San Jose Trip Overview
Experience the main natural attractions of Costa Rica from the highlands of the central valley, visiting impressive volcanoes, coffee growing areas and the Pacific coast returning to the comfort of your Hotel in the City of San Jose.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 days
Starts: San Jose, Costa Rica
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore San Jose Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting San Jose, Province of San Jose, Costa Rica
Experience the main natural attractions of Costa Rica from the highlands of the central valley, visiting impressive volcanoes, coffee growing areas and the Pacific coast returning to the comfort of your Hotel in the City of San Jose.
Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica (Arrival)
Stop At: Kiosco San Jose, Calle 7, Avenida 11, Barrio Amon, San Jose Costa Rica
Meet & greet at the San Jose International Airport
Private transfer from San Jose Intl Airport to your Lodging in San Jose City
Duration: 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Lodging at a Superior Hotel in the San Jose
Day 2: San Jose City Tour + Folkloric Nigth at Ram Luna View point
Stop At: Kiosco San Jose, Calle 7, Avenida 11, Barrio Amon, San Jose Costa Rica
This tour immerses you in the rich Costa Rican culture and history by visiting some museums and historical sites of San José City. During this journey we will visit the National Theater, also known as “The jewel of San José”, a masterpiece in art and architecture built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897.
Then we will visit the Museum of Gold (an archaeological interest site), then the Central Market, place full of the Costa Rican cultural heritage and traditions, where you will be able to browse and buy some local art crafts.
We will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral. As we travel around the city, we will point you out several historically important or main buildings in our city, for example The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa (equivalent to The Congress), The Metallic Building, some parks and various sites of interest. This will be an introduction to our Capital City, and information about our economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events.
Also, we will visit an Art Gallery, where you will be able to get some souvenirs to take back home.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Kiosco San Jose, Calle 7, Avenida 11, Barrio Amon, San Jose Costa Rica
Home to the Tierra Tica show. Ram Luna is perched high above the mountains overlooking the Central Valley. From this unique vantage point you can admire the auspicious panoramic views at dusk, and then take in the brilliance of the lights emanating from the capital.
Each Wednesday and Thursday night, the Mirador Ram Luna Restaurant is decked out with marimba and cimarrona music, traditional Costa Rican folk dancing and clowns, in the midst of typical Costa Rican cuisine including the delicious recipes of our grandparents.
The restaurant Ram Luna, located in the hills above Aserrí only 9 miles South of San Jose. At Ram Luna, one immediately sees that the restaurant is brimming with memorabilia of Costa Rican tradition, live music, and authentic folklore where the most beautiful memories of times now past can be relived.
The delicious buffet and decorations are in keeping with the traditional Costa Rican cuisine. You will have the opportunity to savor a variety of traditional Costa Rican dishes such as: (la olla de carne) a traditional meat stew, (el picadillo de arracache) chopped arracache root, (la carne en salsa) cubed meat with special sauce , (las empanaditas de queso) cheese turnovers, (el chifrijo) one small bowl with white rice, red beans, pork meat and pico de gallo, (los chicharones típicos de la zona) deep-fried pork Aserrí style , not to mention, our delicious traditional desserts that will tempt any dieter.
And then, the show begins. Tierra Tica is presented with pleasure and spontaneity. It is a journey through the most representative stages of Costa Rican folklore concluding with the Cimarrona which is the jubilant dance of the giants, which takes place outside the restaurant overlooking the city while several local artisans show you beautiful pieces of jewelry made with stones, tree seeds and natural fibers, that you can buy as souvenirs to take back home.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Included at the Hotel
• Lunch: During the Tour
• Dinner: Included in the tour
Accommodation included: Lodging at a Superior Hotel in San Jose City
Day 3: Irazu Volcano – Cartago City – and Orosi Valley Tour
Stop At: Irazu Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
The tour will begin with us trekking south along the Panamerican Highway until we reach the base of the behemoth “Iztaru” (a name of an indigenous village that was situated on the flanks of the volcano, and a likely candidate as a possible origin for the current name of the Irazu Volcano).
The winding road traverses fertile lands in which all types and forms of vegetation are cultivated, all the while affording us a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. And, at the very top of the summit, on a clear day, one can be privy to an unforgettable bird’s eye view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica – a famous peregrination site for many believers, some of which travel for days or even weeks on foot, in a pilgrimage of faith, to the site. The Basilica has large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass windows, and is a must see.
Next, after we visit the Basilica we will we will continue to the Valley of Orosi, an area that overflows with unparalleled beauty. We will be able to visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and we will stop to enjoy a tasty typical lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Included at the Hotel
• Lunch: Included in the tour
Accommodation included: Lodging at a Superior Hotel in San Jose City
Day 4: Poas Volcano – Coffee Plantations – La Paz Waterfall Gardens tour
Stop At: Cr130, Poas Volcano National Park Costa Rica
We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. The careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean will then be illustrated, very hands-on, and then we will savor the delectable product.
After the coffee tour, we will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest.
The Poás Volcano, is an active 2,708-metre (8,885 ft) stratovolcano. The crater of the volcano is over a mile across and 1050 feet deep. It has erupted 40 times since 1828, including April, 2017.
At the Volcano we will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, and hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon as we learn about the different ecosystems in the park.
After Poás, we will continue to La Paz Waterfall Garden, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch (rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council) that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more.
At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit. This is definitely a tour enjoyed by nature lovers from all ages.
Duration: 10 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Included at the Hotel
• Lunch: Included in the tour
Accommodation included: Lodging at a Superior Hotel in San Jose City
Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park
Stop At: Playa Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, 6 kms south of Quepos, Manuel Antonio 195-6350 Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. On this tour, you will visit pristine beaches, with coral reefs, bordered by exuberant vegetation and the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. The beaches in Manuel Antonio are highly coveted as some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
On the way to Manuel Antonio National Park, you will travel along the coastline enjoying scenic views, including African palm plantations. You will also travel past small villages along the Pacific Coast, until you reach the port of Quepos and the ultimately the National Park.
Since access to the park itself is closed to vehicles, you will hike to the preserve, crossing a creek. Once in the park, you can simply relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or hike through the park’s trails, which will allow you to observe Manuel Antonio’s abundant flora and fauna. Several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth can be seen.
If you chose to hike the trail to Cathedral Point, do not forget your camera; the views of the park and the sea are simply spectacular!
Duration: 13 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Included in the Tour
• Lunch: Included in the tour
Accommodation included: Lodging at a Superior Hotel in San Jose City
Day 6: Arenal Volcano – Hot Springs
Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park 21007 Costa Rica
Enroute to the Arenal Volcano, we will stop at the famous town of Sarchi, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. In Sarchi, you will be able to appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs that Costa Rica has to offer. Also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book.
The cart is 2 stories high, nearly 45 feet long (14 meters) and weighs 4400 lbs. (2 tons), and took 70 days to complete. Made out of wood (cedar) and decorated with bright colors, designed based on our typical and traditional oxcarts.
The journey will then continue, traversing diverse plantations with agricultural products, including pineapple and plantain farms, mango groves, ornamental plants and even cattle ranches until arriving to the small town of La Fortuna, and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano.
The impressive Arenal Volcano is a magnificent natural wonder that is situated in La Fortuna (The Fortune) of San Carlos, previously assumed to be dormant, until in 1968, when it experienced a major eruption. Now is visited by tourist from all around the world hoping for the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, such as the white plumes of smoke that emanate from the conical shaped behemoth.
Then you will go on to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters, as well as an optional massage or other special treatment, if you choose, that must be reserved ahead of time to ensure availability. Spa treatments are not included and are payable directly at the resort.
The facilities at Baldi provided 25 separate mineral water reservoirs that flow naturally from the volcano. The medicinal waters are certified by L.N.A. (Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas), and the temperatures range from 93, 100, 102, 104, 109, 110, 113, 116, 152, providing visitors with a wide range of options that fit their preferences.
And for a perfect ending, before going back to San José, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look at the classically shaped volcano.
Duration: 13 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Included at the Hotel
• Lunch: Included in the tour
• Dinner: Included in the tour
Accommodation included: Lodging at a Superior Hotel in San Jose City
Day 7: Catamaran To Tortuga Island in the Gulf of Nicoya
Stop At: Tortuga Island, Puntarenas 00000 Costa Rica
You will experience a day full of beautiful skies, great ocean views and live music. On board the yacht tropical fruits and natural drinks will be served and at the island there will be time to explore the surroundings, sunbathe, swim, take an optional tour like kayaking and canopy; and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the crew. This excursion departs from San Jose very early in the morning to Puntarenas, where you will board a yacht to Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Nicoya.
At Tortuga Island you will experience a day full of beautiful skies, great ocean views and live music. On board the yacht savory tropical fruits and refreshing natural drinks will be served. Then, you will explore
the island, immersing yourself in the calm clear waters and lush landscape, where you can take a swim,
sunbathe, and/or take an optional tour like kayaking or canopy. Then a delicious lunch will be prepared by the crew.
Tortuga Island is composed of 120 hectares of gorgeous terrain, with 4 main hills; not to mention a 500 meter beach which is a recipient of the blue flag certification. On the way to Tortuga Island you will see the San Lucas Island which in the past was a security prison where no human rights existed and thus a dark age in Costa Rica´s history.
The journey to Tortuga Island will be on board a yacht equipped with 2 Cummins Marino 300 HP motors, radar, satellite navigation systems, VHF marine radio, clean bathrooms, and palatable drinking water.
A very experienced and international maritime license yacht captain and well trained crew will make sure you have a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable journey.
Duration: 13 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast included in the tour
• Lunch: Lunch included in the tour
Accommodation included: Lodging at a Superior Hotel in San Jose City
Day 8: San Jose International Airport
Pass By: Plaza Real Alajuela, East of the Mcdonald’s of the Tropicana 250m 250m East of the Mcdonald’s of the Tropicana, Alajuela 20101 Costa Rica
Breakfast at the Hotel
At the agreed time, you will be transfered to the San Jose International Airport to catch your flight back home or an extension to a different area of the country if selected.
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Buffet breakfast included at your Hotel
No accommodation included on this day.
