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Exploring San Jose: Best Tours and Activities in Costa Rica's Capital

Updated: Apr 9

San Jose: Costa Rica's vibrant capital bursts with culture, history, and surprising adventures. Beyond the bustling markets and museums, this city offers a surprising variety of thrills. Hike through steamy rainforests, scale volcanic peaks, discover hidden waterfalls, and savor delicious local coffee. From adrenaline-pumping activities to laid-back explorations, San Jose is your gateway to unforgettable Costa Rican experiences. Let's explore the must-do tours and activities that will transform your San Jose trip into an epic Costa Rican adventure!


Disclaimer

Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.


Prices listed below are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you.

San José Guided Tour

Embark on a captivating guided walking tour of San Jose, Costa Rica, as we delve into the treasures of the Gold Museum and the grandeur of the National Theater.


Duration

5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 11:30 am

Price

$71 per person

Alternative


Bites and Sights - Walking Food Tour

Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour that takes you through the streets, bustling markets, and tranquil parks. Discover the secrets behind herbal remedies, and fresh produce at Borbon and San Jose Central Market. Discover a side to this city only heard from the mouths of locals, while indulging in typical cuisine and one of Costa Rica’s most delectable exports.


Duration

3 hours

Availability

Monday – Saturday at 8:30am and 11:30am

Price

$33 per person

Alternative


Wine Tour and Tasting

Enjoy a wine tour at the first and only commercial winery in Costa Rica and Central America with international quality. You will visit a golden berry plantation and at one of the vineyards, you will receive an explanation of the processes of the first and only golden berry liqueur (Golden Rush) and red and white wines. Finally you will have a tasting of 4 wines with pairing.


Duration

2.5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm

Price

$85 per person

Alternative

Bar Crawl

Enjoy the different atmospheres of San José nightlife on this entertaining Bar Hopping Tour, and get a complimentary drink and free cover with "skip the line" at each place. Enjoy the pura vida life!


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Thursday - Saturday at 7 pm

Price

$35 per person

Alternative


Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island

Enjoy a day of adventure sailing to the beautiful Isla Tortuga. Spend a relaxing day at the beach between palm trees, sand, and the warm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya. Roundtrip hotel transportation, lunch, and soft drinks included.


Duration

10 – 12 hours

Availability

Everyday at 4:30am

Price

$115 per person


ATV, River, Beach, Jungle Adventure and Crocodiles Hotspot

Are you ready to cross a river riding an ATV, and feel the adrenaline on your body? Visit the pacific mountain hills, driving up through rivers. Immerse in jungle trails, then come down to a beautiful beach. Fun and nature will make your day one to remember.

Stop on the Tarcoles River Bridge to take pictures of huge crocodiles.


Duration

6 hours

Availability

Everyday from 7 am - 1 pm

Price

$78 per person

Alternative

Los Suenos Full-Day Tour - $179 per person

Mega Zipline (25 lines) over 11 Waterfalls

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring over 11 different waterfalls on this small-group canopy tour. Enjoy breathtaking views over the ocean, mountains, and rainforest on 25 zipline cables, the longest in Costa Rica. Led by a professional nigguide, this tour emphasizes safety and provides all the necessary equipment. Lunch and bottled water are included. Participants must be at least seven years old and weigh less than 280 pounds (127 kg).


Duration

3.5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 6:45 am (with transportation) or 9 am (without transportation)

Price

  • $109 per person without transportation

  • $199 per person with transportation

Alternative


6 in 1 Tour: Rainforest Adventures

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.


Duration

8 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8 am and 10 am

Price

  • $112 per person without transportation

  • $145 per person with transportation

Alternative


Private Beach, Rainforest & Mangrove Horseback Riding Tour

Head to the Central Pacific Coast and Tarcoles River where you will embark on a 2-hour riding adventure. The tour will take you to a Mangrove, rainforest, beach, and River, where you will encounter huge crocodiles. After the tour, enjoy a delicious and authentic Costa Rican lunch before heading back to your hotel in San Jose. Round-trip transportation included.


Duration

8 hours

Availability

Everyday at 7 am

Price

$255 per person

Alternative

Whitewater Rafting at Sarapiqui River Class II-III

If you are new to rafting this is the best option for you. The class II-III section has around 12 rapids that will give the whole family an unforgettable experience, in addition to the exuberant views of nature and refreshing white water that drifts through the rainforest of Sarapiqui.


Duration

3 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9:30 am and 2 pm

Price

$60 per person

Alternative


Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour

Escape the crowds and go off the beaten path in Costa Rica. This small-group tour of the Ebano Natural Reserve is ideal for active travelers who want to spend time in scenic nature. You'll take a short hike through the rainforest, spotting wildlife such as colorful frogs, birds, and monkeys along the way, before arriving at a double waterfall where you can cool off with a swim.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30 am

Price

$75 per person

Alternative


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 all-access 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.


Duration

2 - 6 hours

Availability

Everyday at 10 am with transportation, from 8 am - 5 pm without transportation

Price

  • $51 per person without transportation

  • $130 per person with transportation

Alternative

Irazu Volcano Crater Hike and Cartago Trip

Hike to the summit of the Irazu Volcano on a guided day trip from San Jose. Admire views of the crater and its mystical lagoon before visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago.


Duration

5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 6 am

Price

$91 per person

Alternative


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Hi there! I'm Jacqlyne. Welcome to my Blog!

 

I'm a Certified Travel Agent, who can save you all the time and stress of planning travel on your own. I can also save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on a trip! I have planned everything from solo, birthday, bachelor, bachelorette, honeymoon and destination wedding trips. I have helped clients with family trips to Disney, cruises, month long trips across Europe and much more. I have a perfect 5 star rating from past clients. I would love to help you see the world, so reach out to me for your next trip to learn how I could assist you. You'll never go back to planning travel how you use to again!

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