The 10 Best Day Trips from in San Jose Metro, Province of San Jose

January 10, 2022 Giuseppe Pratt

Discover the best top things to do in San Jose Metro, Costa Rica including Day Trip from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River, Day trip from San Jose to Doka Coffee Plantations & La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Semi Private La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River from San Jose, Tortuguero One Day Tour, Tour La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Irazú Volcano Combo tour 4 in 1 from San José, 1 day excursion to Hanging Bridges + Thermal Spa in Arenal, Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience, Combo Tour Arenal: Hanging Bridges + Hot Springs + Waterfall from San José, Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Restaurants in San Jose Metro

1. Day Trip from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River

Destiny Travel Costa Rica
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Take a walk through an enchanting Costa Rican landscape alive with rescued jaguars, resplendent butterflies, exotic birds, and tropical cascades with a tour to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Travel from San Jose to this private nature reserve, designed to educate visitors and provide a sanctuary for rescued wildlife through a variety of gardens and exhibits. Also discover the beauties of the Sarapiqui River all in one day.  Tour includes: Profesional bilingual guide, comfortable & air conditioning transportation, bottled water, rain coat, buffet lunch, entrance fee and boat ride Daily departure from San Jose Hotels: 7:00 am  What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing and your camera

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, National Park fees, Buffet lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By meator3

I was in Costa Rica in January, now I have traveled to Colombia. I have waited several months but I cannot shake how HORRIBLE this tour was. We were supposed to have a tour bus but was instead packed into a sedan. At some point the tour guide was alluding to us going to a nicer restaurant and having us pay for his lunch because the office "did not send the money over" for the included meal. I have been on many tours before and many after but this one was easily the worst. Our tour guide was out taking pictures of his own on every site instead of actually guiding us. What took the cake was when we thought we were going to see a coffee plantation but instead he pulls over on the side of the road to a ditch to show us mounds of dirt that supposedly were growing coffee and he said he couldn't take us to an actual plantation because "The Nicaraguans are harder working and the Costa Rican youth are always on their phones now so it won't be worth it". We paid 100+ dollars EACH for a glorified taxi ride across the country. 0/10 don't recommend

2. Day trip from San Jose to Doka Coffee Plantations & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Destiny Travel Costa Rica
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

• Let us take you to a real coffee plantation, experiment and see how is the technique and the process of sowing, harvesting and producing this important grain. Later we will go to one of the most visited places in Costa Rica (La Paz Waterfall Gardens) . The waterfall is located immediately alongside the road from Alajuela that leads to the northern plains of Costa Rica. The River La Paz forms the waterfall after traversing 8 kilometres (5 mi) of volcanic terrain, and then continues through the rainforest of the eastern side of Poás Volcano. A short path leads behind the waterfall, where a small shrine had been located. Upstream from the waterfall is La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a park, where visitors can observe many different species of local wildlife.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Buffet lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By meator3

I was in Costa Rica in January, now I have traveled to Colombia. I have waited several months but I cannot shake how HORRIBLE this tour was. We were supposed to have a tour bus but was instead packed into a sedan. At some point the tour guide was alluding to us going to a nicer restaurant and having us pay for his lunch because the office "did not send the money over" for the included meal. I have been on many tours before and many after but this one was easily the worst. Our tour guide was out taking pictures of his own on every site instead of actually guiding us. What took the cake was when we thought we were going to see a coffee plantation but instead he pulls over on the side of the road to a ditch to show us mounds of dirt that supposedly were growing coffee and he said he couldn't take us to an actual plantation because "The Nicaraguans are harder working and the Costa Rican youth are always on their phones now so it won't be worth it". We paid 100+ dollars EACH for a glorified taxi ride across the country. 0/10 don't recommend

3. Semi Private La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River from San Jose

Destiny Travel Costa Rica
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Take a walk through an enchanting Costa Rican landscape alive with rescued jaguars, resplendent butterflies, exotic birds, and tropical cascades with a tour to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Travel from San Jose to this private nature reserve, designed to educate visitors and provide a sanctuary for rescued wildlife through a variety of gardens and exhibits. Also discover the beauties of the Sarapiqui River all in one day. 

Inclusions: National Park fees, Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By meator3

I was in Costa Rica in January, now I have traveled to Colombia. I have waited several months but I cannot shake how HORRIBLE this tour was. We were supposed to have a tour bus but was instead packed into a sedan. At some point the tour guide was alluding to us going to a nicer restaurant and having us pay for his lunch because the office "did not send the money over" for the included meal. I have been on many tours before and many after but this one was easily the worst. Our tour guide was out taking pictures of his own on every site instead of actually guiding us. What took the cake was when we thought we were going to see a coffee plantation but instead he pulls over on the side of the road to a ditch to show us mounds of dirt that supposedly were growing coffee and he said he couldn't take us to an actual plantation because "The Nicaraguans are harder working and the Costa Rican youth are always on their phones now so it won't be worth it". We paid 100+ dollars EACH for a glorified taxi ride across the country. 0/10 don't recommend

4. Tortuguero One Day Tour

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Tortuguero national park, a beatifull park with exuberant nature. To get to Totuguero you will ride on motor boats through canals, lagoons and rivers, while you can admire the spectacular vegetation and wildlife.This park is well known because of the green turtles nesting time from July to September, every year.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Guide, Round Trip Transportation from Hotels in San Jose

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities

Reviewed By 926RonS

The place didn't disappoint. The numerous waterfalls and trail was great experience. Definitely worth-visiting.

5. Tour La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Vive Travels
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

As we ascend the mountain, we will notice a change in temperature and vegetation; we will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a beautiful array of colors and visuals.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch, Driver/guide, Round-trip shared transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By MParker2

I booked the combo tour via web site (Viator), and paid for tickets. On the reservation form requested the local traveling company (Vive Travel) to contact me to finalize the details of transportation pick up. At the time of reservation, the web form indicated the local transportation would pick up at any private residence or selected hotel list in the San Jose area. After not hearing back from local touring company, contacted Viator, explained the situation. I was instructed to go to a specific hotel as suggested by Viator and was also told that they had made note with the local touring company to pick me up at that location by 5:00AM on the touring day. I was also given local touring company contact information via WhatsApp and phone # to call if required. Decided to drive two hours and stay at the local recommended hotel the night before tour. Checked into the hotel and reached out to local touring company via WhatsApp informing them of my location. WhatsApp confirmed that they read the message but the local traveling company did not respond back. Finally 8:00PM the night before the tour, I called Viator and informed them that I have had zero feedback from local touring company and was started to get concerned about the being picked up from the hotel. After one hour of phone call with Viator, I was told to go to the hotel lobby area and was assured that someone would be picking us up for transport. Was in the lobby before 5:00AM, and still no sign of transportation. Called Viator, and was told to wait till 6:00AM and call back again. 6:00AM still no sign of local transportation. Called Viator, got the refund, but could not believe the agent attempted to sell me another tour package. Seriously! Four calls to Viator, multiple attempts via email to local travel touring company, several confirmed WhatsApp messages and our planned day of going on several tours got completely abolished with significant disappointments. I hold Viator completely responsible for what happened and this is false advertisement on their behalf. Although they refunded my money, I would never ever book anything with them again. Book at your own risk. Don't expect too much and be ready for being disappointed.

6. Irazú Volcano Combo tour 4 in 1 from San José

Summer Travel Costa Rica
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Irazú Volcano, this colossus is the highest volcano in the territory with 3432 meters (11000 feet) above sea level, whose last eruptive phase includes the period between 1963 and 1965 with strong gas and ash emanations that were perceived throughout the country. On a clear, sunny day, both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans can be seen. After visiting the volcano, we will descend to the city of Cartago, the ancient capital of Costa Rica established in 1563 by the conqueror Juan Vázquez de Coronado, where a stop is made at the Basilica of the Virgen de los Ángeles, a pilgrimage place for many faithful, which is a tradition in force since 1635. We also visit the Orosi viewpoint, a beautiful valley considered among the 10 most beautiful on the planet, then we explore the ruins of Cartago, a beautiful building that survived a strong earthquake in 1910.

Inclusions: Lunch, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By suzannek544

The six hour tour only took two. The dept of health had closed down the city due to a COVID outbreak. Everything was closed. Can’t really blame the operator. Probably also went faster because there were just the two of us.

7. 1 day excursion to Hanging Bridges + Thermal Spa in Arenal

Summer Travel Costa Rica
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour in Arenal is the best option from San José if you want to combine the best of two experiences in one day, our tour offers the possibility of taking a tour of hanging bridges in the middle of the rainforest and then enjoying a delicious 100% thermal bath natural in an exclusive thermal resort, with more than 25 different pools. There are 9 suspension bridges and 11 normal bridges, we walk through the rainforest for 3.2 kilometers, we will have panoramic views of the forest and animal watching. Our Thermal Spa is located right next to the volcano and the water that they have in their pools comes directly from the Arenal Volcano with an average temperature of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, it is the perfect temperature to relax after a walk, the water has properties rejuvenating and you can appreciate the difference in the smoothness of the skin after finishing the tour, in addition the water helps to remove all impurities from the skin of the body.

Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Suspension Bridges Admission, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By suzannek544

The six hour tour only took two. The dept of health had closed down the city due to a COVID outbreak. Everything was closed. Can’t really blame the operator. Probably also went faster because there were just the two of us.

8. Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience

DoTicoTours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

On this hike we will travel through the area of Valverde Vega in Alajuela, and to Bajos del Toro to visit an area which is recognized for its stunning waterfalls. Discover the most hidden gems of Costa Rica located in a remote valley between extinct volcanoes and experience the richness of the natural forest. We will visit unbelievable waterfalls that change between blue and turquoise colors. Their tones vary in the summer or winter due to volcanic activity at Poas Volcano. Come join me. One trip. So many ways to explore. Distance: 6 - 7 km approx. (A shorter or longer distance can be arranged if previously requested, as long as it is within the same time schedule). Duration: 8 - 10 hours. Difficulty: Easy / Medium. Departure: 7:00 a.m. Note: The terrain on this hike includes dirt roads, mountain trails through rain forest paths and along streams

Inclusions: Bottled water, Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Guide/Expert from the area, Trekking poles, Hotel pick up & drop off

Exclusions: Travel insurance, Tips

Reviewed By cizungualine

Event hough the hike is only about 4 miles, it wasn't easy because it's climbing. The view at the top was all worth it! Eric was very patient with me taking breaks every 5 min lol. Tthis was the best tour I had through the whole vacation. If you're looking for hiking in Costa Rica Dotico Tours is exceptional. Thanks for the experience!

9. Combo Tour Arenal: Hanging Bridges + Hot Springs + Waterfall from San José

Summer Travel Costa Rica
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4.9 based on 17 reviews

Enjoy a private and all-inclusive tour in which you can get to know the major attractions in the Arenal area. On this tour you will visit one of the largest waterfalls in Costa Rica, and you will be able to walk on the treetops in the tropical forest while crossing several suspension bridges at more than 125 meters high, while an expert naturalist guide explains about the flora and fauna of the place, you will be able to see mammals, arachnids, snakes, and much more! To finish you will enjoy an afternoon at a Thermal Spa, ideal to relax and enjoy a rich thermal bath with completely natural water at different temperatures, with more than 25 pools you will have a unique moment of relaxation with the best view of the volcano.

Inclusions: Lunch à la carte, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Light breakfast, Sandwich, cookies, fruits, water, juice.

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Reviewed By suzannek544

The six hour tour only took two. The dept of health had closed down the city due to a COVID outbreak. Everything was closed. Can’t really blame the operator. Probably also went faster because there were just the two of us.

10. Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Expediciones Tropicales Day Tours
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4.9 based on 10 reviews

The best TOP Ranked tour from San Jose 3 destinations in one day. Coffee Experience, Unique Poas Volcano Crater and one most beautiful nature park and waterfalls. We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. we will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance Fee to Poas Volcano, Entrance Fee Coffee Tour, Entrance Fee La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Exclusions: Bottled water, Snacks

Reviewed By 407salehn

Picked us up at 5:40 A and served us a sorry ham sandwich at boarding around 8:30 what a terrible start of the day because of the early pickup we had no access to coffee or breakfast and it was only ham option for the morning. Our day went on without breakfast. Lunch served on the beach was limited and had no deserts or coffee afterward as this was offered with another tour company I went for the same trip two years ago.

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