jose City Tour and central Market with local food

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Canopy and Rafting Full Day Adventure with Lunch From San Jose

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in San Jose

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What are people saying about San Jose

Tortuguero : All Inclusive Package 2 Nights 3 Days from San Jose

plpm2020, Nov 2026

Tortuguero from San José, Costa Rica

A 100% recommended tour, ideal if you are looking for an experience with a certain degree of difficulty but prefer to do it without a rental car, traveling comfortably by bus and in a guided way. To visit Tortuguero, it is much better not to waste time attempting a solo adventure like Indiana Jones. The ideal thing is to choose this three-day, two-night tour, led by totally competent professionals. We want to highlight our guide Oscar, a person as cultured as few, extremely friendly and prepared to resolve any unforeseen event. We also want to thank Rolando, an excellent driver in every sense. As advice for future travelers: remember to leave a good tip in the European style, since it is greatly appreciated here. You will return to San José feeling that every cent invested was totally worth it.

Horseback Riding Adventure in La Fortuna with River Crossings

Lakshmi_T, Oct 2026

Horseback Riding: River Swims, Fresh Sugarcane, and First-Time Horseback Riding

e horseback riding tour was great! We were even able to canter the horses and swim with them in the river. The host family was very friendly, made fresh sugarcane juice, and offered us so many delicious fruits from their garden. It was my husband’s first time riding, and he absolutely loved it. Highly recommend it !

San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees

Ugesaaan333, Oct 2026

Wonderful experience

The explanations by the student tour guides, who were rich in expertise, were very interesting. It's a valuable experience to see sloths, endemic birds, and plants on campus. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and everyone in the tour enjoyed it. I was able to observe a lot through the telescope. It became a special memory because it's a place you can only participate in on a tour. The cost is also very cheap. It was a wonderful tour.

San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class

Sara_H, Oct 2026

We had an amazing time....

We had an amazing time. We got a little history, a walk through the market and finished it off with making delicious food and cocktails. This was kne of the biggest highlights of our trip. Angel was our guide and he was phenomenal! Would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting San Jose.

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

Anonymous, Oct 2026

Awesome Poas, La Paz waterfall and coffee plantation tour

Ricardo was a knowledgeable and respectful guide. We had two coffee tours, one at the beginning of tour at the plantation and one at the end of the trip which was how coffee beans are roasted. In all honesty, I was extremely bored of the last tour and just went to the restaurant to hang out with the staff. We were lucky to have seen Poas considering it was during the winter/rainy season. Ricardo was attentive and always offered to take pictures of us, which I was very grateful for. La Paz waterfall was also a great stop walking behind the waterfall was a great experience. The lunch stop was also great! I like how we were given two traditional options as opposed to an extensive menu. The food was delicious. Overall, I loved it and highly recommended it.

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

415ivannar, Sep 2026

I loved it!

I loved the experience, they have few animals. Which I appreciate a lot because it means they are not taking them out of their habitat to put them on display. The waterfalls were beautiful, even while raining the water from the waterfalls felt so nice (we didn't go in obviously, but it was splashing). It is a very beautiful experience and I loved it. Yes, you walk a lot and there are also many stairs in the waterfall area. MANY STAIRS.

Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano Waterfall and Thermal

Brian_H, Sep 2026

We booked the private...

We booked the private Premium Adventure from San Jose Arenal Volcano Waterfall and Thermal tour and we had a great experience. Our guide, Adrian, led us on an incredible tour. It turned out to be a rainy day but that did not put a damper on our adventure. On our way to the volcano we saw waterfalls and wildlife including coati, hummingbirds and toucans. We sampled local foods and even visited a coffee plantation. We spent time relaxing in the heated river as well as the heated pools of the resort. The cloudy skies obscured our view of the volcano at the overlook but we were lucky enough to get a view of the peak from the restaurant in Fortuna. Adrian is a fantastic guide. He was not only knowledgeable about Costa Rica but also friendly and fun to explore with.

Coffee Plantation-Poás Volcano N.P-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park

Isabel_B, Aug 2026

Outstanding Tour Guide

I had an excellent day tour! Raquel is an amazing guide, extremely knowledgeable, kind, and professional. She was friendly and accommodating throughout the entire day, and her English is excellent. I asked countless questions about the volcano, the wildlife, and the history of Costa Rica, and she always had thoughtful, informative answers. Her passion for her country really made the experience even more enjoyable. I would 100% recommend touring to anyone visiting Costa Rica!

Panama City : ATV Jungle and Beach Adventure & River Swim

Annalea_B, Jul 2026

Memorable Moments

Our ATV tour was absolutely amazing! It was the perfect combination of adventure, excitement, and breathtaking scenery. The ATVs were in great condition, the guides were friendly, professional, and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the ride. The entire experience was so much fun and created memories we'll never forget. Whether you're a first-time rider or have ridden before, this tour is definitely worth it. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. Thank you to the whole team for such a fantastic experience

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

claudiaarlenm, Jul 2026

Strategic and enjoyable tour.

The tour is completely worth it; the stops are strategic, well-thought-out, and make the tour super pleasant and enjoyable. The food is excellent. Alex is an excellent guide; he explained everything to us step by step, and he was patient and friendly.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from 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.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Wildlife Experience

Clayton_H, Mar 2026

Don’t sleep on this! Pun intended. But seriously, great refuge and service providers!

We were lucky enough to have Luis as our guide. He was amazing! Friendly, knowledgeable and was considerate of the forest. We were able to see more wildlife than I expected to see. Pit vipers, armadillos, several species of frogs and even a few beautiful birds nesting. My daughter was stung by a bee, which is no reflection of the property or the tour in any way. It’s a known risk of being in the jungle at night. A minor bee sting and wasn’t a concern. I bring this up, because our guide was equipped with a fist aid kit and showed compassion and had kind words to make sure we all knew it’s a standard bee sting and how to treat it for comfort. Well done Luis! If we are back in the area, I will certainly take another tour with Luis!