Top San Jose Private Sightseeing Tours

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park in just half a day with this excursion from San José. Your driver will pick you up early in the morning and take you to the volcano, where you can see the crater and learn about the history of the area from a local guide. Next, you'll head to the Los Angeles Basilica, a church and museum with a holy water source.

Costa Rica is no longer the best-kept secret it once was. On the contrary, it’s a bustling hub for ecotourism with a growing ex-pat population. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind with a trip to Isla Tortuga of the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Choose from a wide variety of available activities or simply kick back and relax on white sand beaches. Either way, you'll find what you're looking for on Isla Tortuga.

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a 26,000-acre (10,500 hectare) oasis of virgin cloud forest. Visited by roughly 70,000 people a year, the reserve is home to about four percent of the world’s animal species. Walk across suspended bridges and hike among native flora and fauna. You can also pay extra to zipline through the canopy. Lunch and a guide are included.

This private walking tour reveals the cultural heritage and historic character of San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica. Explore a city shaped by centuries of transformation, where architectural landmarks, cultural institutions, and historic districts reflect a rich legacy of progress and tradition. Your experienced guide will share fascinating insights into San José’s history, architectural heritage, and enduring cultural significance. Admire historic buildings, elegant public spaces, and landmarks that showcase the city’s evolution through the centuries. Rooted in traditions that long predate the modern era, San José offers an inspiring journey through the cultural influences and historical milestones that helped shape Costa Rica. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is an unique rain forest experience where you can admire the jungle from the same perspective of the birds. With the narration of your guide, learn all about the ecosystem and wildlife species present at this pristine forest. The cable car, built in the 90s by a biologist and researcher of the flora and fauna of the treetops, allows a 1-mile journey over the tropical rain forest. The beauty of nature is impressive and with the narration of the local naturalist guides, it becomes a true educational experience. The park is located at less than one hour from San Jose and besides the tram, you can enjoy diverse ecological experiences such a butterfly garden, nature walks, souvenir store and a restaurant. Our tour is operated in a 100% private basis, with high quality transportation services and a professional naturalist tour guide that will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Explore the Arenal Volcano area on this guided all-day private tour from San Jose. Take a nature walk through the biological reserve of Mistico Park on a system of hanging bridges and catch views of the volcano, which looms over the green hillside. Also take some time for yourself at Baldi Hot Springs in La Fortuna, where you’ll have free time to relax in the resort’s multiple thermal pools.

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.

Go off the beaten path on this all-day 4x4 adventure from San Jose. This excursion, designed for up to 4 passengers, can be customized to your preferences, including traveling to Guanacaste to visit the beaches or heading to Ballena Park to spot whales and dolphins and to snorkel. The drivers can suggest places to see and where to eat.

Private and exclusive tour, an off of the beaten path activity, the exploration of Hacienda Ébano, a Costa Rican Natural Reserve and Ranch. The customer will experience a 1km / 0.6 mile short hike or a 2.5km / 1.6 miles medium hike through the rainforest, 2 gorgeous waterfalls with natural pools, also stunning mountains and ocean views. In the trip, the client will have the opportunity to see wildlife, such as birds, frogs, and monkeys, also many types of plants, flowers, and trees. The transportation is in a comfortable and safe 4x4 Safari style Truck - the best tool to travel the 10km / 6.2 miles through the big mountains. The perfect end is to refresh us and swim in the Jade Waterfall, also enjoy next to the river, a Costa Rican authentic lunch wrapped in banana leaf. All in a small group, with the company of local experienced guides committed with client service. Please remember to bring: • Hiking shoes, tennis or water-shoes (do not use flip flops) • Swimsuit • Insect Repellent

Get off the beaten path in the Monteverde Cloud Forest without the risk of getting lost with a private guide. Nature lovers who want to explore deeper into the park will love the chance to travel by four-wheel-drive into parts of the forest that travelers on a quick visit usually miss. This is a customizable private tour so you have the freedom to choose your itinerary.

Experience San Jose like never before with our walking tour, tailored just for you. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the city's most iconic spots, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights. Marvel at the grandeur of the National Theater, with its stunning neoclassical architecture and opulent interiors. Stroll through the vibrant Central Market, where the colors, scents, and sounds create an unforgettable sensory experience. Enjoy a relaxing break at the Edificio Steinvorth, savoring the finest coffee Costa Rica has to offer. Explore the historic Parque Nacional and uncover the significance of the National Monument and the old train station. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.

Leave the crowded streets of San Jose behind and discover the serenity of Manuel Antonio National Park with this day-trip for up to 4 passengers. This beachside protected jungle is home to a variety of monkeys, coatis, boa constrictors, and other diverse wildlife. You can choose which activities to partake in like hiking through the park’s trails or seeing it from above on a zipline tour. End your adventure gazing at the sunset from The Marina in Quepos.

This tour is a perfect combination between nature and relaxation. It is a perfect tour for those who wish to enjoy the arenal volcano area and the famous hot springs. It is a completely private tour, with professional tour guides that will make you enjoy a wonderful day in places with a lot of magic and beauty. Your breath-taking adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside in an air-conditioned transportation and recent model deluxe vehicle or mini bus. Your guide will point out many sights of interest including coffee plantations, sugar cane, pineapple and citrus plantations, diverse fruit stands and rural farming communities. You will head to Fortuna Town, about 2.5 hours drive from San Jose. Upon arrival to the beautiful Sky Adventures property, you will board the tram and start the adventure. After it, enjoy the beautiful Baldi Hot Springs and have a relaxing afternoon.

Zipline through the rainforest at Vista Los Suenos near Playa Herradura, then cruise the Tarcoles River to see crocodiles and other wildlife. This private full-day tour from San Jose brings both activities into one itinerary, with private transportation and a guide. At the park, a tractor ride takes you to the mountain before a safety briefing and descent by zipline. The canopy course includes 12 platforms and 10 cables across 3.5 kilometers, including the area's longest cable. After lunch, board a boat on the Tarcoles, where a naturalist guide explains the river's wildlife and natural history. You may see crocodiles up to 15 feet long, along with waterfowl, scarlet macaws, iguanas, and monkeys.

Learn about the chocolate industry in Costa Rica on this private 7-hour tour from San Jose. You'll visit Tirimbina, a private biological reserve in the rain forest and take a guided hike across a suspension bridge to a cacao plantation. Get an intimate look at the chocolate-making process, from fruit to chocolate bar. Lunch is included.

Get on the Pejibaye River totally worry-free with this all-inclusive tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll hop into your private car for a ride to the river—and a stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Once at the water, your guides will set you up for an exciting 3-hour float through the jungle, complete with photos, water, and towels provided.

Three hours from San Jose lies Manuel Antonio National Park, a lush world of rainforests and unspoiled beaches. With your private driver at the wheel, the time will fly by—it’s a scenic, relaxing drive along the Pacific coast. Once at the park, your guide will help you spot sloths and monkeys, lead you along the verdant trails, and show you beaches more beautiful than you can dream.

See the active Irazu Volcano and other highlights of Costa Rica’s Cartago province at your own pace on a private tour from San Jose. Reach the summit of the peak known by locals as ‘El Colosso,’ famous for its modern eruptions and lake-filled craters. Soak up regional culture in the artsy, historic town of Orosi, and spend the afternoon relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs and dining at Hacienda Orosi.

Combine Costa Rica’s best sensations into one with this private full-day tour. First, you’ll sink deep into the wild rainforest, where you’ll learn all about the country’s obsession with chocolate—and you’ll taste some of the best, too. After your time on land, you’ll soak in Baldi Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal volcano, taking in the views and that Costa Rica feeling. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

This is a private tour for couples, friends and family. Close to San José and surroundings, ideal for those who have a free day and want to do something different and discover what is in those mountains behind the city, for lovers of nature and beautiful views, we will visit forests and incredible viewpoints and small towns that will give you an insight into how people live in Costa Rica and what life is like in the mountains of this beautiful Central American country. Let's go to Heredia a town with a rich history and discover some of the places at the foot of the Barva volcano.

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.

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.

Escape from busy San Jose for an action-packed full-day tour in the Jaco Beach region. Stop at the beach, then continue with a zipline tour and ATV tour in the rain forest nearby. You’ll also see crocodiles at the Tarcoles River, and get great views of the Pacific Ocean from the ATV and zipline course. Includes lunch, and all necessary equipment and instruction.

Discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens on this all-day guided tour. The popular natural attraction boasts five waterfalls, a cloud forest, rainforest, an aviary and butterfly observatory, and more, plus capuchin and black-handed spider monkeys and plenty of educational animal exhibits with jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and margays. Plus, visit the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica and learn about its production.