Jaco Beach is also the perfect place to learn to surf. suggest 2 full hours is the maximum. This little campus houses an aromatic souvenir shop, a sleek-looking cafe, and a multimedia coffee tour. But you can check our availability. Its also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators dont speak English. For brand-new and experienced rafters alike, the Pacuare River is one of those places you want to visit for a whitewater rafting trip. Hot springs, great guide, terrific views, superb experience, divine food, courteous service, friendly local people! Theres no food on-site to be sure to pack snacks. I love tours like this because they maximize your time from sun up to sun down while leaving the logistics of pulling it off to the experts. Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! Best Day Trip for activities: Iraz Volcano 1. The Arenal Volcano near La Fortuna is one of my personal favorites in all of Costa Rica. Whether you feel like hiking through volcanic craters, chilling in hot springs, or tasting some of the best coffee in the world here are a few of the best tours and day trips you can do from San Jose! Irazu National Park is a short drive that takes about 1,5 hours from San Jose and about 1 hour away from Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 15 BEST Tours & Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica, joining this organized day tour from San Jose, the amazing hotels located close to SJO airport, go whitewater rafting while in Costa Rica, so many activities to do in and around La Fortuna, best places to go snorkeling in Costa Rica, 15 BEST Tours in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, 10 BEST Places to go Scuba Diving in Costa Rica, 10 BEST Tours and Places to go Kayaking in Costa Rica. Tabucon hot springs was really good and a wonderful experience including the dinner. Food was awesome. For myself, I must go rafting as often as possible. Manuel Antonio National Park is easily one of, if not, the best national park in all of Costa Rica. Here, youll also find Costa Ricas largest international airport, making it a popular point of entry for many travelers. Panama may be small but its attractions are mighty and not always easy to get to. A wonderful tour all the way around. Overall, the idea of the trip is good! The biggest challenge with staying in San Jos is that its totally landlocked. You can also do a day tour to a beach that is located 2 hours (up to 3 depending on how many people need to be picked up for the tour) from San Jose. There is one bridge, in particular, where it is guaranteed that you will see Crocodiles. 1 / 18. Your honest feedback helps us get better. This afternoon and evening are at leisure. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Another couple joined us so it turned out to be a personalized trip for just 4 people. He was informative whenever necessary, but allowed us time to relax. One of the most amazing things to see in Cartago is La Basclica de Nuestra Seora de Los ngeles. Start with a pick up from your hotel in San Jose with a friendly driver in a comfortable van. Just a 90-minute drive from the city you can see one of the largest active stratovolcanos in the world at Poas Volcano National Park. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. Dear Susan L, Thank you very much for your review! But bust stops in the middle in nowhere for sort of coffee and shop completely wast of time. Los Sueos Marriot Ocean and Golf Resort will give you some beachfront comfort while OPacifico Hotel Boutique will provide similar amenities with a more mid-range price point. Cruise along the tree-lined canals by boat, and scan the banks for crocodiles and treetops for monkeys, sloths, and toucans. You can go on nature tours, adventure tours, or a combination of both. Great comfortable ride, stops and Excellent Hot springs. Emailed confirmed trip, follow up confirmed location & time. Youll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isnt the case with the public bus system.). No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. From museums to galleries, lots of shopping, and restaurants, San Jos has everything a major metropolitan area would. Travel tip: Mountain bikes are not available for rent, but you can rent them from Puro MTB. Unlike the other long-haul day trips on this list, you, unfortunately, cannot stay overnight on Tortuga Island. Toll Free: 1 (800) 996-1139; Direct: 1 (720) 358-9600; Address: . Youll see a lot more with your guide and learn a ton! Once you pass Bajos del Toro, you will drive a route that allows you to stop at several different waterfalls. If you are only staying a few days in San Jos, you can also book a tour which includes a coffee experience plus a visit to the Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens thats three of the best day trips in one! In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. I would suggest adding at least an easy walk in one of the tracks around the vulcan. Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. 2. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Guided tours range in price as well as focus. We had a choice of meal, which was ready when we got there. Witness Turtle Nestings in Tortuguero National Park, 11. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. But theres too much to see in Costa Rica to spend the whole trip in San Jos. Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year. Not only do you get miles and miles of trails through the lush rain forest at Manuel Antonio, but you also get enchanting white sand beach access to cool off in between trail walks. Check out the best day trips from San Jose to La Fortuna. The cheapest way to get there is to take the bus. Poas Volcano is a very active volcano (39 eruptive episodes since 1828!) Pacuare River has its source in the province of Limn and flows into the Atlantic Sea while crossing a tropical forest. Or learn how to make "comida tpica" (typical or traditional food) in a local home. These quaint restaurants serve amazing local food including rice, beans, and plantains! You have to buy tickets from San Jose the day of, but they are only $5 $10 USD, so it is worth the effort to get in line early. Room rates start at $190/night. To get the best price, use the websiteBookaway. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can takean ATV river tourand drive from San Jose to the coast through rivers, beaches, and even waterfalls. 24. r/CostaRicaTravel. Because of its location right in the center of the country, there are so many amazing tours and day trips from San Jose that you can easily take advantage of. Beyond the stunning views of La Paz Waterfall, the surrounding rainforest, the wildlife, and the butterfly gardens, La Paz Waterfall Gardens can be an all-day adventure on its own. Address: Apartado 1112-2070 San Jose, Costa Rica, Central America; Follow Us. We are very pleased to know that you visit such an amazing place here in Costa Rica with Gray Line Costa Rica. Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more. This is one day trip from San Jose you don't want to miss - especially if you love the beach! Manuel Antonio offers some of the most diverse wildlife in Costa Rica. Just got back from our trip to Costa Rica (Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio). Honestly was absoluetly fantastic - i was interested in it obviously for the hot springs/arenal volcano, but we ended up stopping in another town to shop and see something unrelated. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. 5 BEST Sloth Tours in La Fortuna (Sloth Watching Trails). Getting There: Arrange a private transfer through Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat or rent a car if youre comfortable driving. Pickup offered. One of the countrys most visited and beloved places is Isla Tortuga, or Tortuga Island, and for good reason. See Related: Best Whitewater Rafting in the World. A long day,but well worth it! Its a fascinating way to see an area that, because of frequent acid rain from the volcano, represents a lack of life, then to see how some of the best coffee in the world is produced followed by a forest thats constantly growing. Reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready for thousands of experiences on Viator. Many of the biggest day trip hot spots from San Jos are just an hour or two away while others will require a longer commute. Get in Touch with Nature at Manuel Antonio National Park, 2. Travel Tip: Take a tortilla-making lesson with Doa Maria, a lovely local chef who opens up her home (literallyshe expanded her kitchen to accommodate more guests) to travelers interested in learning about Costa Rican food in a casual setting. Another tour option thats a popular day trip from San Jose is the Britt Coffee tour, in the province of Heredia, which is half an hour drive from San Jos. I send your evaluation to our different departments that make this possible. Great trip to Arenal volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs! But keep an eye on your bag if youve brought food, and do not feed any wildlifethe monkeys here have learned that travelers often come bearing snacks, and they are not shy about snagging them. Take part of the day to go horseback riding and see some waterfalls or take an ATV and ziplining tour. On the arrival at the hotel the tour guide is going to ask in the reception of the hotel for the client. You can also score a day pass, allowing you to explore the falls and animal exhibits at your leisure. Clearly, there isnt a nature park shortage in Costa Rica, though TRR is different from many others. A 90-minute drive will take you from the big city of San Jos to the almost otherworldly Iraz Volcano. Whatever you do, keep an eye out for the shy sloth and other jungle creatures as Arenal is home to many, including toucans, monkeys, frogs, and snakes. Sarchs claim to fame is the "carreta" (oxcart). 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica. When it comes to going to La Fortuna, most visitors know the area for two things: the Arenal Volcano and the hot springs. Explore beyond San Jos with these top day trips Simon Dannhauer / Shutterstock, The 9 best day trips from San Jos, Costa Rica. The quality of the food was unexpectedly exquisite!! This way you will be able to take your time to visit the crater, hike around the park, and then visit some villages nearby like Varablanca and Fraijanes. This volcano is a 3-hour drive from San Jos, so I recommend that you leave early in the morning. A short walk got us good views of the Arenal volcano,then we spent 3 hours at a lovely hot springs,with beautiful tropical gardens,followed by cocktails by the pool,then a delicious buffet dinner before the 3n hour trip back to our hotels. View of the volcano is quick. In fact, there are two beaches in the park, so dont forget to bring your swim gear along. How Auberge Hacienda AltaGracia balances wellness, adventure and culinary touches in the mountains of Costa Rica. 20 days ago. Long time on the bus. I recommend you book an all-inclusive tour like this one. You can drive or take a cab. It will take 90 minutes to get to Pacuare from San Jos, but a rafting trip to one of the best rivers anywhere is worth it. $72 + 13% (VAT) READ MORE. 7 Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jos. Dont embark on the nearly two-hour drive from San Jos to Pos Volcano National Park thinking youll spend the whole day seeing the volcano. How to get to Anfiteatro de Villa from San Jos:You can reach Ciudad Coln by bus and walk one kilometer (0.6 miles) north to the Anfiteatro. Over 900 species of birds reside in the country. Mario & Walton personal & friendly. This affordable travel and medical insurance is perfect for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and remote workers. Learn more . You can also get there by taxi, but it is a more expensive route at around $100 USD. In the province of Cartago, to the east of San Jos, you will find the Irazu Volcano. You can even take tours at night during turtle nesting season which is when turtles are most active. With its kilometer-wide caldera and acid lake, Volcn Pos is the second-largest volcanic crater in existence. located only about an hour and a half drive from San Jose city center. The lunch included was good. How to get to Adventure Park Costa Rica from San Jos:Drive about 45 minutes north of San Jos and keep an eye out for the roadside sign and gateway. If you enjoy hiking, this is also a great place since the volcano has its own national park with trails and amenities like a cafeteria, parking, toilets, and picnic areas. Amazing paradise We are a company founded by guides and believe that our professional knowledge and personality of our guides is the key for a successful trip. 6 La Sabana Park. Yes! You could spend hours zip-lining through trees, taking the coffee tour, and enjoying an exquisite meal at the on-site restaurant. Travel Tip: Toucan Rescue Ranch offers a nighttime Educational Walk, so it's a great option for observing nocturnal wildlife. By picking the right season, taking the bus, shopping at local markets and following other tips, you can have a Central American adventure on a budget. Food was a 10! There are actually hundreds of hotels to choose from, and most of them are extremely affordable! Best whitewater rafting adventure! If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Liberia, Costa Rica. Poas is also one of the most popular volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. Most taxistas should know the location and can take you right to the front gate, and theres a secure lot for private cars. Arenal Tours and activities. Enjoy breathtaking views of Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano with your expert guide. Sleeps 6 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. . Get to see Costa Rica's best-known volcano at Arenal Volcano National Park 3. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable. This private park invites visitors to walk right up to several distinct waterfalls, thanks to a sophisticated network of paths and stairways. Offered in: English. The most difficult section by far is the final stretch going back up the stairs which have very few resting points. Lunch was off the beaten path a bit at a place called "Rancho Perla". We had a beautiful view - no clouds at all!! Spotting the birds is a particular tourist favorite since Costa Rica is one of the best birding locations on Earth. The Arenal Volcano with Baldi Hot Springs tour is by far a favorite among travelers.This tour offers the auspicious site of the imposing Arenal Volcano and the soothing thermal waters of Baldi Hot Springs. Lankester Botanical Gardens is a unique place as it has over 800 species of orchids. Local Travel Experts Since 2004. . Getting There: Tortuguero is essentially a forested sandbar on the Caribbean coast, so this trip requires a car and boat (totaling up to 4 hours one way), and your schedule is somewhat dictated by the local boat schedules unless you charter a private one. You cant see lava flows or magma here, though its massive presence is impossible to ignore. 5. 10 Best Tamarindo Tours and Excursions You NEED to Check Out! Great day out from San Jose Costa Rica on our one day tour to the Arenal Volcano area. You cant leave Costa Rica without trying their worldwide renowned coffee! As Costa Ricas largest national park, Braulio Carrillo is an absolute marvel to behold. The Arenal Volcano and the hot springs are one of the best tour in our country. It was so delicious, I asked our guide Jos from Passport Adventure to get the recipe for me he did. Irazu Volcano-Half Day Tour. Here's what you need to know. Getting There: Barva town is in Heredia province, about an hour from San Jos. . Dear moiraciardi, thank you for letting us know about this. With over 32 miles of hiking trails, there is so much to see in a day. The total time is a bit too long. Related Read: Choose one of the amazing hotels located close to SJO airport for a convenient stay! So its an excellent spot to give it a try. Any cover you get above that is extra. Before departing, you should make an online reservation with Sistema Nacional de reas de Conservacin (SINAC) to save time at the entrance. Getting there: The park is located less than 2 miles north of the Catholic Church of San Jos de la Montaa in Heredia. This place is just amazing, it offers so much to see and makes for the perfect place to visit if you are on a family trip. It also includes a stop on the bridge over the Tarcoles River where you will get to see the crocodiles I mentioned above! US & Canada (305) 381-1135 Costa Rica +(506) 8943-9642 [email protected] Some more about us; FAQs; About Us; Costa Rica Videos; Blog; Sitemap; We're Social! Lunch can be better for the price of the tour. The ruins of the countrys oldest church are also in this area: the Ujarrs church from 1693. The journey is about 3 hours with a rest stop on the way. Take a cooking class to learn some Costa Rican dishes before enjoying the fruits of your labor or visit an organic farm with a farm-to-table cooking experience. Offering everything from kayaking through the jungle to dark sand beaches with adorable sea turtles, you wont regret making a day trip to see it! Getting There: Its three hours to the Arenal area and if you are doing this trip in one day with a lot of outdoor adventures in between, you are going to be exhaustedperhaps too much so to drive back in the dark at the end of the day. If coffee plantations arent on your list of tours, you should reconsider the list. Another option is an organized tour from San Jose such as this one. Gaze into a jade-colored crater lake, stroll the lava fields, then pop into the on-site souvenir shop. One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. This symmetrical stratovolcano is the only one of its kind in a country filled with volcanoes and has a hypnotizing silhouette like Mt Fuji. See Related: Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. With hundreds of hotels, Costa Ricas capital is the ideal spot to drop off your luggage, pick up supplies and rent yourself a car. This article was first published April 2021 and updated March 2023. Discover and book Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose on Tripadvisor In the spirit of protecting the animals in Toucan Rescue Ranch care, this is a hands-off experienceno touching or handling animals as such interactives can be harmful and stressful for them, not to mention unsafe for visitors. This experience requires good weather. Not only do the day tours include the majestic volcano, they often combine hot springs tours and waterfalls as well. I would recommend this excursion. If youve got an active group that cant agree what to do, spend a day at Adventure Park, located in Heredia. There are also a number of bridges that you can stop on and take photos of the crocodiles below. When the serene waters at the hot springs beckon you to stay, consider extending that day tour by staying at the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa. At first glance, the price might seem overwhelming, but the value for this tour was worth every cent and then some! So after landing in San Jose, it makes sense that one would want to find a way to visit La Fortuna. This tour will stay 3 hours at the volcano. Our driver was Antonio and our guide was fun, educational and was worth every penny. Some of the best tours include a stop at the areas hanging bridges which elevates visitors experience in the tree canopies. In part, because there is so much to do in the city, but also because its near the center of Costa Rica which makes day trips from San Jos a breeze. This tour will also offer you lunch after the rafting, as well as transportation. Didn't get to see it completely without clouds until we were in the hot springs pools.which are the highlight of this tour. Even non-hot spring connoisseurs will appreciate a Baldi Hot Springs tour. Generally, day trips are going to take at least an hours commute because of the terrain in Costa Rica. The dinner which was included in the trip was a buffet, it was good but westernized and not a Tico experience we were hoping for. First stop is at an ox cart wheel factory in Sarchi, where workers paint these elaborate symbols of Costa Rica. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us! About three hours each way, La Fortuna can easily fill a day out of San Jos. Relax in the exquisite hot springs at Baldi. The drive to Mi Cafecito is quite scenic and La Paz waterfall is perfectly positioned right beside the road, so youll also want to allow time for photo stops en route. As this is an active volcano, the park may close on short notice. You can get there easily by bus or taxi, and since it is very close to San Jose they are also comparable in price. Back in Jac, 90 minutes from San Jos, a plethora of adventures exist outside of beach time. For budget travelers, the Puerto Azul Hotel & Club Nautico and Hotel Cerro Lodge are economic choices still surrounded by the lush nature of Costa Rica. There are literally hundreds of coffee farms around Costa Rica, but some of the most famous are located only a short drive from San Jose. We hope you enjoy your trip and you can visit in the future. The transportation from your hotel is included as well as lunch, dinner, quick stops at Cinchona, La Paz Waterfall, and la Casa del Caf to see a coffee plantation. I recommend that you book a tour with certified guides. They also include a free airport shuttle. San Jose is definitely not lacking when it comes to accommodation options! Drive through the countryside and spend the morning touring Mi Cafecitos organic coffee farm en route. From one of these locations, you can then book a boat to take you to the island. Due to its remote location, Tortuguero National Park can be a bit of a challenge to get to because you can only get there by boat or plane! Highly. To start coverage you must purchase it after leaving your home country. As you can see, San Jose is the perfect central location for exploring many of the best places to visit in Costa Rica on a day trip. This lesser-visited volcano is for those that prefer to get off the tourist path. Vacations to Costa Rica Made Easy. Located about 20 minutes north of San Jose, it is easy to get to and a great place for the whole family. Its undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips! 3 Days Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano- Monteverde -Manuel Antonio From San Jos. Marco was a great guide. It demonstrates why the biodiversity in Costa Rica is so important to protect. The tour guide Jesus was informative, pleasant, safe driver, patient and made everyone on the bus felt like a family. The admission is $15 USD and the entrance to the park is from 8 am to 4 pm. Now Im not going to sugarcoat it, San Jose isnt the nicest city to most. Technically, there are ratings for seven and eight but not for commercial whitewater rafting.
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