Top San Jose Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

Discover the mangroves of Isla Damas, near Manuel Antonio, on a boat safari to observe white-faced monkeys, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat. The tour combines the tranquility of the canals with the excitement of spotting wildlife among the vegetation. The experience of the local guides helps to identify animals and know this ecosystem. Enjoy opportunities to take photographs without touching or feeding the animals. Sightings vary according to natural conditions.

This tour is not just a hike to a waterfall; it is a complete wildlife and nature experience. Unlike other tours, here you can: Admire five distinct waterfalls within a single park, each with spectacular views and unique photo opportunities. Observe rescued animals in their habitat, including toucans, jaguars, sloths and monkeys, something not offered by most excursions. Enjoy an expertly guided tour, which will tell you the history of the park, its ecosystem and curious facts about the local flora and fauna. Combine adventure and comfort: safe and accessible trails, rest areas and the option of a delicious buffet lunch with mountain views. In short, this tour allows you to immerse yourself in the nature of Costa Rica without losing comfort or security, offering stunning photos, close contact with fauna and an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.

Get ready for the ultimate family adventure! Step into a real-life "Jurassic Park" hidden deep within the lush, misty rainforests of Bajos del Toro. Dinoland is an immersive park specifically designed for families with children, where prehistoric magic meets jaw- dropping natural wonders. Walk along scenic trails to discover over 25 life-sized, roaring animatronic dinosaurs. Finally, ascend to the breathtaking Panoramic Viewpoint to capture unforgettable family photos in front of the famous giant colorful wings with the cloud forest as your backdrop. It’s an educational, thrilling, and safe expedition perfect for young explorers and parents alike.

Your surf trip begins with private hotel pickup in San José and a scenic 90-minute drive to the Central Pacific coast. In Jacó Beach, meet your ISA-certified private instructor for a tailored 1-on-1 session adapted to your skill level, whether beginner or intermediate. The experience includes a comprehensive dry-land clinic on safety and technique, followed by 90 minutes of intensive coaching in the water with real-time feedback. Afterwards, enjoy an exclusive stop at The Crocs Skywalk for lunch with sweeping views and souvenir shopping before your private return drive to San José.

Journey through the captivating landscapes of Costa Rica on a 10-hour adventure to Río Agrio, where volcanic waters blend with lush rainforests. Experience a scenic hike through diverse ecosystems, leading to the stunning Río Agrio Waterfall, where you can enjoy the refreshing mist and explore natural pools. This tour offers a perfect combination of exploration and tranquility, ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. - 10-hour guided tour through the rainforest and volcanic landscapes - Hike to the breathtaking Río Agrio Waterfall and enjoy natural pools - Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers - Essential gear and clothing tips provided for a comfortable experience

Immerse yourself in the world of premium coffee and witness the staggering geothermal power of an active volcano on this exclusive private day trip from San José. Your scenic journey winds upward into the fertile Alajuela highlands, taking you past rolling dairy farms, vibrant flower nurseries, and strawberry plantations. Along the way, you'll sample rich local flavors, including a traditional prestiño pastry drizzled with pure sugar mill syrup. At the Poás Volcano National Park, your guide will lead you to the edge of the colossus's main crater—one of the largest in the world, stretching 1.7 km wide—to marvel at the boiling, highly acidic Laguna Caliente and its active fumaroles. The journey continues to Hacienda Alsacia, the only Starbucks property in the world dedicated to coffee research and experimental sustainable farming, where you will explore the fascinating lifecycle of coffee and enjoy a traditional local lunch.

The experience for the traveler will be exciting from the beginning to the end, being a personalized tour. The client can decide where to stop, as long as it does not affect the tour schedule which may vary one or two hours. The 2017 X-TRAIL SUV, centa with current insurance and civil risk policy. The journey is comfortable and safe full of biodiversity and ethnicities.

This tour is the ultimate choice for travelers seeking total flexibility, convenience, and non-stop excitement, as it allows you to fully customize your perfect Costa Rican adventure by pairing any two premium activities—from thrilling ATVs and ziplines to scenic horseback rides and interactive chocolate tours. Operating directly from San José with private, air-conditioned transportation, expert bilingual guides, and a delicious included lunch, it eliminates all the hassle of planning while delivering a seamless, full-day highland-to-coast experience. Whether you are craving high-adrenaline action, serene nature exploration, or a mix of both, this customizable combo ensures every guest gets the exact adventure they want in a single, unforgettable day.

Experience the ideal fusion of Costa Rican agricultural heritage and stunning natural beauty on this premium full-day excursion. Your journey commences with a picturesque drive to the province of Alajuela, where you will visit the esteemed Finca Doka. There, you will engage in an interactive and comprehensive exploration of gourmet coffee production, encompassing seed germination, traditional cultivation, and roasting techniques for the finest beans. Following your immersion in the coffee world, you will proceed to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the nation's most frequented privately owned eco-attraction. Accompanied by local Costa Rican experts, you will hike along safe, verdant trails to uncover five magnificent waterfalls, an aviary, a butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden, and a wildlife reserve dedicated to the rescue of jaguars, pumas, and monkeys. A hearty buffet lunch will perfectly complement this enriching eco-experience.

Experience the best of Costa Rica's rainforest and ocean in an elite day trip from San José. Start early exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified naturalist guide to spot sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds along pristine white-sand beaches. Next, transition to the sea aboard a luxury catamaran, sailing to a secluded bay for technical snorkeling and non-motorized water sports. Wrap up the afternoon relaxing on the bow trampolines with an unlimited open bar, a freshly prepared gourmet dinner on board, and front-row panoramic views of the world-renowned Pacific golden sunset.

Discover San José’s vibrant energy, history, and flavor on this private highlights ride, perfect for a few hours in the capital. Begin with hotel pickup and head to Mercado Borbón, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, herbs, and spices, offering a true taste of local life. Just steps away, explore the historic San José Central Market, with narrow alleys filled with souvenirs and traditional eateries. Next, pause at Central Park & Metropolitan Cathedral, the city’s lively heart framed by leafy trees and colonial architecture. Continue to the National Theatre of Costa Rica, an architectural gem and cultural landmark. With an English-speaking driver, pickup and drop-off, and customizable stops, this tour blends daily life, history, and culture into a complete introduction to Costa Rica’s capital.

Explore the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant wildlife. Start your day early, crossing lush mountains and stopping for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast along the Tárcoles River. Once at the park, venture through rainforest trails to spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds before relaxing on the beach or hiking to Punta Catedral for stunning views. After a day of adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to San José. - Full-day tour lasting approximately 13 hours - Includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, and park entrance fee - Bilingual guide for enriching insights into the local ecosystem - Ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike

An Immersive Experience This hike will take you along uncharted trails and through a pristine forest, ensuring an immersive and unrivalled experience. You will be able to observe numerous species of high-altitude birds, such as the majestic quetzal, and walk in the habitat of various mammals that inhabit our forests, such as the cougar, the danta and the bush goat, among others, and then finish at the viewpoint of Costa Rica’s only natural color lagoon. A lagoon formed by waters of volcanic origin that stains with wonderful colors as it mixes with other tributaries. A place few people know. Our abundant vegetation will dazzle you, and with any luck, you will have the opportunity to walk among the clouds. All this, along with the benefits of physical activity that a mountain hike provides, will make your visit an unforgettable experience. This walk is for people used to playing sports for several hours. Intermediate level

Step into a world where dense, emerald rainforest meets the sparkling, turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Manuel Antonio National Park is a vibrant, living paradise waiting to be explored. As you wander down winding jungle trails, look up—playful white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and rare squirrel monkeys swing through the canopy, while gentle sloths snooze in the treetops. Bright toucans and iguanas complete this wild, colorful tapestry. But the journey doesn't end in the forest; emerge onto pristine, white-sand beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio, where warm, crystal-clear waves invite you to take a refreshing swim. Whether you are mesmerized by exotic wildlife, panoramic ocean lookouts, or pure tropical serenity, this guided immersion offers an unforgettable day in Costa Rica’s most famous natural wonder.

Escape San José for a private, customizable day trip that blends Costa Rica’s scenery with total relaxation. Begin with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive through rolling coffee plantations, pausing for a taste of the highlands. Continue to the Arenal Volcano Viewpoint, where the iconic conical peak rises dramatically above the landscape—perfect for panoramic photos. Next, explore La Fortuna Town, a charming hub with lively streets, shops, and cafés. End the day at a renowned hot springs resort, where thermal pools set amid tropical gardens invite you to soak, relax, and recharge. With hotel drop-off included and the flexibility to adjust timing and stops, this full-day ride offers the perfect balance of sightseeing and comfort before returning to San José through the lush countryside.

Immerse yourself in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. Located near the Carara National Park in the Central Pacific, this exclusive hiking tour takes you deep into a private tropical rainforest to witness the spectacular Bijagual Waterfall—the second highest waterfall in Costa Rica, towering at an impressive 328 meters (over 1,000 feet). Led by a certified expert local guide, you will hike through dense jungle trails, wade across pristine mountain rivers, spot incredible wildlife like Scarlet Macaws, and swim in crystal-clear natural pools. After this exhilarating hike, the adventure continues with an exceptional culinary experience at The Crocs Skywalk, where you will enjoy a premium artisanal lunch paired with breathtaking panoramic views of the famous Tárcoles River and its giant crocodiles from an exclusive aerial perspective.

Discover the best of Costa Rica in one day with an experience that combines adventure, nature, culture, and local gastronomy. From Heredia, tour the mountainous landscapes between the Poás and Barva volcanoes, admire the La Paz Waterfall, and enjoy stops at the Strawberry Route and Mi Cafecito, where you will learn about the flavors and traditions of the region. The adventure continues at Sarapiquí Outdoor Center with rafting on the Sarapiquí River, in class II and III rapids, an exciting experience for beginners. Enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch, a demonstration of the sugar mill and a tasting of sugarcane juice. Explore the natural environment, with the opportunity to observe wild fauna, before returning through the tropical landscapes of Braulio Carrillo. 8 experiences in a day: volcanoes, waterfalls, coffee, culture, rafting, and tropical jungle. Discover authentic Costa Rica!

Experience the best of Costa Rica on a private day trip from San José that blends rainforest adventure with beachside relaxation. Begin with a scenic drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, where easy trails lead you through lush jungle alive with monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and tropical birds. After your wildlife walk, relax at the park’s crown jewel—Manuel Antonio Beach—where white sand meets turquoise waters and rainforest backdrops. Swim, sunbathe, or simply soak up the atmosphere before your return journey. With hotel pickup, dropoff, and a professional English-speaking driver, this customizable ride ensures a seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable day exploring one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations.

At the foot of Costa Rica's highest and most sacred mountain lives a five-hectare sanctuary of cloud forest, medicinal gardens, and ceremonial land. This is where your journey begins. Led by Thomas Michael, sacred land guardian, gridworker, and initiated guide with direct lineage from Qero Paqo elders in Peru and Arhuaco Mamas in Colombia, this 5–6 hour immersion takes small groups into the living intelligence of Chirripó. You'll move through sacred terrain, engage in land-based ceremony, share food grown from the earth, and return with something you didn't arrive with. This is not a hike with a spiritual flavor. It is a guided encounter with one of the most powerful mountain ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere, held with intention from beginning to end.

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.

This tour is the perfect choice for travelers seeking the ultimate blend of high-flying thrill and up-close wildlife encounters, seamlessly combining two of Costa Rica’s most iconic attractions in a single day. Starting with private, door-to-door transportation from San José, you will soar above the rainforest canopy on a world-class zipline with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, followed by an exclusive private eco-boat cruise along the Tárcoles River to observe massive wild crocodiles and exotic tropical birds. With a delicious included Costa Rican buffet lunch, top-tier safety gear, and expert naturalist guides leading every step of the way, this 10-hour day trip delivers a hassle-free, action-packed immersion into the very best of Costa Rica's Central Pacific region.

This private day trip from San José blends Costa Rica’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in one journey. Begin at Irazú Volcano National Park, the country’s highest volcano, where you can stand on the crater’s rim and admire sweeping views. Continue to Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago, Costa Rica’s most important pilgrimage site with remarkable architecture. The drive then takes you through the scenic Orosí Valley, where coffee farms, rivers, and traditional villages create a picturesque countryside. Finally, explore the Ujarrás Ruins, a 17th-century church surrounded by peaceful gardens. With a professional English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, and fully customizable stops, this experience offers the perfect mix of history, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes.

Enjoy with us some of the best Costa Rica destinations, tours and experiences with this unique vacation package specially designed for nature lovers and adventurous people looking for an unforgettable experience in Costa Rica. This vacation package includes 14 days and 13 nights in high quality hotels, exclusive tours, meals listed in itinerary, professional naturalist tour guides, all entrance fees, deluxe transportation service and the visit the beautiful following Costa Rican destinations: San José, Tortuguero National. Park, Sarapiqui, Arenal Hot Springs, Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos Town.