San José Travel Guides
Plan your trip to San José with accurate, up-to-date travel guides created with local insight — skip tourist traps, save time, and enjoy the city like it’s meant to be experienced.
San José Latest Travel Guides
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Amazing Costa Rica Expedition 8D/7N Vacation Package
Perfect for Friends
San José, Costa Rica
San José Popular tours and activities
View allDiscover and book popular tours and activities in San José to make the most of your trip.
Guided Walking Sloths Observation
There’s plenty of time for photography, with guides helping point out sloths and share interesting facts about their behaviors and the surrounding flora and fauna.
Private Shuttle from San José Airport (SJO) to Jacó Beach
At Jacamar Naturalist Tours, we are experts to make your vacations pleasant and enjoyable. You do not have to worry about the driving distance and road conditions, just relax and enjoy your journey we will take care of all details of your ground transportation. Our private transfer is flexible and offers you the chance to enjoy panoramic views, stop in a local restaurant to enjoy the delicious Costa Rican food, or simply take bathroom breaks or some time to stretch up. Services are private, so, you can feel free to schedule the transportation at any time you wish. All our vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and driven by punctual, and reliable professionals, that will assist you all along the road, making your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Self Guided Walking Tour in San Jose City, Costa Rica
Discover the highlights of San Jose, Costa Rica on this self-guided walk that covers interesting monuments, buildings, museums and other stories. This tour is the perfect introduction to the city for first time visitors. You will learn how coffee culture shaped this city, hear the surprising story behind the national monument and find out what different museums have to offer.On this tour you will discover 12 different spots and end at a market. You can decide which spots you want to enter and explore further after listening to the commentary. You will be free to explore the city based on your interests, pausing to shop or eat when you wish to.
Private Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde With 2 Stops
With our private transfer service, you can enjoy optimizing your travel time and the comfort of our cars. Our experienced local driver always has your safety and comfort in mind. From the beginning of the trip, when he picks you up in San José at your desired time and takes care of your luggage, until the end of your journey in your chosen location in Monteverde. Here begins your private stress-free trip full of wonderful authentic experiences and insights into the local culture. Our travel experts have chosen the most interesting sightseeing stops and top-rated attractions for you to choose from and enrich your journey. You will travel comfortably with a reliable driver who speaks English and has a good knowledge of the area. The only thing you need to do is relax while being taken care of.
Direct transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, English Speaking Driver
Enjoy a hassle-free arrival in a Fortuna with our premium private transfer service. Meet your driver wherever you wish in San José and relax on the journey to your desired destination. Our experienced local driver always has your safety and comfort in mind. From the beginning of the trip, when he picks you up in San José at your desired time and takes care of your luggage, until the end of your journey in your chosen location in La Fortuna.You will travel comfortably with a reliable driver who speaks English and has a good knowledge of the area. The only thing you need to do is relax while being taken care of. Do you need more transfers? We offer hundreds of sightseeing routes across Europe. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver
Enjoy a hassle-free arrival in Monteverde with our premium private transfer service full of wonderful authentic experiences and insights into the local culture. Meet your driver wherever you wish in San José and relax on the journey to your desired destination. Our experienced local driver always has your safety and comfort in mind. From the beginning of the trip, when he picks you up in San José at your desired time and takes care of your luggage, until the end of your journey in your chosen location in Monteverde.You will travel comfortably with a reliable driver who speaks English and has a good knowledge of the area. The only thing you need to do is relax while being taken care of. Do you need more transfers? We offer hundreds of sightseeing routes across Europe. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver
Enjoy a hassle-free arrival in Cahuita with our premium private transfer service full of wonderful authentic experiences and insights into the local culture. Meet your driver wherever you wish in San José and relax on the journey to your desired destination.Our experienced local driver always has your safety and comfort in mind. From the beginning of the trip, when he picks you up in San José at your desired time and takes care of your luggage, until the end of your journey in your chosen location in Cahuita.You will travel comfortably with a reliable driver who speaks English and has a good knowledge of the area. The only thing you need to do is relax while being taken care of. Do you need more transfers? We offer hundreds of sightseeing routes across Europe. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Arenal Sloths Lovers & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour
This tour is the perfect combination between nature and relaxation.The tour starts from your hotel in San Jose, with private and exclusive transportation for you and your family.Upon arrival at the Arenal Volcano area, you will visit the Danaus Eco Center, which is a site that offers ecological and educational experiences. Once in here explore the trails with a naturalist tour guide and have a close contact with many wildlife species including sloths.Later, you will relax in one of the best thermal water places in the area: Baldi Hot Springs. At Baldi Hot Springs you will find an endless dreamed stay, where the natural environment, colorful natural gardens, therapeutic waters, pure air and our care combine on a perfect state; the dream came true. The unique frame where your experience turns into the most unforgettable one. In here you will enjoy multiple thermal pools, a giant steam room, luxury pool bars, giant waterslides, relaxing areas and much more.
2 Day Pacuare River Rafting and Hiking Tour
This tour is one of the Top River Adventures in Costa Rica. Pacuare River is considered a world class river for the practice of whitewater rafting, even for beginners or professionals who need practice for international tournaments. It is located about 2.5 hours from San Jose. This scenic ride from San Jose is just spectacular, with beautiful views of rainforest and small villages along the way.The lodge, where you will stay overnight is enchanting. It is located right in the middle of a pristine rainforest. The rooms are rustic but have all the comfort for living a deep nature encounter. Paved trails are available to all those who want to explore the area and see the abundant wildlife species of the area such as howler monkeys, toucans, sloths and many more.
Zipline Canopy & Crocodile Safari Cruise. Private Tour
The tour begins with a trip to the Pacific coast towards Playa Herradura, just 90 minutes from San Jose and until you reach the Vista Los Sueños adventure park.Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the lush Costa Rican rainforest on our Zip Line Canopy Tour, gliding from platform to platform along a series of sturdy cables. Professional guides ensure your safety and provide fascinating insights into the rich biodiversity, starting with a 15-minute ride aboard our specially designed tractor. Once we reach the top of the mountain, we will explain step-by-step all the safety procedures you must follow. We then descend to the bottom via a series of zip lines, including 12 platforms and 10 cables with a total cable distance of 3.5 kilometers, among them the longest cable in the area (2400 ft.).After the tour, enjoy lunch before continue to Tarcoles River for a boat cruise, where you will admire the huge crocodiles and other wildlife species living in this river.
Sarchi Oxcarts & Souvenir Shopping Private Tour
Visiting Sarchi is a great experience for anyone who wants to know and enjoy Costa Rican art, since this small town is considered the cradle of Costa Rican crafts.A national symbol of Costa Rica, the oxcart plays a key role in the country’s history. They were used to transport coffee beans & other goods to nearby and faraway markets and ports. Starting in 1840’s most of the rural roads were very rough making the ox cart the sole means of transportation for families even though the trips could take weeks at times.Highly ornate, these oxcarts are elegantly craved and are usually hand-painted with bright colors. The painting of the ox cart is a Costa Rican tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The largest and oldest oxcart factory is also found in Sarchi. The Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory was built in 1902, and is considered to be the birthplace of oxcart handicrafts in Costa Rica. Our tour is operated in a 100% private basis.
Arenal Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose
The best private tour you can take from San Jose Costa Rica. On this tour you will enjoy the beauty of Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a nature walk into a private biological reserve and its hanging bridges with an amazing view of the Arenal Volcano. The reserve preserve pristine rain forest has a rich biodiversity.After the nature walk, a short ride will take you to Baldi Hot Springs, where a great and delicious buffet lunch is waiting for you. After lunch, free time is allowed to enjoy the multiple thermal pools and have a relaxing afternoon before the return to your hotel in San Jose.
Irazu Volcano Half Day Private Tour
Your breath-taking adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside. You will be heading to Cartago Province, about 1-hour drive from San Jose.Irazú Volcano is a National Park in the Central Volcanic Conservation Area of Costa Rica. The volcano is still active although the last major eruptions were between 1963 and 1965, with occasional minor eruptions and some small lava flows since that time. With our professional tour guide you will be able to explore the park and walk to the main lookout point.The Crater Principal lake has an unusual greenish yellow coloring caused by rainfall dissolving the minerals along the craters walls. It has also been known to change color to rust-red depending on the minerals present. The Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica!The drive to the volcano is so beautiful, with many plantations along the way.
Arenal Volcano Zipline & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour
Your breath-taking, adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned deluxe transportation until arrive to Mundo Aventura Adventure Park.At the park, a combination of adrenaline, fun and adventure will be the perfect combination. You will travel 7 canopy lines, the most extreme in the park where the landscape from the treetops will be the ideal companion. A 18 meter high tower will start the adventure to fly over a 120 meter high canyon, this being the highest point of 560 hectares of forest, with spectacular views of the Pino Blanco Waterfall, the Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato.After the zipline experience, a short ride will take you to Baldi Hot Springs, where a great and delicious buffet lunch is waiting for you. After lunch, free time is allowed for enjoy the multiple thermal pools and have a relaxing afternoon before to start the return to your hotel in San Jose.
San José Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes and solve a mysterious case during the Sherlock Holmes City Game – a self-guided adventure full of puzzles, plot twists, and hidden clues. This City Game is all about story-driven gameplay and immersive mystery solving, it pulls you into a captivating story that you solve together, making it a unique way to connect, play, and create memories with your group.Perfect for friends, families, colleagues or solo players who enjoy a challenge and love detective games. Whether you play solo or in teams, it’s a flexible and fun experience that turns the city into your crime-solving playground. After booking, check your email for clear instructions, download the Loquiz app, and dive straight into your detective mission.IMPORTANT INFORMATION:Game type: Mystery-solving gameDifficulty: Easy – great for families with kids tooTickets: You only need to buy 1 ticket per group (1-4 people)Duration: Approx. 2 hoursGroup size: 1 ticket per group (1–4 people); larger groups can buy multiple ticketsStart time: Pick any time on your selected date – play at your own paceHOW TO PLAY:Work solo or with friends, family, or colleagues in teams of up to four per device. After booking, you’ll receive an instructions email with everything you need.Book the City GameCheck the instructions emailDownload the Loquiz AppBegin your gaming experience whenever you like.We recommend playing with 1 to 4 people on one device. You just buy 1 credit per device. If you are with more than 4 people, you can buy 2 or more credits.WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE GAME:Step into the shoes of a true detective with the Sherlock Holmes City Game – a self-guided mystery adventure played on your phone. Follow clues, crack challenging puzzles, and unravel the thrilling murder of Balthasar. This story-driven game is packed with suspense, fun tasks, and unexpected twists using the scenery of the city as a playground.Along the way, you’ll meet digital characters, crack codes, complete fun photo tasks, and follow a suspenseful storyline packed with twists. Every puzzle brings you closer to the truth.Whether you want to play alone for personal excitement or with a group of people this is the game for you! Playing with more groups will turn into a competitive experience, perfect as a teambuilding activity. This game is a fun activity you can do while visiting a city with your family and friends or as a couple.Our City Game offers the maximum independence, you can play pause & continue whenever you want. The Sherlock Holmes City Game is a murder mystery game that you play in the center of the city. Solve the murder with your colleagues, friends or family! The fun and interactive game is full of brain teasers, puzzles and lots of British humor.City Game Sherlock Holmes takes about 1.5 - 2 hours, but there is no time limit, so you can finish it at your own pace. After you have booked the game, you will receive login credentials and a simple manual by email. You don't need a guide, just download the app, go to the starting point and you are ready to start the adventure.Looking for a way to make your city trip more exciting? The Sherlock Holmes City Game is exactly what you are looking for!Note: this City Game uses the city as an interactive playing field, but does not provide any information about the city.
Lake Arenal Boat & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose
This tour is a perfect combination between nature and relaxation. It is a perfect tour for those who wish to enjoy the arenal volcano area, its natural beauties and the famous hot springs.It is a completely private tour, with professional guides that will make you enjoy a wonderful day in places with a lot of magic and beauty.Your breath-taking, adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned transportation and recent model deluxe vehicle or mini bus. You will be heading Fortuna Town, about 2.5 hours drive from San Jose. Upon arrival to the beautiful Arenal´s Lake you will meet your local tour guide who will show you the beauty of this amazing region and start the 2 hours boat tour.After it, enjoy a delicious lunch at Baldi Hot Springs and relax in the multiple thermal pools that this complex offers.
Classic Costa Rica 8D/7N Vacation Package
Enjoy with us some of the best Costa Rica destinations, tours and experiences with this unique vacation package specially designed for nature lovers and adventurous people looking for an unforgettable experience in Costa RicaThis vacation package includes 8 days and 7 night in high quality hotels, exclusive tours, meals listed in itinerary, professional naturalist tour guides, all entrance fees, deluxe transportation service and the visit the beautiful following Costa Rican destinations: San Jose, Fortuna Town and Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio Beach in the central pacific coast of Costa Rica.Our program allows you the select your preferred tours from a list at each location. By this way, you can customize the trip accordingly with your specific tour´s preferences.Contact us. It will be a pleasure to assist you.
La Paz Waterfalls Gardens. Private Tour from San Jose
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 Most Visited Privately Owned Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica! It features the best hiking near San José, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, rescued wildlife preserve with over 100 species of animals, and an environmental education program.With the fine attention and explanations of your private naturalist tour guide, enjoy: Five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, safe hiking trails, aviary with numerous species of birds, toucan feeding, insect exhibit, butterfly observatory, Capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys, hummingbird garden, serpentarium (snake exhibit), jaguars, pumas, ocelots and margaysAlso a traditional typical house with petting zoo and ox cart, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid and heliconia exhibit. Our tour is operated in a 100% private basis, with high quality transportation services and a professional naturalist tour guide that will pick you up directly from your hotelGreat lunch included
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