Top San Jose Day Trips - page 3

3 in 1 Combo: La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Thermal Spa from San José

12 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.

(46)

from $249

Classic Britt Coffee Tour from San Jose. Private Tour with Lunch

Britt Coffee Tour with Lunch. Private Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(10)

from $175

Jungle Crocodile Safari on the Tarcoles River Cruise along the Tarcoles River, one of the best places in Costa Rica to safely observe massive American crocodiles in their natural habitat. ✔ See crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds like scarlet macaws and herons ✔ Safe, comfortable covered boat with bilingual naturalist guide ✔ Perfect for wildlife photography and birdwatching Carara National Park Nature Walk Explore the transition zone between dry and humid tropical forest — a hotspot for biodiversity. ✔ Easy guided walk through the forest trails ✔ Opportunities to spot monkeys, toucans, coatis, butterflies, and more ✔ Learn about the unique flora and fauna of this ecological bridge Puntarenas Coastal Highlights Enjoy a relaxed scenic drive through Puntarenas town, including: ✔ Lighthouse & Paseo de los Turistas ✔ Local fruit stands or souvenir shops ✔ Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints

Jungle Crocodile & Carara National Park-Punta Arenas Highlights

Jungle Crocodile & Carara National Park-Punta Arenas Highlights

5 to 6 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.

(12)

from $170

Catamaran at Tortuga Island from San Jose

Catamaran at Tortuga Island from San Jose

14 hoursFree Cancellation

3.8

(12)

from $169

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

14 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(3,715)

from $185

San Jose City Half Day Tour from San Jose

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(6)

from $92

Poas Volcano + Coffee Plantations & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Trip from San Jose

11 hoursFree Cancellation

(57)

from $199

Your breath-taking, adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside. After a 90 minute drive from San Jose, you will arrive to Tarcoles River. The Tarcoles River is home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild and they are very easy to admire during our 90 minutes boat tour. Get up close with American crocodiles of all sizes and observe an abundance of beautiful exotic birds! Enjoy spectacular rainforest scenery and cruise through dense mangrove forest canals. Spot jungle wildlife such as iguanas, lizards, and monkeys. After the tour, enjoy a delicious typical lunch and explore the souvenir store. Continuing our tour, a short drive to Carara National Park will allow us to get deep inside the rainforest in this unique ecosystem, where many beautiful wildlife species are common to see such as the Scarlet macaw, monkeys, snakes, armadillos and more.

Crocodile Boat Tour & Carara Park. Private Tour

Crocodile Boat Tour & Carara Park. Private Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $275

Get closer to nature while still experiencing thrills during a fun-filled day in the jungle at the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic eco-reserve. Your multi-pass gives you access to six different activities, so you can ride an aerial tram, encounter native critters at a butterfly and frog garden, cross a hanging bridge, and explore the jungle on a nature hike at your own pace. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops on ziplines, including one of the longest and fastest in the country.

6 in 1 Full Day Pass: Aerial Tram & Zipline-Braulio Carrillo Park

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(84)

from $116

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

On the top of the volcano you can observe the main craters and on a clear day Pacific Oceans and Caribbean Sea. As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica that according to religious custom is a peregrination site for many believers. Surrounded by rainforest and lush vegetation, La Hacienda Orosi has been blessed by mother earth with nascent thermal mineral water. These rich springs of mineralthermal “telluric” waters (non-magmatic or volcanic ), are filtered between the layers of the earth and spring in the middle of the rainforest at more than 65 degrees Celsius.

(248)

from $125

Irazú Volcano and Mineral Hot Springs at Hacienda Orosi

Irazú Volcano and Mineral Hot Springs at Hacienda Orosi

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(14)

from $198

Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago City and Orosi Valley from San Jose

8 hoursFree Cancellation

(23)

from $149

Beach Tour from San Jose. Private Tour

Beach Break Day in Pacific Ocean with Lunch. Private from San Jose

5.0

(2)

from $265

Manuel Antonio National Park Full-Day Adventure from San Jose

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(85)

from $178

Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy an exciting zipline adventure with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano (if weather permits) at Airtime Zipline Adventure, located just minutes from downtown La Fortuna and next to the famous Sloth Watching Trail. The course features 9 cables (including a practice line) and 10 platforms, built with sustainable and recycled materials. Perfect for families and beginners, this activity offers a thrilling experience without extreme heights children 4 years and older are welcome! Our professional guides will ensure your safety and fun throughout the tour. We operate with all official permits and insurance from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), giving you total peace of mind. On clear days, you’ll soar with amazing volcano views while enjoying a memorable experience surrounded by nature. The adventure lasts only a couple of hours, so it’s easy to fit into your La Fortuna itinerary.

(165)

from $40

Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views

Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(347)

from $55

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

Visit three Costa Rican highlights in one day on this guided tour from San José. First explore a Starbucks-owned coffee farm, learning all about how your morning brew is grown, harvested, and roasted. Next, visit the Poas Volcano Crater and marvel at its powerful geysers and bubbling lake of aquamarine water. Then, experience La Paz Waterfall Garden–a lush rainforest that boasts spectacular waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Finally, stop by another coffee plantation and enjoy a lunch of traditional Costa Rican fare.

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(177)

from $149

Costa Rica Day Trip Tour with Lunch

8 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

3.6

(27)

from $149

From San Jose: Zipline, ATV, Surfing, & Chocolate Tour

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, horseback riding, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure, and a mountain bike tour.

From San Jose: Zipline, ATV, Surfing, & Chocolate Tour

Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience

(145)

from $171

Doka Coffee Tour- Grecia & Sarchi From San José

4.9

(808)

from $185

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(22)

from $131

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

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore Irazú Volcano, the highest volcano in the area, reaching 11,000 feet (3,432 meters) above sea level, on this full-day combo tour. After visiting the volcano, descend to the city of Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, where you will stop at the Basilica of the Angels. Also see the Orosi Valley, known for its diversity of crops, such as coffee and sugar cane. Next, explore the ruins of one of the oldest ruined churches in Costa Rica in Cartago.

(554)

from $49

4 in 1 : Irazu + Orosi + Lankaster + Lake Cachi with Lunch

4 in 1 : Irazu + Orosi + Lankaster + Lake Cachi with Lunch

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Spend a day exploring nature and learning about coffee production with this group tour from San Jose, which includes breakfast, lunch, and hotel transfers. You'll start at the Doka Coffee Estate, where you'll learn about the lifecycle of coffee, from bean to cup. You'll then visit Poas Volcano National Park for some hiking, wrapping your tour up with a stop to observe flora and fauna at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

(68)

from $150

Hacienda Café Doka, Volcán Poas & Jardines de La Catarata La Paz

13 hoursFree Cancellation

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

(358)

from $187

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Top Attractions in San Jose

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What are people saying about San Jose

Sharon_B, Aug 2026

Great Experience

Great experience had great time with Oscar. He is very personable and knowledgeable. I enjoyed trying different fruits that I have never had before and the food was tasty. And to top off some delicious coffee. I definitely recommend to anyone coming to San Jose.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

Terri_R, Aug 2026

Fantastic excursion!

Everything about the trip was fantastic! We were picked up on time and immediately handed a bottle of water. Our guide was knowledgeable and personable. He shared great information about the plants and animals, and was engaging in all of our locations. Sharing information while keeping kids and older adults excited and interested is a gift, and Mario definitely has that gift!

Poas Coffee tour, La Paz Falls and Poas Volcano

Michelle_H, Aug 2026

Very nice day trip at a...

Very nice day trip at a good price. Our guide was Luis and our driver was Annie, who were both great. A lot of driving, but it is a far drive from San Jose to up the mountain. Nice bonus stops along the way, including breakfast and we saw a mama sloth in a tree with her baby! A few stops for snacks and souvenirs. The waterfall was beautiful, learned a lot about coffee making, and beautiful landscapes along the way. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t let us see the volcano, just a zero visibility cloud, which was kinda cool in its own way. Overall, a good value, and a good day.

Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views

Nabilah_M, Aug 2026

We had such a great...

We had such a great experience ziplining! Victor and his friends were extremely helpful, patient, and accommodating throughout the entire experience, even when we definitely didn’t make it easy for them 😂. They were so kind and made sure we felt comfortable and safe the whole time. You could really tell they cared about making sure everyone had a good experience. The views were amazing, the experience was so much fun, and the team made it even better. Would definitely recommend booking with them!

4 in 1 : Irazu + Orosi + Lankaster + Lake Cachi with Lunch

Susan_K, Aug 2026

I walked in a crater!

I’m a solo traveler and I appreciated this tour company because they allowed me to book as a solo when there were several others that would only allow me to book as a couple. I also appreciated being picked up, even though I was the first stop in the early morning and the last stop at the end of a long day. Once we had collected all the guests, we made a rest stop to use baños and get something to eat before we made the drive up to the volcano. It rained along the way and the clouds were thick, but our guide told us that the clouds roll in and they roll out very quickly. He was right. There were clouds obscuring the first crater we visited and just as I was heading back to the van in disappointment, the clouds rolled out and there was a clear view of the Playa Hermosa crater. Then we drove down to where we could actually walk on the crater. The clouds rolled in and out of the main crater so you could see it clearly, but because of safety barriers you can’t see to the bottom (unless you are 25 ft tall). Other stops on this tour were the Basilica of Los Angeles in Cartago, the beautiful Lankester Botanical Garden, the ruins of Ujarrás, and a lovely viewpoint overlooking the Orosi Valley. We had a great lunch at La Casona del Cafetal with a wonderful view of the lake. Our guide Donald switches effortlessly between Spanish and English so it felt like he was talking to all of us at the same time instead of talking to one group and then another group. Marco was a safe and patient driver. It was billed as a 7-1/2 hour trip, but with the pickups and the traffic, it was a bit longer for me. Still, it was a good day and I would recommend this tour.

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

Carol_U, Jun 2026

Animals, Birds and Bugs!

Great day trip from San Jose. We had a wonderful guide and driver, Oxana was our guide and we saw many animals because of her sharp eyes! Breakfast and lunch stops were very good. We did an extra stop for water. Be sure to bring plenty of water! The tour does not have water on the van. (They should have a cooler).

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

Tabitha_J, Jun 2026

Super trip!

It is a long day but there are many stops so you are never in the bus for too long. Our guide Stephen and driver were incredibly kind and caring (my parents are older and had some mobility issues) and really went above and beyond to ensure they were safe and enjoyed the trip as much as possible. The stops were very pleasant and all of the food and drink was incredibly tasty! We saw a sloth, an eyelash viper and the top of the volcano!! Such a win!! We would highly recommend this tour to anyone!!

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

ashariak, Jun 2026

Amazing and highly recommended day on the water!

Our Tortuga Island excursion was amazing from start to finish. They picked us up, stopped for breakfast, then took us to the dock before heading out on the boat. The ride was beautiful and we even saw monkeys and dolphins along the way. Lunch was included and very good, and the island itself was stunning with clear water and a relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommend for a memorable day.

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

cn2qqgrvp5, May 2026

Great experience!

The experience was amazing! Ricardo was very attentive with our group and very informative about every activity we were doing. The coffee tour was amazing. We even got to pick our own coffee bean. The Poás Volcano was breathtaking as well as the lake! The restaurant we stopped at had amazing food. Get the Chi-frio!!!! The La Paz waterfall was breathtaking. I would highly recommend Ricardo to anyone interested in visiting Costa Rica, PURA VIDA!

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

Nasim_A, May 2026

Very informative

Their timings were amazing. Our guide Enrique was very knowledgeable, sweet and kind guy. He was able to tell us all the highlights of the city. The trips into the Museums of arts and gold were good. The National Theater lobby was beautiful and lastly the lunch was good. A very good trip for half of the day.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Maiyah_R, May 2026

A must do while in Costa Rica

This adventure is 100% worth the drive from San Jose. The views were breathtaking, the guide was so knowledgeable. If you do this tour, ask for Estebàn! He made the trip worth it with great group morale. At one point you can even jump in the river and float. As someone who has never been white water rafting I felt safe the entire time.

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Amy_L, Apr 2026

Amazing tour!

What an amazing day! Our tour guide Steven was simply the best. He was so friendly and knowledgeable. The tour was a full day, about 15 hours, but it was 100 worth it. We learned about one of the coffee plantations, enjoyed so Costa Rican coffee, saw the waterfall, zip lined and spent some time at the hot spring. It was the best tour we could have started our vacation doing.