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.
205 results | All San Jose Tours

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
1061
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

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
341
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

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José
26
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

Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
96
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

Costa Rica Full Day Combo Tour - Zip lining, Waterfalls, Volcano & Hot Springs
108
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

One Day Adventure Tour from San Jose
11
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

Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs From San José
45
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

Explore San Jose on Foot: Food, History and Sightseeing Tour
201
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

Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose
312
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

Bites and Sights - Walking Food Tour in San Jose Small Group
140
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

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge
113
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

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San Jose
31
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
$104.00
From
$104.00

Zip Line La Carpintera. Half day Tour ZipLine+ Rappel +hiking in San Jose
89
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

Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose
112
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

ATV River, Beach, Jungle Adventure and Crocodiles Hotspot from San Jose
30
Get your heart racing and make the most of your trip to Costa Rica on this jam-packed adventure tour. Traverse rugged mountains and jungle trails on an ATV until you reach a beach, where you can stop and relax. Then head to a crocodile hotspot, the Tarcoles River bridge, and safely observe these reptiles that call the area home.
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From
$159.00
Price varies by group size
From
$159.00
Price varies by group size

Monteverde Cloud Forest and Hanging Bridges in Selvatura Tour from San Jose
36
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
$149.00
From
$149.00

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour
114
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

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

Manuel Antonio National Park; Beach & Sightseeing Day Trip from San Jose
21
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

Monteverde Sky Tram & Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Tour from San Jose
90
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

Day trip from San Jose to Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens
20
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

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

Explore San Jose By Night: Walking Food and Culture Tour
153
Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where we will learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, our appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture continues, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). We’ll continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose. Finish the night with a 3-course meal and wine or beer pairings at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.
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From
$74.00
Price varies by group size
From
$74.00
Price varies by group size

Rio Celeste Hike and Sloth Watching Tour From San Jose
26
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
$148.00
From
$148.00
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