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Top San Jose Day Trips

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Day Trips from San Jose
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Costa Rica’s capital is in the center of the country, giving you countless options for day trips from San Jose—you can visit the coast, the cloud forest, coffee farms, and everywhere in between. Private and guided single-day and multi-day tours can transport you to Costa Rica’s most-visited national parks like Manuel Antonio, Arenal Volcano, and Poas Volcano. Many tours have an adventure element, including activities like hiking active volcanoes, white-water rafting, ziplining, and ATVing, while others, such as San Jose food tours and wildlife refuge visits, are low-impact activities that may also include lunch/dinner, coffee tastings, and floating in the hot springs.

203 results

Best Seller
Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch
4.4
(410)

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

Enjoy a special day surrounded by nature, seeing dolphins, islands, birds and many more species during the journey until you reach Isla Tortuga, our destination where we will give you approximately 5 hours of beach time to relax under the shade of the beautiful palm trees and enjoy its refreshing sea.
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  • 12 to 18 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$115
Price varies by group size
La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose
4.7
(141)

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

Safely immerse yourself in Costa Rican nature and wildlife on a 7-hour tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Leave the busy streets of San Jose behind in comfortable air-conditioned transportation from your hotel. Discover more than 100 species at the sanctuary, including titi monkeys, 2-toed sloths, pumas, and toucans. You can even feed hummingbirds by hand. Have your camera ready for the cloud forest, waterfalls, and aviary.
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  • 7 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$130
Price varies by group size
Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
4.9
(903)

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.
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  • 14 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$159
Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience
4.9
(471)

Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience

Combine coffee, a volcano, and wildlife on this full-day combo tour from San Jose with a small group. Enjoy convenient pickup from your hotel and travel to San Isidro to learn about coffee production at a coffee plantation. At Poas Volcano, admire the main crater, then hike to Botos Lagoon. Afterwards, see the animals and waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
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  • 9 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$175
Likely to Sell Out
Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose
4.6
(76)

Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose

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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  • 12 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$175
Price varies by group size
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
4.9
(3,156)

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

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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  • 14 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$185
Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour
4.5
(257)

Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour

Our meeting will take you to 3 magical places that will leave you in love with Costa Rica. We will visit the Poás Volcano at only 2,574 meters above sea level, a natural wonder that will impress you. Then The Coffee Tour at the Doka Estate; where you will learn more than you imagine. And finally The wonderful La Paz Waterfalls, without a doubt an experience that you cannot miss. For this and much more we invite you to this magical adventure!
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  • 10 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$155
San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour visit Markets
4.9
(1,274)

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour visit Markets

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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  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
$34
From San Jose: Zipline, Horseback, ATV, Surfing, & Bicycle Tour
4.7
(94)

From San Jose: Zipline, Horseback, ATV, Surfing, & Bicycle Tour

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, horseback riding, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure, a mountain bike tour, and more.
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  • 10 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$161
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour from San Jose
4.4
(196)

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour from San Jose

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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  • 13 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$197
Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose
4.9
(637)

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

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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  • 12 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$169
San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour
4.3
(278)

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

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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  • 5 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$78
San Jose Sightseeing City Tour
4.4
(39)

San Jose Sightseeing City Tour

Explore San Jose on this guided half-day sightseeing tour. Great for first-time visitors to the city, the tour includes stops at historic and cultural sites such as the Costa Rican Art Museum in La Sabana, the city center, the National Theater, the University of Costa Rica, and the arts and crafts market. Plus, enjoy lunch at a local Costa Rican restaurant.
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  • 4 to 5 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$95
Price varies by group size
Afternoon Arenal Volcano and Natural Hot Springs River
4.7
(246)

Afternoon Arenal Volcano and Natural Hot Springs River

Explore the best of the Arenal National Park on an afternoon tour of the volcano and hot springs. Hike to the lava fields without the risk of getting lost as your guide will be by your side. Then, cool off with a swim in the lagoon, followed by a relaxing soak in natural hot springs on the river. Includes handy return hotel transfers from La Fortuna.
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  • 4 to 5 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$60
Monteverde Cloud Forest and Hanging Bridges in Selvatura Tour from San Jose
4.0
(83)

Monteverde Cloud Forest and Hanging Bridges in Selvatura Tour from San Jose

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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  • 12 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$185
Braulio Carrillo 6 in 1 Full Day Pass with Optional Transfer
4.7
(73)

Braulio Carrillo 6 in 1 Full Day Pass with Optional Transfer

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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  • 5 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$112
Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge
4.3
(193)

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

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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  • 2 to 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$61
Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José
4.1
(71)

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José

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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  • 10 to 12 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$149
Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens from San José
4.8
(31)

Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens from San José

Visit Costa Rica’s highest active volcano on a full-day trip from San Jose to Irazu Volcano, the historic Orosi church, and Jardin Botanico Lankester (Lankester Botanical Gardens). There are just a few places in Costa Rica where it's possible to stand at the summit of an active volcano, but you can at Irazu Volcano National Park, with views from the rim into the massive crater.
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  • 10 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$144
Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip from San Jose
4.7
(96)

Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip from San Jose

Home to over 100 species of animals, five waterfalls, and a cloud forest the Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens is bursting with biodiversity. 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 tour from San Jose with lunch included.
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  • 7 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$130
Price varies by group size
From San José: Poás Volcano Crater, Coffee Tour and Breakfast
4.4
(91)

From San José: Poás Volcano Crater, Coffee Tour and Breakfast

This excursion will offer you a half day of adventure and learning about our beautiful Costa Rica, we will start the day enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast and then we will take a coffee tour through an authentic plantation with coffee and chocolate tasting. Then we will visit the Poás Volcano where you can take a short walk to the crater to see its beautiful lagoon, of course taking into account that your sighting depends on the natural climatic conditions of the area. Along the way our guide will give you important information about the forest and the Volcano.
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  • 7 to 8 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$105
White Water Rafting Pacuare River Full Day Tour From San Jose
4.8
(174)

White Water Rafting Pacuare River Full Day Tour From San Jose

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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  • 10 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$121
Manuel Antonio National Park from San José
4.3
(120)

Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

Visit one of the top beaches in Costa Rica even if you have limited time with the convenience of a full-day tour from San Jose. Manuel Antonio National Park encompasses a rain forest that is home to monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife, and white-sand beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Get an early start to make the most of the day on a tour that includes two meals and transportation.
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  • 12 to 13 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$155
San Jose By Night tour Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class
4.8
(387)

San Jose By Night tour Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class

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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  • 4 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
$59
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People Also Ask
Q:Are San Jose day trips worth it?
A:

Absolutely. Day trips from San Jose, Costa Rica, will take you into world-renowned rainforests, hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and much more. Travelers love hiking, ziplining, and getting to know the food and culture of this remarkable place.

Q:What cities are close to San Jose?
A:

San Jose is located in Central Valley, in the middle of Costa Rica. Nearby cities in this region include Heredia, Cartago, and Alajuela. A bit farther afield, you’ll find Puntarenas (about two hours).

Q:What beaches are close to San Jose?
A:

You’ll need to travel about two hours to the coast from San Jose to get to the beach. Jaco Beach is the closest (62 miles or 100 kilometers). Manuel Antonio National Park has a gorgeous beach area about three hours from San Jose.

Q:How far apart are Santa Cruz and San Jose?
A:

Santa Cruz in Guanacaste Province is 165 miles (266 kilometers) northwest of San Jose, about a 5-hour drive. Daily, inexpensive bus shuttles between the two cities also clock in around four to five hours. You could also hop on a 50-minute flight from San Jose to Liberia and drive an hour south to Santa Cruz, but the cost and logistics are hardly worth it.

Q:How many days in San Jose is enough?
A:

Three days is a reasonable amount of time to explore while making plenty of time for day trips from San Jose, Costa Rica. The capital city is an excellent home base to explore the nearby coastline, rainforests, and other attractions. Check out this three-day itinerary for first-timers to help you plan your trip.

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