Day Trips from San Jose to Alajuela

Embark on a captivating small group journey to Poas Volcano, where you will meet the fiery heart of Costa Rica's wilderness. Led by our experienced local biologists, this intimate experience will take you as close as possible to the volcano's awe-inspiring might. Immerse yourself in lush cloud forests teeming with native flora, fauna and funga. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, explore volcanic trails. Delight yourself with traditional coffee by hand-picking the beans the old-fashioned way and tasting your own harvest, then enjoy lunch at one of our favorite birdwatching hotspots where you will see colorful flying jewels and take amazing photos. This is more than a tour; it's an intimate odyssey through the untamed beauty of Poas Volcano and its surroundings. Our company is dedicated to delving deeper than the surface. We'll lead you through the jungle with a naturalist's spirit, fueled by curiosity and a sense of wonder.

Explore the stunning Poás Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most accessible and spectacular active volcanoes, and discover the volcanic region that gives life to some of the country’s most iconic landscapes. This tour from San Jose is designed for those who want to know not only the volcano, but also the nature, coffee and waterfalls that originate in its mountains. The experience begins at Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm, Starbucks’ only coffee farm in the world. Located on the slopes of the Poás volcano, here you will learn about the coffee process while enjoying views of the volcanic mountains. Then visit the active Poás Crater and continue to La Paz Falls and the viewpoint of San Fernando Waterfall Viewpoint in Cinchona, where waterfalls, cloud forest, hummingbirds and typical food complete the experience. More than a volcano tour, it is a way to discover the nature of this area of Costa Rica with all its diversity.

Most tours show you Costa Rica. This one is designed to help you experience it. This premium tour is built around a simple idea: combining iconic destinations with places most travelers never find, all in one well-paced and carefully planned day. You will explore volcanoes, waterfalls and hidden spots while your local driver-guide handles the logistics and shares the kind of insight that turns a place into something meaningful, not just something you see. The experience is flexible and adapts to your pace. No rigid schedules. No unnecessary stops — only well-timed, unexpected ones along the way that feel natural, not forced. Along the route, you will notice the difference. Small details. Local moments. Places that are not on maps but somehow become part of the story. A smooth day designed to help you see more, feel more and enjoy Costa Rica in a way that stays with you long after it ends.

This is not just any excursion: it is a premium adventure, designed for those who value comfort and authentic experiences. More than a tour, it is an intimate trip through the natural wonders of Costa Rica.  Super-small groups and premium transport guarantee you comfort, flexibility and personalized attention throughout the tour. We observe lava pourings, stop at hidden viewpoints and explore the legacy of the imposing Arenal Volcano. We stop at local places: postcard waterfalls and hidden viewpoints, where you will try typical fruits and dishes (meals not included so you have freedom of choice). We enjoy everything from a hidden river of hot water to the thermal pools of a resort with excellent amenities. ️ Our guide not only knows the route, he lives it. Natural, attentive and close narrator, because in a world full of generic tours, this trip feels like with a local friend who wants to show you the best of his land.

Spend a day exploring Costa Rica's rich wildlife on this tour to a coffee plantation, waterfall, and volcanic lagoon from San Jose. After learning how coffee is harvested and roasted on a coffee farm tour, head to Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a chance to see animals like birds, butterflies, and monkeys in their beautiful natural habitats.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica’s rich landscapes and vibrant culture! Begin your day exploring a lush coffee plantation, where you'll uncover the secrets of crafting the perfect brew before enjoying a hearty, wood-fired breakfast of local flavors. Next, ascend the majestic Poás Volcano, standing tall at 2,708 meters, where the awe-inspiring crater and serene Botos Lagoon await. The adventure peaks at the stunning La Paz Waterfalls, where you’ll be immersed in nature’s raw beauty. After a delicious buffet lunch, explore the lush rainforest and witness the breathtaking waterfalls. This tour is the perfect blend of Costa Rica’s natural splendor and cultural heritage—a day full of discovery and wonder!

Experience both extremes of Costa Rican nature on this wild and wonderful private tour: an active volcano and lush, serene waterfalls. Escaping the crowds, you’ll get personally picked up from your hotel and whisked off to Poas Volcano, an active, steaming giant. From there, you’ll explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens to take in serious natural beauty, hang out with toucans, and more.

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.

Escape the hustle and bustle of San Jose and experience Sarchi, a small town famous for its artisan crafts. After pickup from your hotel, your personal guide will show you the best spots, detailing the tradition of oxcart painting—and the importance of the oxcart to Costa Rica—wooden craft-making, family art factories, and more. Grab an authentic lunch and choose from 200+ shops to select a souvenir to take back home.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens lies roughly an hour away from San José—and an entire world apart. On your guided tour, you’ll wander amongst waterfalls, through a cloud forest, along hiking trails, and in the company of incredible wildlife. Beyond the butterfly observatory and serpentarium, get to know spider monkeys, Capuchin monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, toucans, and more. For flora lovers, there are orchids and heliconias, too, all in one nature-rich spot.

Seeing Costa Rica’s wildlife is great—getting up-close encounters on a private tour, led by a naturalist guide, is even better. Picked up from your San Jose hotel, you’ll head to one of the best wildlife rescue centers in the country to spot tapirs, spider monkeys, pumas, peacocks, and more in their natural habitat. Great for all ages, you’ll get to discover this world and get all your questions answered.

The one day tour to the Poas volcano is very complete since it includes transportation, entrance fees, and a delicious breakfast and lunch before returning to your hotel. It usually leaves from the city of San Jose and on the way to the volcano you will be able to observe a lot of nature and beautiful landscapes, on the tour to the plantations you will learn how Costa Rican coffee beans are grown, where you can also taste the final product with a rich flavor. El Poás is the volcano with one of the largest craters in all of Central America, which makes it one of the most important tourist destinations in Costa Rica. In this place you can connect with nature and enjoy its delicious cold weather. After the visit to the volcano, you will continue to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a wildlife refuge Named for the five waterfalls and the beautiful vegetation that flourishes in the place.

The tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens is ideal for travelers who do not want to stray too far from the city to live a unique experience surrounded by nature and wildlife. The adventure begins from the moment we begin to climb the mountain, entering through the province of Alajuela, this tour will allow you to experience the changes in climate, accompanied by a wonderful landscape, which will be the prelude to the magnificent experience that travelers will have in La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natura Park & Wildlife Refuge This tour includes travelers, transportation, park tickets, and a delicious buffet lunch, so you won't have to worry about anything other than enjoying the experience.

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.

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.

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.

Zoom through the Costa Rican jungle on a full-day zip-lining tour in San Ramon. The tour is perfect for adrenaline junkies and active families alike. Thanks to provided safety equipment and the watchful eye of your experienced guide, you’re able to sail through the cloud forest with ease. Walk across six hanging bridges, measuring up to 360 feet across (110 meters). Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, sloths, and monkeys.

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, natural wonders, and diverse wildlife, and this full-day tour from San Jose combines all three. Learn how Costa Rican coffee is made on a guided tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation, enjoy magnificent views of the Poas Volcano crater on a scenic walk, and spot wildlife around the La Paz Waterfall, including a visit to the country’s largest butterfly observatory.

Combine coffee, a volcano, and wildlife on this full-day small-group tour from San Jose with hotel pickup. Travel to San Isidro to learn about coffee production at a plantation. At Poas Volcano, admire the main crater, then hike to Botos Lagoon. Afterwards, see animals and waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens with included lunch and entrance fees.

One of the main attractions in Bajos del Toro is the breathtaking waterfalls that dot the area. In particular, This is a must-visit. Overall, Bajos del Toro is a hidden gem in Costa Rica, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. It’s an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Costa Rica away from the crowds.

Escape the crowds on this all-inclusive private tour to Poás Volcano and a family-owned strawberry farm in the highlands. Explore the crater and Botos Lagoon with your personal guide, then hand-pick strawberries and taste homemade wine, sangria, and local treats. This experience directly supports small rural businesses and offers a unique, meaningful way to connect with Costa Rica — all with personalized service, delicious meals, and private transportation included.

Finally, what everyone was after! TravelWellCR picks you up early in the morning, starting at 6:00 a.m. at your hotel in downtown San Jose, to take you straight on the adventure to the majestic Poás Volcano. Along the way we will look for sloths in their natural habitat and thus continue with your volcanic experience. Includes: - Roundtrip transportation hotel or airport: Travel comfortably and safely in air-conditioned tourist transport. Includes pick-up from your hotel and return to the hotel or airport at the end of the tour. - Admission to Poás Volcano National Park

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.