Day Trips from San Jose to Alajuela

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.

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, natural wonders, and diverse wildlife, and this full-day tour from San Jose combines all three. Learn how Costa Rican coffee is made on a guided tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation, enjoy magnificent views of the Poas Volcano crater on a scenic walk, and spot wildlife around the La Paz Waterfall, including a visit to the country’s largest butterfly observatory.

Spend a day exploring Costa Rica's rich wildlife on this tour to a coffee plantation, waterfall, and volcanic lagoon from San Jose. After learning how coffee is harvested and roasted on a coffee farm tour, head to Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a chance to see animals like birds, butterflies, and monkeys in their beautiful natural habitats.

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.

Get to know one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, the Poás Volcano with 2,708 m high, which is located just a few minutes from the city of San José, where we pick you up directly where you can find lodged to take you to see the Great Colossus On the way to the Volcano you will be able to delight in the beautiful views of the Milk, Strawberry and ornamental plants farms as well as the large coffee plantations which stand out for the large amount observed on the way, once we arrive at the Volcano. We will take you to enjoy a delicious typical Lunch which is included in the tour. Once we are satisfied we will go to La Peace Waterfalls where you will be amazed with the immense this waterfall that this area gives us. You can not loose of visiting the Coffee Farm and learning everything about one of the best coffee in the world.

Experience both extremes of Costa Rican nature on this wild and wonderful private tour: an active volcano and lush, serene waterfalls. Escaping the crowds, you’ll get personally picked up from your hotel and whisked off to Poas Volcano, an active, steaming giant. From there, you’ll explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens to take in serious natural beauty, hang out with toucans, and more.

Escape the hustle and bustle of San Jose and experience Sarchi, a small town famous for its artisan crafts. After pickup from your hotel, your personal guide will show you the best spots, detailing the tradition of oxcart painting—and the importance of the oxcart to Costa Rica—wooden craft-making, family art factories, and more. Grab an authentic lunch and choose from 200+ shops to select a souvenir to take back home.

Head off the beaten path and discover the Poás Volcano on this exciting adventure from San Jose. Alongside a private guide, visit the active stratovolcano and discover the unique ecosystem that surrounds it. Then, choose from a few attractions to visit such as the La Paz Waterfall and Gardens, the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, and the Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Plantation.

Seeing Costa Rica’s wildlife is great—getting up-close encounters on a private tour, led by a naturalist guide, is even better. Picked up from your San Jose hotel, you’ll head to one of the best wildlife rescue centers in the country to spot tapirs, spider monkeys, pumas, peacocks, and more in their natural habitat. Great for all ages, you’ll get to discover this world and get all your questions answered.

Zoom through the Costa Rican jungle on a full-day zip-lining tour in San Ramon. The tour is perfect for adrenaline junkies and active families alike. Thanks to provided safety equipment and the watchful eye of your experienced guide, you’re able to sail through the cloud forest with ease. Walk across six hanging bridges, measuring up to 360 feet across (110 meters). Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, sloths, and monkeys.

For this full day tour, we will visit three incredible places that are completely unique to this area. As well as learning more about Costa Rican coffee, we will visit Poás Volcano, one of only five active volcanoes in the country. We will then see over 100 species including rescued sloths and hummingbirds in the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This is my favourite trip in the San Jose area, providing you with a great combination of picturesque scenery and the chance to get up close to many species found in Costa Rica.

If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in Costa Rica, then this tour will take you to the right place. A private day trip to the Doka Estate coffee plantation will show you how Costa Rican coffee is processed from bean to brew. After seeing how this amazing coffee is made, you’ll head to the town of Iglesia de Sarchi for a few hours of souvenir shopping before making a quick stop at Parque Central de Grecia.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens lies roughly an hour away from San José—and an entire world apart. On your guided tour, you’ll wander amongst waterfalls, through a cloud forest, along hiking trails, and in the company of incredible wildlife. Beyond the butterfly observatory and serpentarium, get to know spider monkeys, Capuchin monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, toucans, and more. For flora lovers, there are orchids and heliconias, too, all in one nature-rich spot.

Just 90 minutes from San Jose lies a world of fiery, steaming, white-hot adventure, and with this tour, you’ll walk into it yourself. Picked up from your hotel, you’ll make the drive to Poas Volcano National Park, where you’ll literally step into the volcanic crater. After getting your fill of this lava land, you’ll cool down with stops at a bucolic farm, coffee plantation, or other awesome Alajuela attractions.

The one day tour to the Poas volcano is very complete since it includes transportation, entrance fees, and a delicious breakfast and lunch before returning to your hotel. It usually leaves from the city of San Jose and on the way to the volcano you will be able to observe a lot of nature and beautiful landscapes, on the tour to the plantations you will learn how Costa Rican coffee beans are grown, where you can also taste the final product with a rich flavor. El Poás is the volcano with one of the largest craters in all of Central America, which makes it one of the most important tourist destinations in Costa Rica. In this place you can connect with nature and enjoy its delicious cold weather. After the visit to the volcano, you will continue to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a wildlife refuge Named for the five waterfalls and the beautiful vegetation that flourishes in the place.

Curi-Cancha is a paradise for birdwatchers. The resplendent Quetzal, the three-horned bellbird, the Motmot crowned with blue, the orange-bellied Trogon and many others are frequently seen. In fact, more than 200 species of birds that have their home in Curi-Cancha have been observed. The mammals most frequently seen include armadillo, coati, agouti, kinkajou, ocelot, two-toed sloth and three species of monkeys: the howler with the cape, the white-faced capuchin and the spider monkey. You will be picked up in the lobby of your Hotel in San Jose to drive about 3 hours to the Monteverde Reserve and enjoy of a delicious typical lunch for then starting your dream journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. What to bring: walk shoes, binoculars, waterproof coat and camera.

This guided trek to Vara Blanca is a full day of coffee, wildlife, and waterfalls—all in one. Picked up from your San Jose area hotel, your guide will start you with a typical Costa Rican breakfast, fueling you up for one long day of hiking along and to lush forests, steep canyons, and crashing waterfalls. You’ll also stop at a coffee farm for a look at this Costa Rican delicacy.

Experience Costa Rican culture, nature, and adventure on a 12-hour tour from San Jose. The full-day excursion is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their limited time in the diverse country. Make your way to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve on horseback, where you discover the local culture and traditions. After a complimentary lunch, soar through Arenal Volcano National Park across seven different ziplines.

The tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens is ideal for travelers who do not want to stray too far from the city to live a unique experience surrounded by nature and wildlife. The adventure begins from the moment we begin to climb the mountain, entering through the province of Alajuela, this tour will allow you to experience the changes in climate, accompanied by a wonderful landscape, which will be the prelude to the magnificent experience that travelers will have in La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natura Park & Wildlife Refuge This tour includes travelers, transportation, park tickets, and a delicious buffet lunch, so you won't have to worry about anything other than enjoying the experience.

Embark on a captivating small group journey to Poas Volcano, where you will meet the fiery heart of Costa Rica's wilderness. Led by our experienced local biologists, this intimate experience will take you as close as possible to the volcano's awe-inspiring might. Immerse yourself in lush cloud forests teeming with native flora, fauna and funga. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, explore volcanic trails, and delight yourself with one of our favorite birdwatching hotspots where you will see colorful flying jewels and take amazing photos. This is more than a tour; it's an intimate odyssey through the untamed beauty of Poas Volcano and its surroundings. Our company is dedicated to delving deeper than the surface. We'll lead you through the jungle with a naturalist's spirit, fueled by curiosity and a sense of wonder.

This all-in-one pack will allow you to fully enjoy your vacations while we do the work for you, our experience includes the transfer from the airport to the apartment in a luxury car. The stay with us is amazing, better than a 5-star hotel you will get a fully equipped 3-bedroom apartment with 2 queen sizes beds and one twin size an amazing view out to the city, a private jacuzzi to unwind with nature, a private sauna and meditation room. The tour includes all admission tickets, a little fruity snacks, and water. after a full hiking day, you will come back to a full-body 1-hour massage with our staff. Don't miss out on this amazing experience it's the best way to kick off your vacation in Costa Rica. Valid for 4 people.

Embark on an extraordinary journey with our Poas Volcano and Waterfall Peace Garden tour! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica's natural wonders as you explore the majestic Poas Volcano and wander through the serene Waterfall Peace Garden. From the moment you step foot on this adventure, you'll be captivated by the stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and abundant wildlife that define this enchanting destination. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on an unforgettable exploration, providing insights into the geological marvels of the volcano and the ecological significance of the lush gardens. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this tour promises an experience like no other. Book now and let us take you on a journey to discover the magic of Poas Volcano and the tranquility of Waterfall Peace Garden.

Embark on an unforgettable journey where each step unfolds a new chapter of Costa Rica's enchanting story. Start your day amidst the aromatic rows of a lush coffee plantation, where the secrets of the perfect brew are revealed. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a renowned wood-fired restaurant, savoring local flavors that will energize your spirit. Next, ascend to the majestic Poás Volcano, an active stratovolcano standing proudly at 2,708 meters. Here, marvel at the vastness of its crater and the ethereal beauty of the Botos Lagoon, while exploring diverse ecosystems. Your adventure crescendos at the breathtaking La Paz Waterfalls, a paradise for nature enthusiasts. After indulging in a sumptuous buffet lunch, delve into the heart of the rainforest. Witness the raw power of cascading waterfalls. This tour is not just a journey through Costa Rica's natural wonders, but an immersive experience into the heart of its cultural and ecological heritage.