San Jose Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best San José tours, the capital and gateway to Costa Rica’s pura vida: peer into the steaming crater of the Poás Volcano and the lush La Paz Waterfall Gardens, feel the heat of the Arenal Volcano and soak in its thermal hot springs, drift through the jungle canals of Tortuguero, taste world-class coffee and chocolate, and explore the city’s markets and culture. Compare top-rated experiences and plan your perfect Costa Rica adventure.
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Explore San Jose by interest
Whatever brings you to San Jose — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in San Jose
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Poás Volcano
Steaming crater.
Arenal Volcano
Cone & hot springs.
Tortuguero
Jungle canals.
Coffee Plantation
Bean to cup.
San José City
Markets & culture.
Manuel Antonio
Beach & wildlife.
Aerial Tram
Canopy ride.
Irazú Volcano
Highest peak.
Costa Rica in 3 days from San José
- 1Day 1: Poás & coffee
- 2Day 2: Arenal
- 3Day 3: rafting or beach
- 4Volcanoes & jungle
San José nature & adventure
- 1Pacuare rafting
- 2Arenal & hot springs
- 3Tortuguero canals
- 4Cloud forest
San José with kids
- 1La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- 2Chocolate tour
- 3Aerial tram
- 4Coffee farm
1.5 hrs awayPoás Volcano
Crater & La Paz.
3 hrs awayArenal Volcano
Cone & hot springs.
Multi-day awayTortuguero
Jungle canals.
Day trip awayManuel Antonio
Beach & wildlife.
Full day awayPacuare Rafting
World-class rapids.
Half day awayCoffee Tour
Bean to cup.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every San Jose visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
December–April is the dry season and the best time for volcanoes, beaches and clear views.
Dry season (Dec–Apr)
Sunny and popular, ideal for volcanoes and outdoor adventures — book tours ahead, especially around US holidays.
Green season (May–Nov)
Lush and quieter with sunny mornings and afternoon showers; lower prices and vibrant nature, though September–October are wettest.
Spring-like climate
Thanks to its altitude, San José stays mild and pleasant year-round, around 20–26°C.
Clear volcano views
For the best Poás and Arenal views, go early in the day before clouds build, especially in the green season.
Turtle season
For nesting turtles in Tortuguero, the green and summer months are best, varying by species.
One day
The Poás Volcano and coffee.
Three days
Poás, Arenal and an adventure day.
A week
Add Tortuguero, Monteverde and beaches.
Wildlife
Add days for Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio.
Adventure
Add rafting, ziplining and canyoning.
With kids
Mix waterfall gardens, chocolate and trams.
Tours & shuttles
Guided tours and tourist shuttles with pickup are the easiest way to reach volcanoes, rainforests and the coast from San José.
Car hire
A rental car (ideally 4x4) gives flexibility, though mountain roads can be slow and winding.
Ride apps & taxis
Official red taxis and ride apps operate in San José for getting around the city.
City centre
Downtown San José’s main sights, theatre and markets are walkable in a compact area.
Getting there
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is around 20–30 minutes from the city, with transfers nationwide.
Allow drive time
Arenal and Tortuguero are several hours away, so plan full days or overnight stays.
Colón & dollars
Costa Rica uses the colón, but US dollars and cards are widely accepted on tours; carry some cash for tips and small buys — check current rates.
Pack for rain
Even in the dry season, bring a light rain jacket and layers for volcanoes and rainforests.
Volcano layers
Poás and Irazú are high and chilly, so bring warm layers even on a hot day in the city.
Insect protection
Bring repellent and closed shoes for rainforest, canal and adventure tours.
Book volcano tours early
Poás has timed entry that can sell out — book ahead, especially in dry season.
Tipping
Tipping guides and drivers is customary in Costa Rica — budget around 10%.
Poás Volcano
Timed crater entry sells out — book ahead.
Arenal tours
Popular volcano and hot springs trips fill up — reserve early.
Tortuguero packages
Multi-day lodge trips have limited places — book ahead.
Pacuare rafting
Top rafting days sell out — reserve early.
Coffee & food tours
Small-group tastings are popular — book ahead.
Dry-season peak
December–April and US holidays are busy — plan ahead.
Poás & La Paz tour
Around €60–100 for a full-day volcano, gardens and coffee tour.
Arenal day tour
About €90–150 for a volcano and hot springs day trip.
Pacuare rafting
Roughly €100–140 for a full-day rafting trip.
Tortuguero package
Around €250–400 for a 2-night all-inclusive trip.
Coffee or city tour
About €30–60 for a coffee plantation or city food tour.
How to save
Join group tours and combos, and travel in the green season for lower rates.
San Jose through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Volcanoes, clear views.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak; book ahead.
- Best for
- Sunny, beaches.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Easter busy.
- Best for
- Lush, quieter.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Sunny mornings.
- Best for
- Cheapest, vibrant.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wettest months.