Costa Rica · SAN JOSE TOURS

The 15 Best Tours from San Jose

29 tours  ·  from $35 a head

Almost nobody comes for San Jose, and almost everybody sleeps there twice. These 15 make the nights count: coffee and cacao farms on the slopes above the city, the Poas crater, and the long day trips that reach the coast and back.

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch - Boarding the boat in Puntarenas
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Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

1.Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 589 reviews · 12 to 18 hours (approx.) · from $115Our pick

Leave San José before dawn for Puntarenas, then take a scenic boat to Tortuga Island. You’ll look for dolphins, snorkel for about 45 minutes, enjoy lunch, and have five hours on the beach. Guides such as Memo, Percy, and Roy are praised for friendly help, though the long day, early pickup, and choppy return boat ride require preparation.

“Tortunga Island – Beautiful Experience with a Few Surprises My visit to Tortunga Island was overall pretty good—the views were beautiful and the vibe was relaxing. However, there were a few things that didn’t quite match the pictures or expectations. First, the water didn’t look like the photos advertised, which was disappointing. They also charge $1 every time you use the bathroom, which felt unnecessary and a bit inconvenient. On top of that, the $4 Wi-Fi really wasn’t worth it since the connection was weak. Another unexpected moment was transportation. They mentioned dropping me off somewhere different from where they picked me up, which was confusing. Thankfully, they did end…”

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San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour - Plaza de la Libertad Electoral and the city’s public spaces
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San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

2.San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 346 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $80

Spend about five hours exploring San José with a guide such as Enrique, Hector, or Edgar. Walk through the National Theater area and Central Market, visit key museums and monuments, and ride the VIP City Bus through the capital. Hotel pickup, lunch, commentary, and air-conditioned transport are included.

“Great overall experience. Enrique was a great guide. The buses were comfortable and punctual. The lunch was at a Costa Rican restaurant which had a great atmosphere.”

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Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour - The sugar mill is the uncertain part
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Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour

3.Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 315 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $35Best value

At Hacienda Doka, learn how coffee moves from plant to packaged bean, see working processing equipment, sample coffee and chocolate, and visit natural trails and a butterfly garden. The tour lasts about 75 minutes, costs $35, and is led by guides such as Ray or Andrea. Transportation is not included.

“The experience was excellent. Andrea was an excellent guide. We learned so much about the production of coffee. We have since recommended the tour to people in San Jose.”

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San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner - Meeting the guide at Morazán Park
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San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner

4.San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 237 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Spend four hours walking central San José with a local guide such as Esteban, Malo, Emil, or Paula. See Morazán Park, Casa Amarilla, the Metallic Building, National Park, and Barrio Escalante, then finish with a Costa Rican dinner and two beers, sangrias, or non-alcoholic drinks.

“Emil was very knowledgeable and personable. We learned about Costa Rica history, visited shops, a bakery, and tasted a variety of delicious food. Highly recommend Emil for your tour guide.”

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Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose - Arenal 1968 and the volcano view
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Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

5.Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $195

Spend about 13 hours traveling from San Jose to Sarchi and La Fortuna, with a stop at the famous painted ox cart, volcano views, lunch, thermal hot springs, dinner, and hotel transport. Guides such as Eric, Pedro, Harold, and Roberto have earned strong praise, but long drives, weather, and occasional itinerary changes matter.

“This tour makes for a long day. We were picked up at the hotel at 8:30, and weren’t back until 10:30. I was really expecting a relaxing experience at the hot springs, and a lunch with a view of the volcano (like the pictures)- neither happened. We drove 45 mins or so to Sarchi and the Ox Cart Factory (by far the highlight of the tour), and then 3 hours to lunch (not at the Arenal 1968 as advertised), then to a view point at the hotel hot springs - Los Lagos (not the advertised Baldi). The hotel hot springs were not peaceful, or relaxing- lots of families and kids…”

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Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge - Start with the waterfalls if rain is on the way
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Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

6.Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 226 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $63

Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens at your own pace with a flexible day pass. Walk through cloud forest trails, see five waterfalls, and explore orchids, butterflies, hummingbirds, toucans, monkeys, snakes, and rescued cats. Allow at least two hours, though four or five gives you time to slow down.

“The hike was spectacular, however there is no benefit to buying the skip the line. There are no lines so you can buy direct and save a few $.”

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3-Hour Shuttle Service from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna - Airport pickup at 9:00 or 14:30
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3-Hour Shuttle Service from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna

7.3-Hour Shuttle Service from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50Top rated

Take a shared, air-conditioned shuttle from SJO Airport or downtown San Jose to La Fortuna for $50 per person. The trip includes a stop at Mi Rancho Restaurant in San Ramón for bathrooms, snacks, and a stretch. Drivers such as Randall, Alexander, Francis, and Yeibin Perez have received very different feedback, so allow extra time for traffic and group delays.

“Pick up on time. Friendly & kind driver who looked after us well. Drove with care and consideration. Nice 15 min stop en route through lovely scenery. Arrived on time and dropped off at accommodation. Would recommend.”

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Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls - Poás Volcano and its crater lagoon
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Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

8.Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $105

Leave San José early for Poás Volcano, Doka Estate coffee plantation, and La Paz Falls. Expect a 7 to 8 hour guided trip in an air-conditioned vehicle, with park fees, coffee tasting, and chocolate included. Guides such as Marcela, Nela, Victor, and Percy have made this outing especially enjoyable for many visitors.

“A well organized tour with an English speaking guide, well aware of the area providing detailed info about local traditions and surroundings.”

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Manuel Antonio National Park from San José - Orotina Breakfast Stop: Useful, Not a Main Attraction
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Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

9.Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 131 reviews · 12 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $155

Leave San José at 6:00 am for Manuel Antonio National Park, with hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, park admission, a guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Walk forest trails to a beautiful beach, look for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, birds, and raccoons, and consider the Punta Catedral viewpoint. Expect a very long day on the road.

“My trip to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was incredible. The scenery and wildlife were breathtaking, and our guide was knowledgeable. However, I was disappointed when the guide wouldn't drop me off at my hotel just 1 km away from the scheduled stop.”

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SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San José - Meeting your driver outside SJO
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SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San José

10.SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San José

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 121 reviews · 20 to 35 minutes (approx.)

Book a private ride from Juan Santamaría International Airport to a San José hotel for up to three people. Your driver tracks your flight number, sends arrival instructions, and provides a roughly 20 to 35 minute transfer with WiFi, taxes, and hotel drop-off included. Confirm the meeting point carefully before you fly.

“Driver never showed up or answered had to take a taxi at 11pm to my destination after waiting and calling for 45 minutes outside”

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Chocolate Making and Tasting at a Local Factory in San José - Choosing fillings and toppings
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Chocolate Making and Tasting at a Local Factory in San José

11.Chocolate Making and Tasting at a Local Factory in San José

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

At Tapir Chocolates in Barrio Escalante, Mauricio guides you through Costa Rica’s cacao story, from fresh fruit and raw beans to chocolate drinks and finished bars. You’ll taste each stage, create personalized chocolates with local fillings and toppings, then design eco-friendly packaging. The workshop lasts about two hours and begins at 3:00 pm.

“It was a great time and learning experience. Would highly recommend this event and bring lots of friends.”

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Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup - The Costa Rican Art Museum in 25 minutes
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Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup

12.Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 112 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $80

Start at 3:00 pm with hotel pickup, then see San Jose by guided bus and on foot. Visit the National Theatre lobby, Costa Rican Art Museum, Central Market, and Plaza de la Libertad Electoral before dinner. Guides such as Hector, Sergio, David, and Maria have led this tour. Expect a useful city overview, but confirm timing and theatre access.

“Maria was our guide and she was an absolute delight! We was so enthusiastic about showing off the city she was proud of. She was informative, knew the history of the city and hustled along from place to place. She was very impressive! The not so great parts were the tour did not match the description of what would be offered. We spent more time sitting in traffic than actually seeing the sights. We only went into one museum and were rushed out. Were supposed to receive an alcoholic beverage with the tour and didn't.”

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Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose - Coffee at Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Farm
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Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

13.Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $149

Travel from San José to Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and coffee farms near Sarapiquí. You’ll learn how coffee is grown, processed, roasted, and brewed, eat a typical Costa Rican lunch, and visit two waterfalls. Guides such as Carlos, Ricardo, Charlie, and Rick are praised for clear explanations and attentive service.

“The tour was wonderful and Carlos was a great guide! My family and I had a good time seeing the coffee plantation, waterfall, and volcano (although it was very misty so the view was slightly hindered). We learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the tour!”

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San José: Night Food and Culture Tour with Dinner - Morazán Park and the Temple of Music
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San José: Night Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

14.Night Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 107 reviews · 4 hours · from $79

Walk San José with an English-speaking local guide, from Morazán Park and the Metallic Building to Barrio Escalante. Along the way, enjoy two drinks, then sit down to a generous Costa Rican dinner with dishes such as ceviche, chifrijo, empanadas, patacones, and caldo de pollo. Guides may vary, with past walks led by Joanna, Esteban, Karol, and Alejandro.

“We had terrible weather but our guide adjusted our plan to ensure we had a great evening. Could not have asked for better.”

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Irazú Volcano National Park (Half Day) - What the guides add to the drive and park visit
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Irazú Volcano National Park (Half Day)

15.Irazú Volcano National Park (Half Day)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $99

Leave San José early for Irazú Volcano National Park at 3,432 meters, where you can walk around the main crater and look for views across Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Guides such as Hayro, Donald, and Raquel add local stories in English and Spanish. The trip also includes Cartago’s Basilica of the Angels, snacks, WiFi, and round-trip hotel transport.

“This trip was great! Not only the crater/vulcano was beautiful, but also the way up was worth this trip. Hayro was an amazing guide who shared a lot of his knowledge, not only about the flora/fauna of the area, but also about Costa Rica/San José. He told very vivid stories, but also gave some practical tips, which were very helpful for the rest of our holiday. Definitely recommend!!”

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