Day Trips from Costa Rica to San Jose

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.

Escape the city and explore a hidden local favorite rarely visited by tourists. Visit Dinoland — a Jurassic-themed park with life-sized dinosaurs and the largest dry slide in Central America — then enjoy panoramic views from Mirador Las Alas and admire the power of Río Agrio Waterfall. A private, all-inclusive adventure for families and curious travelers looking to experience Costa Rica like a local.

If you’re looking for an adventure and you’re stuck in San José this is the perfect mix of nature, hiking and sunshine. This is a men only tour and you will have the chance to bare it all and enjoy nature. We will be going to a local swimming hole with a waterfall close to San José. I.e. this is not an adventure where you spend all day in bus. Some level of fitness is required to cross through the river to get to our clothing optional spot. Curious, confident, or gay men welcome to join! We will meet in Parque Francia in San José and have a coffee before heading out to Ciudad Colon together. Feel free to bring snacks. Along the way we will also be stopping by a pulpería (local mom and pop convenience store) where you will be able to buy drinks and snacks as well before heading the the waterfall. Additional items you might want to bring: bug spray, water, sunscreen, crocs or flip flops.

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.

Discover the natural beauty of Costa Rica on this immersive 10-hour combo tour. Begin your adventure at Poás Volcano National Park, where you can walk to the crater viewpoint and soak in the incredible views of the active volcano nestled in a lush cloud forest. After a traditional breakfast, visit a coffee plantation for an insightful tour and tasting. The journey continues to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a sanctuary filled with pristine rainforest trails, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring local cuisine before concluding your day. - 10-hour guided tour covering Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens - Includes round-trip transportation, breakfast, and buffet lunch - Explore coffee plantations and learn about Costa Rican coffee production - Experience diverse wildlife and beautiful trails at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

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.

With this private half-day tour, exploring active volcanoes couldn’t be easier. Picked up right from your hotel, you’ll make the scenic 1-hour ride to Irazu Volcano National Park and its namesake volcano—the highest in the country. You’ll explore this fiery wonderland with a guide (greenish-yellow crater lake and all), witness the old town of Cartago, and so much more.

Discover three of La Fortuna’s most iconic experiences in a single day! Hike the historic lava trails around Arenal Volcano, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of La Fortuna Waterfall, and cap off the adventure with a relaxing Float Safari down the Peñas Blancas River, accompanied by a naturalist guide as you enjoy the tranquility of the tropical forest. You’ll also enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch and included transportation for a complete experience among volcanoes, rainforest, and nature.

Drive rugged jungle trails in an adventure park outside San Jose on this private tour that’s all about wild nature—and includes a boat trip along the crocodile-filled Tarcoles River. Exploring with a naturalist guide adds fascinating insight. And, with an expert to help scan the forest canopy, it increases your chances of spotting free-roaming wildlife there.