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 Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica Adventure
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
- Costa Rica Quest
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- The Best of Costa Rica
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
- Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
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
- NZ$3,688
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The white water rafting was amazing and the waterfall at the end was a nice touch.”
Kristina, traveled in February
An 8-day Costa Rican circuit connects 3 major destinations from San Jose. Local bus transport reaches La Fortuna (3-5 hours), continuing to Santa Teresa via van and ferry. The route returns to San Jose by 8-hour local bus through volcanic and coastal regions.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,499
20% Off- NZ$1,199You save $300
Costa Rica Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Costa Rica adventure is absolutely worthwhile and delivers what it promises.”
Luisa, traveled in May
The 13-day circuit weaves from San Jose through Costa Rica's natural wonders. Private transport connects the capital to La Fortuna's volcanic terrain, Rincon de la Vieja's jungle trails, and Samara's Pacific beaches, featuring stops at the Ox Cart Museum and Crocodile Bridge.
Duration 13 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Samara Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator INTRO Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,049
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time visiting beautiful CR where out travel guide had every thing organized to the last detail.”
Deepa, traveled in December
This 9-day Costa Rican adventure links 6 major destinations from San Jose. Private vehicles transport you to Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest, before reaching coastal Quepos, covering approximately 350 km total.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$1,925
Costa Rica Quest
318 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour and experiences highly recommended.”
Lorna, traveled in April
The colonial streets of San Jose mark the start of this Costa Rican circuit. The route includes La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, a boat crossing of Lake Arenal to Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park's beaches, showcasing diverse landscapes throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,059
20% Off- NZ$1,647You save $412
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel is not new, but is spotlessly clean, well run and well maintained, quiet with a comfortable bed and amenities.”
Ivan, traveled in May
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 $1,558
15% Off- NZ$1,324You save $234
The Best of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels and transfers were all top notch.”
Marianne, traveled in October
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 $3,004
15% Off- NZ$2,553You save $451
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a total enjoyment, stress-free holiday! It was an unforgettable holiday.”
Morgan, traveled in November
A 9-day Costa Rican circuit covers 800km from San Jose's Juan Santamaria Airport. The itinerary includes Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park via Guapiles, and concludes with a return to San Jose from Puerto Viejo.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,903
15% Off- NZ$2,468You save $435
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was Awesome Tour and tourradar support was available at any point of time with quick response.”
Deepak, traveled in January
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 $2,933
10% Off- NZ$2,640You save $293
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and good response when needed a change in itinerary. I would especially like to commend on his friendly and professional organization.”
Wendy, traveled in November
This 5-day Costa Rican route covers 3 major destinations from San Jose. Shuttle transfers reach Arenal Volcano National Park, cross Arenal Lake by boat, and return to San Jose, with optional transfers to Manuel Antonio or Papagayo Gulf.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,844
What people love about Costa Rica Tours from San Jose
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Overall the tour was great, it provide opportunity to explore costa rica in a short period of time. It would be more enjoying if private transportation was provided instead of public bus.
- Classic Costa Rica
Great trip. Wonderful tour leader. Many interesting activities. Hikes and a bit physically challenging. Costa Rica not inexpensive. Group was small and congenial.
- Costa Rica Quest
As I posted on Facebook: Costa Rica. What I can say in a few words that pictures haven't already? The Costa Rica Quest tour was the best possible vacation at the most opportune time for Lori and I with lots of sun and warmth, from the climate and the people. It was relaxing yet with some good exercise and excitement in a beautiful country which is peaceful and ecologically conscious. Costa Rica has breathtaking scenery and wildlife, delicious food, fruit, beer, and coffee, and nice and helpful citizens, who are among the happiest anywhere and have an appreciation for the good life which they sum up succinctly: “Pura Vida!” We enjoyed: a nature hike near Arenal volcano; a boat ride on Lake Arenal; crossing hanging bridges and zip lining (yes even Superman-style and the Tarzan swing) in the rain forest and and at the top of the canopy; soaking up the sun on a Pacific Ocean beach; and, one of the world's most amazing ecosystems, including white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, macaws, sloths, and tarantulas. But most important we had the pleasure of traveling with a diverse group of wonderful people. Our new friends hail from the UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and yeah that state to the south of us. ;^D We represented many different backgrounds, but we all shared an interest and appreciation for each other and our new experiences and surroundings. So this is also a shoutout and thank you to all of you for helping to make this trip the best we've ever enjoyed: Rick and Jean; Lotten and Jens; Louise, Ian, and Jon; Tonya; Martin; Jana; Cait'lin; Natalie; Noosha; and, Preetam. Of course, we couldn't have done it without our friendly and adept Tican group leader, Eugenio Quesada. He made us feel welcome, watched out for us every waking moment (and probably some when we were sleeping), educated and catered to us, and endured some hardships of his own with endless humor, patience, and passion. I hope we will all keep in touch and continue to share our experiences and lives as we did for those 9 days. Salud and, yes, Pura Vida! — Lori and Bill Cohen, Tualatin (Portland), Oregon
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."