Top San Jose Day Trips
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After experiencing the culture of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, it’s time to venture out to the rainforests, beaches, and wildlife found in the rest of the country. Here are your options for day tours from San Jose.
Irazu Volcano — 35 miles (55 kilometers) from San Jose
Take a day tour from San Jose to the Orosi Valley and see the tallest volcano in the country and the charming colonial town of Orosi. Enjoy the nearby botanical gardens and waterfalls, or use the area as a base for white-water rafting on the Pacuare River.
Tortuguero National Park — 55 miles (90 kilometers) from San Jose
Take a boat tour down the freshwater rivers and through dense jungle at this peaceful national park, home to the nesting grounds of the Costa Rican green sea turtle. The area is known for rich biodiversity, including colorful plants and wildlife such as monkeys, frogs, and birds.
Arenal Volcano National Park — 90 miles (145 kilometers) from San Jose
The active Arenal Volcano towers above much of this scenic national park, often emitting puffs of smoke and showing other signs of volcanic activity. Natural hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails around the base make for an adventurous and a relaxing day in nature and are often combined on guided tours. Coffee plantations and coffee tours are also available along the way.
Manuel Antonio National Park — 105 miles (170 kilometers) from San Jose
Get a dose of rainforest adventure alongside some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America at this stunning national park on a day trip from San Jose. See birds, monkeys, and sloths on a guided nature hike, feel the rush on a canopy tour, or relax on the sand and take in the views from this renowned spot on the Pacific coast.
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Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
198
Find your bliss with a classic Costa Rican experience that combines a seismic dose of adventure and relaxation! On this full-day trip from San Jose, visit the very active Arenal Volcano and explore its base with a guided nature hike. Then, unwind with a soak in a variety of geothermal pools at the luxurious Tabacón hot springs. The tour also includes a stop at the artisan town of Sarchí, plus delicious lunch and dinner.
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From
$162.00
From
$162.00
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Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
201
In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions like Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you well entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes all entrance fees plus two meals, adding up to a great value.
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From
$160.00
From
$160.00
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose
157
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica on this full-day trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park. After a scenic drive along the Pacific coast, arrive at this protected reserve that features lush tropical rain forest, unspoiled stretches of white sandy beach, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Relax on the shore or explore the jungle with a guided nature hike, where you have a chance to spot birds, sloths, monkeys, and other resident wildlife.
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From
$135.00
From
$135.00
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Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose
26
Visiting Monteverde from San Jose in just one day can be challenging on your own, but this guided tour streamlines transportation to make the trip a cinch. Arrive at Monteverde in the morning and head straight to a canopy tour: hike on hanging bridges and learn about the rich cloud forest environment before heading back to San Jose.
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From
$165.00
From
$165.00
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Monteverde Cloud Forest and Hanging Bridges Full-Day Tour from San Jose
27
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.
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From
$140.00
From
$140.00
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose
49
As one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for visitors. This guided tour from San Jose makes visiting on a time crunch a cinch—your guide takes the guesswork out of deciding which trails are worth the effort, plus helps you spot wildlife along the way. This tour is specifically timed to avoid the crowds, too, helping you have the best possible experience exploring.
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From
$130.00
From
$130.00
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
70
See more of the Arenal Volcano region with the convenience of a full-day tour from San Jose. Take a scenic route to Arenal with views of farms, rain forest, and small towns, and stop at a coffee plantation where you can sample coffee and traditional snacks. Stop at a waterfall, look for wildlife, then have the afternoon to soak in hot springs set in a lush garden near the Arenal Volcano.
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From
$139.00
From
$139.00
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Half-Day Trip to Irazu Volcano and Cartago from San Jose
39
Satisfy your inner explorer on this half-day tour from San Jose that combines a trek to towering Irazú Volcano with a visit to the historic ruins and basilica of Cartago. Take in spectacular views from the summit of Costa Rica's tallest volcano, and uncover centuries of history among fascinating parish ruins and the rich iconography of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.
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From
$70.00
From
$70.00
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Monteverde Sky Tram & Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Tour from San Jose
12
Monteverde is a Mecca for nature lovers, and this full day trip won’t disappoint. On the way there, stop at the largest fruit stand in the country and sample a variety of tropical fruits. Once at the destination, ride the Sky Tram over the cloud forest canopy, then proceed on a guided hike along trails and hanging bridges suspended among the treetops.
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From
$172.00
From
$172.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley, and Lankester Gardens Combo Tour from San Jose
8
Explore highlights of Costa Rica's Cartago province on this combo tour from San Jose that offers a mix of majestic natural beauty and cultural gems. Get a front-row view of one of the country's most mystical peaks at Irazú Volcano National Park, and then stroll among vibrant bromeliads, orchids, and hundreds of other plant species at Lankester Gardens in Orosi. You'll also visit the Virgin of the Angels Basilica, a popular pilgrimage site, in Cartago, and taste local flavor with included lunch at a restaurant.
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From
$114.00
From
$114.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Manuel Antonio National Park; Beach & Sightseeing Day Trip from San Jose
12
As one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for visitors. This guided tour from San Jose makes visiting on a time crunch a cinch—your guide takes the guesswork out of deciding which trails are worth the effort, plus helps you spot wildlife along the way. This tour is specifically timed to avoid the crowds, too, helping you have the best possible experience exploring.
…More
From
$130.00
From
$130.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankester
66
Discover orchid gardens, colonial architecture, and a magnificent volcano on this full-day trip to Orosi Valley from San Jose. Admire Irazu Volcano—the tallest in the country—and wander the historic streets of Orosi’s town center. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take a leisurely stroll through the gorgeous Lankester Botanical Gardens.
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From
$108.00
From
$108.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Rain Forest Aerial Tram From San Jose
17
Discover the amazing treetop ecosystems of Costa Rica’s rain forest on this aerial tram tour near San Jose. Glide through the lush jungle canopy on a 90-minute gondola ride that offers a bird’s-eye view of beautiful hanging gardens and native wildlife not often seen from the forest floor. Optional lunch and transportation add-ons are available for a stress-free wait to explore Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity right from the capital.
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From
$66.30
From
$66.30
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs From San José
8
Head to La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano, on this guided all-day tour from San Jose. Sit back and relax as you travel through diverse plantations and cattle ranches on the roughly 3.5-hour drive. After arriving, enjoy lunch with a view of the volcano. Then, take a dip in the area’s thermal waters and indulge in an optional massage or other treatment.
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From
$150.00
From
$150.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Irazu Volcano and Hacienda Orosi Hot Springs
8
Spend time in Costa Rica's famed rain forests and wilderness on this 9-hour tour to Irazu Volcano National Park and Orosi Hot Springs. Head to the summit of the volcano for panoramic views of the lush forests below, and then soak in natural mineral water for a relaxing end to the day.
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From
$147.00
From
$147.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Combo Tour Arenal: Hanging Bridges + Hot Springs + Waterfall from San José
12
Our tour is unique from San José. We left at 07:00 in the morning enjoying a delicious breakfast on the way to a town called San Ramón de Alajuela.
Then, on our arrival to La Fortuna, we head to the fortune waterfall, where we will enjoy a refreshing swim in the river with the highest waterfall in Costa Rica.
Then we enjoy a delicious typical Costa Rican lunch, our guide will offer us the different options to choose.
After our lunch, we will have a walk through the treetops, we will have a tour of 6 hanging bridges up to 50 meters high and 120 long.
To end our tour we enjoyed a delicious bath in the most natural thermal river in the area, with rejuvenating properties and many more rejuvenating properties, we guarantee your satisfaction and relaxation in this beautiful tour.
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From
$214.29
From
$214.29
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Irazu Volcano, Orosi &Lankester From San Jose
5
Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park and Lankester Botanical Garden on this all-day tour from San Jose. First, head to Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 11,260 feet (3,400 meters) tall and see its most popular attraction, the giant Diego de la Haya crater. On the return trip, stop at the Lankester Garden, which was established to protect types of flora.
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From
$112.00
From
$112.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Combination Tour: Poas Volcano Doka Estate and La Paz Waterfalls Gardens
6
Calling all nature lovers, this 9-hour tour of the Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfalls showcases the best of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes. Departing from San Jose, you’ll eat breakfast and take a plantation tour at the Doka Coffee Estate before visiting the sulfurous crater of Poas Volcano. Then, take a rain forest trail to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, also home to a birdhouse and butterfly garden, Breakfast, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose are included.
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From
$148.00
From
$148.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Day Trip from San Jose to Sloths & other wildlife Rescue Center
9
Get out of the city and experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife heritage with this half day private tour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. What started out as a rescue facility for toucans has expanded to include other charismatic species such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, and owls. Learn all about them from the dedicated staff committed to their care.
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From
$150.00
Price varies by group size
From
$150.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park from San Jose
9
Support sustainable tourism with this eco-adventure to the Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve and Adventure Park. On this full-day trip from San Jose, get an up-close peek at toucans, bats, red-eyed frogs and howler monkeys with a trek across an elevated jungle boardwalk. Create your own adventure with the choice of kayaking down the Rio Cuarto, horseback riding along a river trail or a exploring the reserve in an ox-pulled wagon. A locally sourced lunch, snacks and round-trip transport from San Jose are included.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens From San José
11
La Paz Waterfall Gardens showcases Costa Rican wilderness at its most picturesque, with lush tropical rain forest, thundering cascades, white rivers, and a rich variety of wildlife. This tour provides round-trip transportation from San José and allows you to see the highlights of La Paz in a single day. Your guide navigates through the park’s many trails and takes you to White Magic Waterfall, the butterfly observatory, and other attractions.
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From
$103.00
From
$103.00
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Rio Celeste Tenorio Volcano and Labyrinth Katira From San Jose
7
Spend the day away from bustling San Jose and see the majestic Rio Celeste, one of the top attractions in Costa Rica. Located inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the deep turquoise waters of the river can be explored via a trail, which includes a waterfall, a suspended bridge, and a section of hot springs
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From
$139.00
From
$139.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Irazu Volcano & Boat on Sarapiqui River From San Jose
8
See some of Costa Rica’s most famous cultural and natural attractions in a single day on this guided tour from San Jose. Travel quickly and hassle-free with a guide who takes you to must-see spots such as the Cartago ruins, the Irazú Volcano, and the Sarapiqui River for an animal-watching boat ride.
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From
$142.00
From
$142.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Safari on Sarapiqui River From San Jose
7
Escape the city for a day in the wild on this full-day tour from the San Jose area, including a cruise down the Sarapiqui River, visits to various animal sanctuaries at the Black Madero private wildlife reserve, and a typical buffet lunch. Make it easy to see Costa Rica’s famous wildlife on this inclusive tour featuring a sample of popular rain forest and river activities in and around Braulio Carrillo National Forest.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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