Top San Jose Day Trips
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Day Trips from San Jose
- San Jose to Costa Rica
- San Jose to Jaco
- San Jose to Jaco Beach
- San Jose to La Fortuna
- San Jose to Limon
- San Jose to Monteverde
- San Jose to Poas Volcano National Park
- San Jose to Puntarenas
- San Jose to Quepos
- San Jose to Tabacon Hot Springs
- San Jose to Tortuguero
- San Jose to Tortuguero National Park (Parque Nacional Tortuguero)
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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.
203 results | All San Jose Tours

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
1158
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
$165.00
From
$165.00

Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
113
Spend a day exploring nature and learning about coffee production with this group tour from San Jose, which includes breakfast, lunch, and hotel transfers. You'll start at the Doka Coffee Estate, where you'll learn about the lifecycle of coffee, from bean to cup. You'll then visit Poas Volcano National Park for some hiking, wrapping your tour up with a stop to observe flora and fauna at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
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From
$154.00
From
$154.00

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José
28
The lush rainforest and white-sand beaches of Isla Tortuga are part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve, and are located along the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. With this tour, you'll set sail aboard a large cruise ship, admire views of Isla San Lucas and Isla Tortuga from the water, and enjoy time on the island to swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.
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From
$133.00
From
$133.00

Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose
347
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
$145.00
From
$145.00

Day trip from San Jose to Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens
23
Home to over 100 species of animals, five waterfalls and a cloud forest the Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall gardens is bursting with bio diversity. Visit, explore, learn and even hike among the sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, pumas, ocelots and more who call Costa Rica’s most visited private ecological reserve home. Take in the incredible plant life like wild orchids on this full-day, small group tour with lunch included.
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From
$130.00
Price varies by group size
From
$130.00
Price varies by group size

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
379
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
$145.00
From
$145.00

Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs From San José
50
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
$159.00
From
$159.00

Monteverde Sky Tram & Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Tour from San Jose
93
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

Bites and Sights - Walking Food Tour in San Jose Small Group
173
Sample a wide variety of Costa Rican flavors while learning about the country's cultural heritage with this San Jose walking tour. You'll shop for fruits and veggies at the Mercado Central and the Mercado Borbón, visit the National Theater and La Laguna Plaza, and try all sorts of local treats along the way.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00

Costa Rica Full Day Combo Tour - Zip lining, Waterfalls, Volcano & Hot Springs
109
Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.
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From
$165.00
From
$165.00

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San Jose
36
Navigate 38 Class III-IV rapids on this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for teenagers and adults alike. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are included.
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From
$108.00
From
$108.00

Explore San Jose on Foot: Food, History and Sightseeing Tour
204
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.
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From
$38.00
Price varies by group size
From
$38.00
Price varies by group size

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour
119
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.
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From
$66.00
From
$66.00

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge
121
Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Featuring hiking trails through the cloud forest, cascading waterfalls, a rescued jungle cats educational program, and numerous specialty wildlife exhibits, La Paz Waterfall Gardens guarantees good fun for the whole family. This pass can be redeemed anytime during the park’s normal operating hours and is good for accessing all of the exhibits.
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From
$51.20
From
$51.20

Full Day Isla Tortuga with Lunch from San José
7
The simple fact of traveling to this island makes it an amazing activity. From the moment you take the boat to travel, you will be able to enjoy the entire journey observing the immense abundant vegetation of the region and the wonders of the sea, since on some occasions you can see dolphins, sharks or sea turtles during the tour.
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From
$105.00
From
$105.00

Day Trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park
17
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on this all-day tour from San Jose. On the way to the park, stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Then, once you arrive, choose to relax on the scenic beaches or hike one of the many trails throughout the tropical rainforest. Be on the lookout for monkeys, iguanas, birds, and three-toed sloths during your visit.
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From
$150.00
Price varies by group size
From
$150.00
Price varies by group size

Zip Line La Carpintera. Half day Tour ZipLine+ Rappel +hiking in San Jose
95
Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this combined zip lining, rappelling, and hiking tour. The Carpintera Hills are close to San Jose and offer the easiest way to go zip lining from the capital. Glide through the forest canopy on steel cables strung between 19 platforms. Rappel from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and look out for birds and animals.
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From
$51.29
From
$51.29

One Day Adventure Tour from San Jose
14
This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's beaches, rivers, and rain forests into one action-packed day. Catch some sun at popular Jaco Beach, one of the closest to the capital, and go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head into the lush jungle for a thrilling zipline canopy tour plus your choice of a horseback ride to tropical waterfalls or an ATV safari.
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From
$161.20
From
$161.20

Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup
30
Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of San Jose on an evening bus tour. Starting from your hotel, a comfortable double-decker bus with onboard WiFi serves as your transportation for the evening. See over 25 of the city’s landmarks and stop for a bilingual guided tour at key locations, including the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Enjoy an included dinner of local cuisine, before drop-off at your hotel.
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From
$66.00
From
$66.00

San José By Night: Food,Culture and Gourmet Dinner with Wines
63
Take the stress out of eating and drinking at night in a new city with this fun-filled dinner and nightlife experience. Explore markets, check out neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, and indulge in a delicious three-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Learn about local food and culture from your guide throughout the evening.
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From
$68.00
From
$68.00

6 in 1 Tour: Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Braulio Carrillo
52
Experience a fun-filled day in the jungle at the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic eco-reserve. Your multi-pass gives you access to six different activities throughout the beautiful tropical park. Get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy with an aerial tram ride, encounter native critters at a butterfly and frog garden, cross a hanging bridge, and explore the jungle on a nature hike. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops on ziplines, including one of the longest and fastest in the country.
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From
$107.00
From
$107.00

Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose
114
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

Manuel Antonio National Park; Beach & Sightseeing Day Trip from San Jose
23
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and spend the day exploring the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park on a small-group tour. Spend the day walking jungle trails, observing local wildlife like macaws and crocodiles, and relaxing on the beach. This guided tour means that you make the most of your time in the park and avoid crowded areas.
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From
$145.00
From
$145.00

Day trip from San Jose to Coffee Plantations & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
8
Connect with two key pieces of Costa Rican life: coffee and wilderness on this combination tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Doka Coffee Estate plantation. This full-day, guided tour kicks off with a tour of plantation where you’ll learn how your cups gets from bean to breakfast. Afterwards, hike over volcanic terrain, under waterfalls, and into the rainforest during a challenging hike in the nature reserve.
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From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
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