Top Things to do in San Jose
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What to do and see in San Jose, Province of San Jose: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours
Vibrant and packed with Victorian mansions, Costa Rica's rowdy, bustling capital was built on the profits of the coffee trade and working "golden bean" plantations still surround the city. Try freshly roasted local beans at Mercado Central. For shinier gold, visit the Museo del Oro. Many renovated landmarks now house stylish hotels. Usually viewed as a hub, rather than a destination, nightlife is concentrated in Spanish village-inspired El Pueblo. Don't miss the elegant 1897 National Theater.
Restaurants in San Jose
1. Day Trip to Irazú Volcano, Cartago City and Hacienda Orosi Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Things to acknowledge about this tour: You will travel through the most beautiful winding road of Costa Rica traversing fertile lands where many types and forms of crops are grown, all the while affording a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. You will walk right up to the edge of the tallest volcano’s crater in the country and get to drink in the grandeur of the natural surroundings. Afterwards, you will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica. This is a famous pilgrimage site for many christian believers. You will visit a relaxing spot of telluric termal waters.
Inclusions: Lunch, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entrance Fee to Irazú Volcano and Haciend Orosi Hot Springs
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Personal expenses not mentioned as included
Reviewed By SeaAphrodite7
We planned an incredible two week trip back in June 2019, and were supposed to go in March/April 2020. But of course.....covid!! Camino Travel (we worked with Marco Hernandez) were great, they held all the plans for us and we rebooked for March/April 2021. The company owner Helena also got involved to make sure we were able to rebook every hotel and activity we planned to do the year before. Overall, the trip itself was outstanding. Marco picked great hotels, suggested great activities. We loved everything! It was an epic trip for us and our kids - lots of animals and nature, zip line, horseback riding, surfing lessons, swimming in waterfalls, jumping off cliffs into waterfalls, beautiful beaches. We volunteered at an animal sanctuary. We stopped by a local school and brought school supplies for the kids. We had dinner with a local family and looked for frogs in their garden. Just tons of incredible memories. Our journey took us to Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Our driver Didier was fantastic too. Marco helped us all those two weeks, even making changes on the go when we needed to, adjusting tour times, changing the plans for our covid tests, whatever we needed.he was available every day, ready to help! On our last night in town, back in San Jose, we actually went out to dinner with Marco and his family....such wonderful people...our kids connected despite the language barrier. We couldn’t recommend Camino and Marco more highly! Just loved it!
2. Day Trip from San Jose to Arenal Hanging Bridges & Tabacon Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Unforgettable experience...!! Be amazed by the volcanic colossus of Arenal, though it has not erupted recently, this cinder cone on the Costa Rican skyline is considered one of the world's most active volcanoes. Also, visit The Arenal Hanging Bridges (Mistico Park) a series of suspension bridges in the Volcan Arenal National Park area, offering views of Lake Arenal and Volcan Arenal, finally soak up in the thermal benefits in the mineral-rich waters at Tabacon natural hot Springs Resort & Spa
Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Buffet dinner, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fees, Professional naturalist bilingual guide
Exclusions: Gratuities (recommendedl)
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. Gourmet Coffee Tasting & Walking Tour by Carpe Chepe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
If it wasn't for coffee, perhaps there wouldn't be a San Jose city today. On this tour we'll share with you the history of coffee in our town, where was the first coffee plantation, the impact of the grain in our country after the independence, and how the exports helped bring progress to the Central Valley. We'll talk about the different coffee production areas in Costa Rica, as we sample coffee in different infusion methods. Do you know what's the difference between a chemex and a V60, or what's a Vandola? You'll also meet the local baristas, that are trying to change the way costaricans enjoy this delicious and energetic drink. Small groups (10 people max.) ensure personalized attention. Last but not least, we're a local company who believes that we can improve our city through sustainable tourism. We're the first tourism company to specialize on promoting the history and heritage of San Jose, and help other local entrepreneurs while creating unforgettable experiences.
Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Visit to 3 cafes, 3 coffee tasting (3 different techniques) with their respective barista explanations, Coffee Connoisseur guide
Exclusions: Additional Food/Drink, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
Reviewed By LisetteHelena
We joined the pub crawl mid February with visiting friends from Argentina, the United States, Italy and The Philippines. It was a great way to spend time together, have our guests see some of San José, and learn more about Costa Rica from locals. We had previously joined Carpe Chepe for the free city tour, and since we had a good time then, we decided to sign up for this pub crawl. We were not disappointed. All of our friends enjoyed themselves and we got to discover some new places ourselves as well. We visited different bars and didn't have to wait in line at any of the these places. This was really nice because some of the bars had lots of people lined up outside waiting for their turn to go inside. The guides were very friendly, bilingual, and made sure everyone enjoyed their night out. They seemed to be having a good time themselves as well and they kinda just felt like part of our group! It sometimes took a while to get drinks, but other than that we had zero complaints. We would definitely sign up for this pub crawl again in the future, or try one of the other tours that Carpe Chepe offers. If you're looking for a fun night out, this is it!
4. Tastes of San Jose - Small Group foodie & historic walk by Carpe Chepe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
This is a small-group gastronomic experience of our country and our city. Our groups are of 8ppl max. to ensure a personalized attention. We'll walk through the gastronomic district of San Jose Costa Rica, sharing with you not only the history of the neighborhood and it's architecture but also visiting the places that are pushing the envelope on the local gastronomy and/or rescuing our gastronomic heritage. We'll visit three restaurants and sample their flagship dishes as we talk about the different periods on the costarican cuisine.
Inclusions: Visit to 3 different bars and restaurants, Food tasting of flagship dishes, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (If you choose that option), Historical guided walk
Exclusions: Extra Food and Drinks (Unless Specified)
Reviewed By LisetteHelena
We joined the pub crawl mid February with visiting friends from Argentina, the United States, Italy and The Philippines. It was a great way to spend time together, have our guests see some of San José, and learn more about Costa Rica from locals. We had previously joined Carpe Chepe for the free city tour, and since we had a good time then, we decided to sign up for this pub crawl. We were not disappointed. All of our friends enjoyed themselves and we got to discover some new places ourselves as well. We visited different bars and didn't have to wait in line at any of the these places. This was really nice because some of the bars had lots of people lined up outside waiting for their turn to go inside. The guides were very friendly, bilingual, and made sure everyone enjoyed their night out. They seemed to be having a good time themselves as well and they kinda just felt like part of our group! It sometimes took a while to get drinks, but other than that we had zero complaints. We would definitely sign up for this pub crawl again in the future, or try one of the other tours that Carpe Chepe offers. If you're looking for a fun night out, this is it!
5. Walk and Taste San Jose's Markets and Specialty Coffe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We'll start our little adventure at Parque Morazan's kiosk ("Templo de la Música"), and then walk along Central Avenue for a few blocks. We'll walk through the alleys and food stalls of the Central Market and Borbón Market, a more underground spot compared to the Central Market. Dragon Music is a retro music store in the middle of Borbón Market, where you can find used vinyl, CDs, magazines, and more. We'll taste some flavors of the city, from specialty coffee, seasonal fruits to empanadas and more.
Inclusions: Specialty Costa Rican coffee tasting, Costa Rican style empanadas, seasonal tropical fruits and some other market flavors.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By ravioliprimo
We had a great time on our tour with Alexander. Educational, fun, great exercise, and an exciting way to see San Jose. From my initial phone call, Roberto was very accommodating for us on short notice, and arranged a tour for our time schedule. We really enjoyed the stop at cafe machado, too, for a local, expert coffee experience. Highly recommended for an active tour.
6. City tour - San José
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We made a tour taking into account the past and the present in San Jose. We know the artistic part, including its most recognized spaces in this area, the culture, history and architecture of the city. The tour will show you the most beautiful areas of San José. The tour describes the past and the present of San José, in order to know it´s actual life. You get to know from art, culture, history and architecture of the city. The tour shows you the most beautiful areas in San José.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ari_PB
This tour is for both natives and tourists, it takes you to the history of the country and in a very entertaining way it teaches you its culture, food, historical characters, important milestones of Costa Rica. Lorena, the tour guide is super friendly, nice and makes sure that we understand everything in a very nice and polite way. For sure you will have fun with her!! If you want to visit the capital of Costa Rica and all it´s charmings places, you have to do it with Nala walking tours!!!
7. Private foodie experience in San Jose Costa Rica by Carpe Chepe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This is a private foodie experience of our country's and our city's gastronomy with lunch or dinner options available for you to choose from. We'll walk through the gastronomic district of San Jose Costa Rica and visit the places that are rescuing our gastronomic heritage or pushing the envelope in the scene. We'll visit five places total: three restaurants, for a three course meal (a course at each stop), a cocktail bar and a speciality coffee shop. Each place has something that makes them unique, either their own farm with organic ingredients, or fair trade practices that ensure you the quality of the products used, or a whole culinary research project going on. And, while we do all this, we'll be sharing with the history of the neighborhood and it's architecture as we walk from one place to the next one.
Inclusions: Visit to 5 different bars, restaurants and cafes, Historical guided walk, Local guide, Three course meal (lunch or dinner), Speciality coffee with infusion method explanation, Three course meal (lunch or dinner), An alcoholic cocktail prepared by a mixologist will be included prior or after the meal (depending if you book for lunch or for dinner). Also a cup of wine or beer will be served with your main dish.
Exclusions: Extra Food and Drinks (other than specified)
Reviewed By LisetteHelena
We joined the pub crawl mid February with visiting friends from Argentina, the United States, Italy and The Philippines. It was a great way to spend time together, have our guests see some of San José, and learn more about Costa Rica from locals. We had previously joined Carpe Chepe for the free city tour, and since we had a good time then, we decided to sign up for this pub crawl. We were not disappointed. All of our friends enjoyed themselves and we got to discover some new places ourselves as well. We visited different bars and didn't have to wait in line at any of the these places. This was really nice because some of the bars had lots of people lined up outside waiting for their turn to go inside. The guides were very friendly, bilingual, and made sure everyone enjoyed their night out. They seemed to be having a good time themselves as well and they kinda just felt like part of our group! It sometimes took a while to get drinks, but other than that we had zero complaints. We would definitely sign up for this pub crawl again in the future, or try one of the other tours that Carpe Chepe offers. If you're looking for a fun night out, this is it!
8. San Jose hightlights and Hidden Gems With Locals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Unmask the beauty of contemporary Costa Rican life on this walking tour of San Jose and Escazu. Get the low down on some of Costa Rica's local legends, freshest food and rustic restaurants on this San Jose tour that has you walking in holy footsteps and riding public transport for the ultimate insiders experience. Highlights: *Discover a tale of two cities, exploring the real local people in San Jose and Escazu, the “City of Witches" *Visit the legendary Porras *Walk the spiritual route of churches and learn the rich local history of catholicism *Experience the lively atmosphere of the Central Market, and ride like a local about public transport *Visit a legendary masquerade family, renowned for their traditional Costa Rican masks *Feast on authentic local cuisine in a 100-year-old restaurant *Enjoy a sample of traditional chicha *At the end enjoy a cup of coffee in this space of Art, Design and Gastronomy inside an old house, National Heritage in El Centro de Escazú
Inclusions: Feast on authentic local cuisine in a 100-year-old restaurant. Tradicional Costa Rican Tapas, In downtown Escazú, this art and design shop is ensconced in a 150-year-old house with adobe walls. There's also a lovely open-air cafe that serves up fresh coffee., Masquerade. Visit a legendary masquerade family, renowned for their traditional Costa Rican masks, Local Transportation from San José to Escazú, Visit the legendary Bakery Don Fernando, Visit the Central Market
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Beverages and alcoholic drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By G4395NXjennifers
We had limited time in San Jose but this tour was a great way to explore and taste the city. Love that it is locally owned and operated, and I can tell that Erik really cares about his business and customs. Erik is a knowledgeable and professional guide, he was great at communicating by email and WhatsApp and went out of his way to give us a private tour due to COVID concerns. He was also really understanding and accommodating when we were running more than a little late due to long lines at customs. I would classify this as more of a cultural tour with a walk through the markets as opposed to a true food tour, but we were able to purchase some amazing coffee and the restaurant at the end was delicious!
9. San Jose Small Group Walking Tour by Carpe Chepe
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 43 reviews
Hang out with locals and enjoy the walking tour in San José. A great way to get immersed and learn more about Costa Rica’s capital, its history, iconic places and the “ticos” culture. Small groups. M-Sa 9:30AM and 3:00PM Meet at The National Theater of Costa Rica Our guides will be wearing a Yellow T-shirt
Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Hotel drop-off (selected hotels only), Snacks
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By LisetteHelena
We joined the pub crawl mid February with visiting friends from Argentina, the United States, Italy and The Philippines. It was a great way to spend time together, have our guests see some of San José, and learn more about Costa Rica from locals. We had previously joined Carpe Chepe for the free city tour, and since we had a good time then, we decided to sign up for this pub crawl. We were not disappointed. All of our friends enjoyed themselves and we got to discover some new places ourselves as well. We visited different bars and didn't have to wait in line at any of the these places. This was really nice because some of the bars had lots of people lined up outside waiting for their turn to go inside. The guides were very friendly, bilingual, and made sure everyone enjoyed their night out. They seemed to be having a good time themselves as well and they kinda just felt like part of our group! It sometimes took a while to get drinks, but other than that we had zero complaints. We would definitely sign up for this pub crawl again in the future, or try one of the other tours that Carpe Chepe offers. If you're looking for a fun night out, this is it!
10. Explore the Central Market's History and Food with a Local Expert by Carpe Chepe
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 23 reviews
We believe San José Costa Rica is a beautiful, fun and interesting city. We believe we can improve our city through sustainable tourism. We’re the first tourism company to specialize in sharing San Jose, the way locals live it. We’re a local business, improving the local economy while creating unforgettable experiences in or home town. The markets, all over the world are a colorful way to experience the culture of each country and mingle with the local crowd. On this tour we will tell you the history behind the 139 years of existence of our Central Market, and the first markets in our capital as we share with you its secrets, taste the best of its food (coffee, tropical fruits, traditional dishes, ice cream and more) and meet the people that make it unique. Small groups (10ppl max.) ensure a personalized service. You can book this tour at 10am or 3pm for your convenience.
Inclusions: Food tasting, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
Reviewed By LisetteHelena
We joined the pub crawl mid February with visiting friends from Argentina, the United States, Italy and The Philippines. It was a great way to spend time together, have our guests see some of San José, and learn more about Costa Rica from locals. We had previously joined Carpe Chepe for the free city tour, and since we had a good time then, we decided to sign up for this pub crawl. We were not disappointed. All of our friends enjoyed themselves and we got to discover some new places ourselves as well. We visited different bars and didn't have to wait in line at any of the these places. This was really nice because some of the bars had lots of people lined up outside waiting for their turn to go inside. The guides were very friendly, bilingual, and made sure everyone enjoyed their night out. They seemed to be having a good time themselves as well and they kinda just felt like part of our group! It sometimes took a while to get drinks, but other than that we had zero complaints. We would definitely sign up for this pub crawl again in the future, or try one of the other tours that Carpe Chepe offers. If you're looking for a fun night out, this is it!
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