Top San Jose Half-day Tours

Get a taste of San Jose’s culture and cuisine on this 3-hour walking tour. Explore Costa Rica’s capital accompanied by an expert guide and learn about the city’s history, architecture and flavor. Explore the produce stalls of two traditional markets and discover what makes Costa Rican coffee so delicious as you sample some local brews. The tour is capped at 12 people for a personalized small-group experience.

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.

Embark on a full-day adventure to see some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders and cultural gems. Visit the Doka Estate coffee plantation to see how beans are grown and roasted for the perfect cup, and check out the artistic enclave of Sarchí, birthplace of the country’s signature hand-painted oxcarts. Admire the magnificent (and active!) Poás Volcano and the enchanting Botas Lake, which fills a neighboring volcanic crater.

Prepare to get wet and wild as you tackle the class III and IV rapids of the Sarapiqui River on this half- or full-day white-water rafting adventure from La Virgen. Marvel over the dramatic scenery and lush rainforest of the Sarapiqui canyon as you hurtle downstream, then re-fuel with lunch (full-day tour only) or refreshments by the waterfront. Best of all: the rapids are suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners, and anyone over 14 can give it a go!

Enjoy an insider’s perspective of San Jose on this half-day city walking tour. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll get a sense of daily life in the Costa Rican capital as you ride public transportation, stop by a beautiful local park and visit the artisan workshop of a third-generation craftsman. Taste local flavors while you browse stalls at the historic Central Market, savor a traditional lunch at an 80-year-old inn and learn to make tortillas.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Wander through a maze of vendor stalls and to learn about staples of local cooking at the Central Market, and see the opulent National Theater and other architectural highlights on a twilight walking tour. Drive to the ritzy Paseo de la Luz the east side of San Jose well known for its gastronomy. Finish the night with a 3-course meal and wine pairings at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

Treat your taste buds to a sampling of Costa Rica’s famed coffee paired with gourmet chocolate on this half-day tour of the Café Britt coffee plantation. See firsthand how this sustainable, gourmet producer grows, harvests, and roasts coffee beans to create the perfect aromatic cup. Visit the on-site coffee bar to taste several of Café Britt’s different roasts, accompanied by chocolate. Round out the day with a farm-fresh buffet lunch of traditional Costa Rican cuisine at the plantation restaurant.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

Premium activity NOW available from San Jose, Join us today! Are you ready to cross a river riding an ATV, and make your draft at the beach, and feel the adrenaline on your body? Meet the pacific mountain hills, driving up through rivers immerse in the jungle trails, then come down up to a beautiful beach, fun and nature will make your day one to remember. We will stop on the Tarcoles River Bridge to take pictures of huge crocodiles in this emblematic river of Costa Rica, enjoy them in their natural environment. Your A/C transportation will give you the best comfort before arriving at our adventure center. Our professional bilingual guide will instruct you with the safety directions before you start the adventure. Forest trails and a waterfall will be waiting for you. Our certificated tour guides will offer you a professional point of view during the tour. Come and let us know if you like it or not.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide. All rafting equipment and round-trip transportation from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is included on this tour.

The tour is ideal for people who only have half a day to make an excursion, since you can take the tour and ask to be dropped off at the international airport. This excursion takes us to one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, cataloged as one of the most beautiful and impressive volcanoes, just one hour from downtown San Jose. We can walk through the main crater, and after the tour we go to the highest point of the National Park, then descend from the volcano to visit the most important church in Costa Rica, we know a little about the architecture and the different constructions that the structure has had.

Horseback Riding feels different when surrounded by deep greenery, abundant wildlife and the sights and sounds of a vibrant community. On this day, our Hacienda is yours to discover! Come to Aquiares and learn all about coffee, from the seed to your cup! We provide authentic, unique and personalized tours. You can come with your entire family because we have options for everyone! /!\ PLEASE MAKE A RESERVATION BEFORE COMING /!\

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.

Visiting San Jose’s markets with a guide turns an everyday scene into a rich cultural experience as your guide tells you the stories behind the markets’ offerings and takes the guesswork out of deciding what’s worth a try. After visiting top San Jose markets, head to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum to take a look at the city’s early history.

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.

Sample some of the Costa Rican capital’s best bites while exploring its most vibrant neighborhoods on an evening food tour in San Jose. The city can be daunting to explore on your own, so ensure you avoid tourist traps and safely enjoy a night out with the help of a local foodie guide. Learn to eat like a ‘tico’ while trying Costa Rican chocolate, coffee, plus sugar cane liqueur, sangria, and traditional Caribbean dishes on a fun and cultural adventure.

Upon arriving at the Waterfalls Gardens, we walk a path, which leads to different attractions of the park including the aviary, the largest butterfly observatory in the country, the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the frog, monkey and cat exhibition In addition to the 5 highest waterfalls in Costa Rica, with several very impressive views.

Spend a day exploring the rain forest and waterfalls found in the mountains above Jaco beach for a nature-filled escape from San Jose. Visit a private nature reserve where your guide leads a hike through virgin rain forest with a river and several waterfalls. Learn about the animal and plant life of Costa Rica, and take a dip in natural pools along the way. Lunch is included.

San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and boasts a rich and varied history. Get acquainted with the city’s charms on a private tour, featuring a customizable itinerary of must-see attractions and private transportation through the city’s maze of trafficked avenues.

Kickstart your time in San Jose on a panoramic bus tour that’s designed to provide an introduction to first-time visitors. As well as enjoying unobstructed views of San Jose’s historical centre from the top deck of the bus, you’ll be party to facts and anecdotes that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook. Plus, exploring by bus allows you to cover more sights in less time, making this tour ideal for time-pressed travelers.

We will take care of you as private tour. Nobody else will be in your van from San Jose. Our A/C transportation will give you the best comfort before to arrive to our adventure center. Memorable pictures from Tarcoles River Bridge. All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 4x4 Solo and couples capacities Jaco mountains hills with an amazing ocean view. Forest trails and a waterfall, We also take you to the beach. Our certificated tour guides will offer you a professional tour and customer care Come and and enjoy this beautiful adventure.

Discover the vibrant history and culture of the Costa Rican capital on a half-day San José city tour. Soak up the green oasis of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, explore diverse neighborhoods like Rohrmoser and Otoya, and visit stately landmarks including the National Library and Casa Amarilla. Featuring admission to the majestic National Theater and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, plus a combination of walking and minivan touring, it’s a great way to experience the city’s highlights in a single afternoon.

This day we will leave your Hotel for the Poás de Alajuela area, we will make a stop for a brief explanation about our golden grain, the coffee where we will stop to see the coffee bushes, also having the opportunity to take a photograph of the Ventral Valley and from the coffee plantation. We will continue the tour through fern, flower and strawberry crops. .

Though Costa Rica may be more famous for its natural attractions, its capital city of San Jose is not to be overlooked. Head out from downtown San Jose on a double-decker sightseeing bus to discover the city’s important historical landmarks, learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica, and find the best panoramic views of the city.