Costa Rica Tours from San Jose
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10 best Costa Rica tour packages from San Jose
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Treasures of Costa Rica
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
90 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Communication of facts on wildlife, socio-economic, history, geography, politics and culture were excellent.”
Bill, traveled in January
The 160km route links destinations across Costa Rica's diverse regions. Transportation includes bus transfers through Poas Volcano National Park, boat rides in Tortuguero waterways, and rafting on Pacuare River. Major stops include Turrialba, Arenal Volcano, and Manuel Antonio beaches.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Los Quetzales National Park, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $6,540
11% Off- NZ$5,840You save $700
Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We especially loved the activities, and appreciated the way we never had to worry about our transfer transportation.”
Emily, traveled in July
The 7-day route encompasses 5 major Costa Rican destinations from San Jose. Shared vans (14-person capacity) connect Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Fortuna, and Tortuguero National Park, with boat transfers included for complete access.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Marvelus Travel From
11% Off- NZ$2,061
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every day was packed with great activities, and I especially loved taking part in the ocean plastic clean-up.”
Becca, traveled in October
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator One Life Adventures From
11% Off- NZ$4,063
Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She was knowledgeable, patient and interactive.”
Sinead, traveled in March
This 10-day Costa Rican adventure from San Jose's center showcases 3 major destinations. Private vehicles and boats transport you across Lake Arenal, connecting La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park before returning to San Jose.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal, Monteverde Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,360
20% Off- NZ$4,288You save $1,072
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw far more than we would have ourselves. Once you are okay with that then you will have an amazing time.”
Daniel, traveled in August
A scenic route from San Jose leads to Tortuguero National Park via Guapiles, continuing to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, followed by Monteverde Cloud Forest. The 8-day circuit returns to San Jose, covering 350km through Costa Rica's varied terrain.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
20% Off- NZ$3,717
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour it was well planned.”
William, traveled in January
A Costa Rican adventure through Braulio Carrillo National Park leads to Tortuguero's canals and Arenal Volcano National Park. The 855km route includes an Arenal Lake crossing to Monteverde's cloud forests and Tamarindo Beach before returning to San Jose.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,134
10% Off- NZ$2,820You save $313
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We did a lot of traveling over the Costa Rican countryside but saw and experienced so much.”
Derek, traveled in March
This 5-day Costa Rican circuit covers 670km from San Jose. The route includes Arenal Volcano via Sarchi town and Tortuguero National Park, combining land and boat transfers, with convenient airport connections in San Jose.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,582
10% Off- NZ$1,423You save $158
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
A 272km volcanic tour through Costa Rica awaits from San Jose. Private transfers link San Jose International Airport to three volcanic wonders: Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, and Poas, with comfortable 2-3 star accommodations throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$3,453
Treasures of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Manuel Antonio was my favorite since I was nature.inclined.”
Bermaliz, traveled in March
This 8-day, 650km Costa Rican journey begins at Juan Santamaria International Airport. Air-conditioned bus transport reaches Arenal (130km), Monteverde (160km), Manuel Antonio (180km), before returning to San Jose (180km). Private airport transfers included.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,710
10% Off- NZ$1,539You save $171
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious.”
Kirsten, traveled in December
A 10-day, 632km Costa Rican circuit from San Jose reaches Tortuguero National Park via Guápiles, Arenal Volcano region, and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Highlights include a catamaran trip to Tortuga Island and boat rides through Tortuguero's canals.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Tortuga Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,978
10% Off- NZ$2,680You save $298
What people love about Costa Rica Tours from San Jose
- Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
Great trip. Wonderful tour leader. Many interesting activities. Hikes and a bit physically challenging. Costa Rica not inexpensive. Group was small and congenial.
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
This was a great tour. It was well organized. We were disappointed in our stay in Tortuguero though. We even upgraded our lodging to the boula lodge which was a more expensive hotel option. It was dirty, overpriced, and had horrible food. The staff was also not very helpful at all. It wasn’t worth the long transport to go there, and we were overjoyed that we only spent one day there. I’d highly recommend only doing one day in tortuguero and then go to San Jose. We stayed at la puesta del sol in Monteverde, and it was lovely and clean. Highly recommend adding on the bird watching and Don Juan coffee tour here. Also eat at Taco Taco! One of our favorites ever! Then la Regina hotel in la Fortuna was great too with great staff. Consider adding the morning hike for Arenal. Eat at pollo fortuneno. I can’t emphasize enough how bad our time at the lodging at la baula was in tortuguero!! It’s the only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars! Consider adding on some time in guanacaste if you’re doing a longer trip. Overall we felt like this was an adequate amount of time spent to see a lot of Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
I thought this trip was fantastic and was one of the best of my life. I felt we got a great overview of much of the country and a good feel for the culture and people as well as the sights. Brian was an incredible leader. The pace was perfect and we did so many great things and saw so much wildlife. The homestay was definitely a highlight and exceeded my expectations. Our group was small and diverse and friendly and awesome. I really can't say enough good things about this trip. It was my first with intrepid and I can't wait for my next one with them.
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Tours from San Jose
What accommodation options are available in San Jose for the first night?
San Jose's hotel scene spans three distinct tiers catering to different budgets and preferences. The Standard category includes the practical Sleep Inn Hotel. Moving up the comfort scale Superior options feature the Holiday Inn Escazu while the Deluxe tier presents the Real Intercontinental. Guest feedback reinforces the convenience factor with one TourRadar traveler noting: "The Sleep Inn Hotel was comfortable and conveniently located for tour departures."
What are the common pickup locations for tours starting in San Jose?
Tour operators in San Jose concentrate their pickups around three key points: Juan Santamaria International Airport the downtown hotel district (including Sleep Inn Hotel and Holiday Inn Express Forum) and the Escazu area where Park Inn by Radisson stands. According to a recent TourRadar traveler: "We were greeted at the airport by the representative and assisted with hotel transfer to Sleep Inn Hotel which was just 15 minutes from the airport."
What should I explore in my free time starting in San Jose?
San Jose's cultural heart reveals itself through several noteworthy spots. The bustling Mercado Central houses more than 200 local vendors while the Metropolitan Church stands as an architectural landmark. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum offers historical context and Barrio Amón presents well-preserved colonial architecture. Both Country Inn & Suites and Park Inn provide easy access to these sites. A TourRadar traveler adds: "The central avenue is a place where you can interact with locals and learn about their way of living."
What's the average length of tours starting in San Jose Costa Rica?
Most San Jose-based tours run between 8 and 15 days with 10-day itineraries proving most popular among travelers. These routes typically include stays at upscale properties like the Real Continental while covering major attractions from Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio National Park. One TourRadar traveler reflects: "The 10-day itinerary was perfect - giving us enough time to explore each location while keeping a good pace through the country."
How long are the transfers from San Jose to the first destinations?
Travel times from San Jose hotels to initial destinations generally take between 3 and 5 hours. The journey to Tortuguero involves a 4-hour road trip followed by a 2-hour boat ride. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The drive from San Jose through Braulio Carrillo National Park was scenic making the long transfer enjoyable."
What are the most popular destinations visited on tours starting from San Jose?
Standard tour routes from San Jose encompass Costa Rica's natural highlights including Arenal Volcano National Park Monteverde Cloud Forest Tortuguero National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park. Most itineraries head northwest to Arenal (4 hours) or northeast to Tortuguero (5-6 hours). A TourRadar traveler reflects: "The itinerary from San Jose covered all the highlights - from volcanoes to cloud forests to beaches giving us a perfect mix of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes."