Things to do San Jose Costa Rica - Tours and Activities in San Jose

Culturally rich San Jose delivers when it comes to museums, historical sites, and the soccer stadium! Excellent guided city tours will take you effortlessly through

San Jose Tours

Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose, features many art, science and cultural museums with an abundance of historical sites. Known for its famous National Theater, the downtown area also has a bustling central market, where local crafts of all kinds can be found. San Jose has a population of over 280,000 people making it the largest city, leading the country in industry, business, entertainment, and culture. It’s also just next door to San Juan Santamaria International Airport, where many travelers begin and end their vacations. Guided tours provide the best and easiest way to explore the city, with visits to a number of interesting landmarks curated by knowledgeable guides. San Jose is in the middle of the country surrounded by the beautiful, temperate Central Valley. Rainforest tram rides, zip lining, rafting, plus visits to active volcanoes and coffee plantations are just some of the exciting adventures available.

San Jose City Tour

San Jose

Today you’ll be picked up from your hotel by a knowledgeable city tour guide. You’ll board the privately owned, air-conditioned bus and drive to the National Theater Lobby, also known as “The jewel of San José”, a masterpiece in art and architecture built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897.
Then we will visit the Museum of Gold (an archaeological interest site), then the Central Market, place full of the Costa Rican cultural heritage and traditions, where you will be able to browse and buy some local art crafts.
We will point you out several historically important or main buildings in our city: The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa (equivalent to The Congress), The Metallic Building, some parks and various sites of interest. This will be an introduction to our Capital City, and information about our economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events. We will stop by an Art Gallery, where you will be able to get some souvenirs to take back home. This San Jose City tour includes a bilingual guide, all entrance fees, and transportation from Alajuela, Escazu, and San Jose. One way transport from your hotel to the start of the tour typically takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on the location of your hotel and traffic conditions. Total time of city tour and round trip transportation is usually between 4.5 and 6 hours. Please wear comfortable walking shoes plus bring camera, hat, sunscreen, umbrella.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour - Expediciones Tropicales

San Jose

Today you will go on an incredible guided hike to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural garden paradise. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Paz Waterfall Gardens where you will go for a leisurely hike on well-maintained trails through the rainforest to see 5 beautiful cascading waterfalls. Your nature guide will point out many forms of plant and animal life along the way and you will pass through several wildlife sanctuaries to see rescued monkeys, birds, and large jungle cats. You will also visit a trout and frog pond, butterfly conservatory, orchid house and beautiful flowering gardens where hummingbirds abound. A buffet lunch will be provided in the award-winning restaurant where you can relax before being driven back to your hotel. This tour includes a bilingual nature guide, entrance fees, lunch, and transportation from Alajuela, Escazu, Heredia, and San Jose. One way transportation to La Paz Waterfall Gardens can take from 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the location of your hotel and local traffic conditions. Combined time of guided garden tour, lunch, and round-trip transportation is typically between 6 and 7 hours. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera, sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, and extra spending money if you would like to purchase souvenirs.

Whitewater Rafting Rio Pacuare - Exploradores

San Jose

Today you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken whitewater rafting down the famous Pacuare River. Your guide and safety kayaker will go over safety instructions and show you how to use all equipment. You’ll be paddling 18 kilometers downstream encountering over 50 Class lll and Class lV rapids, going through steep rock faces and passing a 150 foot waterfall. At the end you will have a chance to take a shower and change into dry clothes. Lunch will then be provided before the trip back to your hotel. This tour includes bilingual rafting guides, high quality equipment, lunch, as well as transportation from Alajuela, Cahuita, Escazu, Puerto Viejo and San Jose. One way transportation from your hotel to the river can take between 1.5 and 3.5 hours depending on your pick-up location (ask for details). The total time of whitewater rafting, lunch and round trip transportation can take between 8 and 12 hours. Please wear secured water shoes, bathing suit, clothes to get wet in, plus bring insect repellent, a dry change of clothes for after the tour, and a plastic bag to put your wet clothes in. NOTE: If river conditions are not safe, the tour might be changed to an alternate river or need to be cancelled.

Irazu Volcano - Half day

San Jose

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Irazu Volcano National Park where you will go for a half mile guided hike around the tops of 3 craters. Some of the craters contain lakes and you may see smoking fumaroles. After your hike you’ll go to the town of Cartago where you will see historical architecture, visit the ornate Basilica church as well as learn the significance of various ruins. This tour includes a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and transportation from Alajuela and San Jose. One way transport to the volcano typically takes from 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the location of your hotel. Combined time of touring Irazu Volcano and the town of Cartago with round trip transportation usually takes between 5 and 6 hours. Please wear comfortable enclosed walking shoes and bring rain gear, sweater or jacket, sun block, camera, plus extra spending money if you would like to purchase souvenirs or snacks.

Doka Estate - El Veradero Coffee Tour

San Jose

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Doka Coffee Estate where you will go on the El Veradera guided coffee plantation tour. Here you will see how old traditions and modern technology merge as you walk through lush gardens, see an old coffee mill, learn what it takes to make your morning cup of joe taste so good and enjoy their coffee museum. As recipients of the Worlds Best Coffee award for 2 consecutive years, Doka Estate Coffee Tour is devoted to sharing the art and tradition of quality coffee production from bean to cup. This tour includes a bilingual guide, entrance fee, and transportation from Alajuela, the Alajuela suburbs, Escazu, and San Jose. One way transport typically takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on where you are picked up, however on occasion it can take longer due to unpredictable traffic conditions. The combined time for plantation tour and round trip transport usually takes from 4.5 to 6 hours. If you like coffee, this tour is sure to keep you awake!

Irazu Volcano and Hacienda Orosi Hot Springs

San Jose

Today’s tour will take you to the top of Irazu Volcano where you can leisurely explore the rim, then to Costa Rica’s most iconic church, the Basilica, located in Cartago and steeped in tradition. Next, you’ll head to Orosi where you’ll tour the oldest operating church, built in 1767, before enjoying a hearty lunch followed by soaking in warm thermal waters surrounded by a fish-eye view of exquisite landscapes. This tour includes a bilingual guide, all entrance fees, lunch as well as transportation from San Jose and Alajuela. One way transport to Irazu Volcano can take from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and the location of your hotel. Total time of all activities, lunch and round-trip transportation typically takes 9 hours. Please wear comfortable shoes, plus you’ll need a jacket, swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and camera.

Doka, Grecia, Sarchi, Oxcart factories and stores with lunch

San Jose

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Doka Coffee Estate for a guided tour and award-winning cup of coffee for the first of your three stops. On this multifaceted cultural tour you’ll also go to an ornately designed historical church in the town of Grecia as well as visit the artisans known for their excellent craftsmanship of sustainable hardwood furniture and creative souvenirs in the town of Sarchi. Today’s tour includes a bilingual guide, all entrance fees, lunch and transportation from hotels in Alajuela, Heredia, and San Jose. One way transportation typically takes from 1 to 2 hours depending on the location of your hotel. Occasionally heavy traffic conditions can add to travel time. Combined time of visiting the three cultural sites, stopping for lunch, plus round trip transportation typically takes between 6 and 7 hours. You might like to bring extra spending money to purchase souvenirs.

Today you will meet at Braulio Carrillo National Park to go for a leisurely aerial tram ride for about 1.5 hours from the forest floor up to the mountain top and back again. Your bilingual nature guide will point out any wildlife along the way and share with you interesting information about the rainforest inhabitants. Please wear enclosed shoes, insect repellent and bring your camera and binoculars to fully appreciate the experience. This tour includes park activity fee, naturalist guide, and transportation and lunch.

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What are the best tours available from San Jose, Costa Rica?

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from San Jose, Costa Rica, with a range of exhilarating tours that showcase the country's natural wonders and cultural treasures. Start your journey with a visit to the Doka Estate - El Veradero Coffee Tour, where you'll delve into the fascinating world of coffee production and learn about the history, cultivation, and roasting processes of Costa Rican coffee.

For a captivating volcanic experience, embark on the Irazu Volcano and Hacienda Orosi Hot Springs tour. Witness the impressive crater of the Irazu Volcano and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Then, unwind in the rejuvenating hot springs of Hacienda Orosi, surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty.

Explore the enchanting La Paz Waterfall Gardens on a guided tour, where you'll encounter breathtaking waterfalls, vibrant wildlife, and lush gardens. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you stroll through the rainforest, admire colorful hummingbirds, and witness the power of cascading waterfalls.

Discover the majestic Poas Volcano, one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural landmarks. Experience the thrill of standing at the edge of its crater and marvel at the steaming fumaroles. Capture the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding cloud forest and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of this volcanic landscape.

For a glimpse into the vibrant culture and history of San Jose, embark on a city tour that takes you to notable landmarks, such as the National Theater, the Central Market, and the historic district. Learn about the city's rich heritage and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of its bustling streets.

For the adventurous at heart, the Whitewater Rafting Rio Pacuare tour offers an exhilarating experience as you navigate through thrilling rapids surrounded by pristine rainforest scenery. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the river and witness the diversity of flora and fauna that thrive along its banks.

These tours from San Jose provide a diverse range of experiences, from cultural explorations to thrilling outdoor adventures, allowing you to uncover the many wonders of Costa Rica while creating lasting memories.