night tour san jose costa rica

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Delicious Costa Rican food and drink.        Oh, we need to say more? Alright, well, there’s also a ton of culture and history, a tasty local dinner, and the chance to experience San Jose’s nightlife with a local. Best. Night. Ever.

• Experience San Jose by night with a local to guide the way
• Explore significant city buildings and local neighbourhoods
• Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city
• Indulge in a tasty local menu filled with authentic local ingredients
• Sip expertly selected wine or beer pairings as you dine

Local English speaking guide, artisanal Craft Beer local production (or non-alcoholic drink), special Dinner (1 appetizer, 1 main course, 2 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

Transportation to and from the meeting point and endpoint is not included. Also not included are additional food and drink beyond what is specified above, tips/gratuities for your guide

Morazan Park at the The Temple of Music

Aguizotes Gastropub

For shared tours, the maximum group number will be 12 passengers. For private tours, there must be a minimum of 2 passengers. A solo traveller may still book a private experience, but they will be charged a base rate for two travellers.

While we strongly recommend that all travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid putting undue strain on healthcare services, vaccinations are not a requirement to join an Intrepid Urban Adventures tour. For further information, please review COVID-19 Health & Safety at https://www.urbanadventures.com/en/about-us/covid-19-customer-info

If you have any issues on the day of your tour, please call + 506 4113 9300.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity.

Explore San Jose by night, complete with cultural icons, and a tasty dinner with beverage pairings – that’s your evening sorted! Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with Morazán Park where we will learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, our appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture continues, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). On the way we will stop at one of the main architectural jewels of the Costa Rican capital, Steinvorth Building for a artisanal craft beer or black drink - kombucha. After we had chance to enjoy a drink, we will continue our walk-through San José´s tangible history through its buildings and streets, uncovering traces from the past converging with the present” or something like that, as we will continue exploring historic landmarks and points of interest before heading to Barrio Escalante. Escalante is a “newish” neighboorhood, it has a foot in history of coffee production, but its architecture its from 60s-70s, making it not the oldest but a place built during Costa Rica´s spring from 1950 to 1980. The "barrio" as locals calls it, was first a coffee farm but by the 1950's became the favourite neighbourhood for the economic and political elites of the time. Nowadays, Barrio Escalante has reinvented itself and is now home to many up and coming restaurants and at night is a favourite meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. The evening will end with a contemporary traditional meal at a hip local restaurant that is very popular with locals and offers a sampler of traditional Costa Rican pub fare. Between your tasty traditional meal, and wine or beer that go down a treat, you’ll be ending the evening feeling every bit the San Jose local. Your local guide will be happy to provide suggestions on where to head next, but if not, they can assist you with getting a taxi back to your accommodation.  

• We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.

+506 4 113 9300 [email protected]

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• About this activity

San Jose by Night: Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Floodlit splendor of Costa Rica's capital—San Jose
• Explore significant city buildings and local neighbourhoods
• Immersion into local culture & the history of the city
• Delicious authentic meal paired expertly with wines
• Carbon neutral tour operated by B Corp accredited company

Activity location

• San José, San José Province, Costa Rica

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Thu, Jun 6 -
• Fri, Jun 7 $79
• Sat, Jun 8 $79
• Sun, Jun 9 $79
• Mon, Jun 10 $79
• Tue, Jun 11 $79
• Wed, Jun 12 $79
• Thu, Jun 13 $79
• Fri, Jun 14 $79
• Sat, Jun 15 $79
• Sun, Jun 16 $79
• Mon, Jun 17 $79
• Tue, Jun 18 $79
• Wed, Jun 19 $79
• Thu, Jun 20 $79

San Jose By Night: Food and Culture

• Activity duration is 4 hours 4h 4h
• Food and Drinks

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Guided tour of San Jose
• What's included What's included Artisanal Craft Beer local production (or non-alcoholic drink)
• What's included What's included Live tour commentary provided in English
• What's included What's included Local dinner: 1 appetizer, 1 main course and
• What's excluded What's excluded Additional food and beverages not listed as Inclusions

Know before you book

• Children 5 and younger are not allowed.
• Maximum group size is 12 people.
• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.

What you can expect

Explore San Jose by night, complete with local markets, cultural icons, and a tasty dinner with beverage pairings – that’s your evening sorted!

Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with Morazán Park where we will learn post-colonial Costa Rican history.

From there, our appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture continues, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

We’ll continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose. The “barrio” as locals call it, was first a coffee farm but by the 1950's became the favourite neighbourhood for the economic and political elites of the time. Nowadays, Barrio Escalante has reinvented itself and is now home to many up and coming restaurants and at night is a favourite meeting spot for locals and visitors alike.

The evening will end with a contemporary traditional meal at a hip local restaurant that is very popular with locals and offers a sampler of traditional Costa Rican pub fare.

Between your tasty traditional meal, and wines that go down a treat, you’ll be ending the evening feeling every bit the San Jose local.

Your local guide will be happy to provide suggestions on where to head next, but if not, they can assist you with getting a taxi back to your accommodation.

• Package Tours

San Jose Nightlife: San Jose By Night -walking tour and food tour

• Tour Included

Alright, well, there’s also a ton of culture and history, a tasty local dinner, and the chance to experience San Jose’s nightlife with a local. Best. Night. Ever.

• Experience San Jose by night with a local to guide the way
• Explore markets, significant city buildings, and local neighbourhoods
• Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city
• Indulge in a tasty local menu filled with authentic local ingredients
• Sip expertly selected wine pairings as you dine

Inclusions:

• Local English speaking guide
• Glasses of wine
• Visit locals markets

Contact Form

• Name * First Last
• Your Message *

  +506 2777-0775 / 1-800-213-5730       [email protected]

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Jungle Night Walk Guided Tour from Manuel Antonio

Our naturalist tour guides will take you to a jungle habitat adjacent to the Manuel Antonio National Park and show you all kind of creatures such as frogs, lizards, mammals, insects, spiders, snakes, scorpions, birds and so much more.

The beautiful symphony of a tropical rain forest at night is one of the most exiting experiences; turn off the lights for a moment and listen to all the secrete sounds.

This unique Jungle Walk is a 2 hours guided adventure where you will have the opportunity to be part of one of the most interesting and important ecosystems of Costa Rica, the Nocturnal Tropical Rain Forest.

You will be in contact with many nocturnal inhabitants in our amazing jungle which is the same ecosystem as Manuel Antonio National Park.

Pick Up:  Hotel or Location in Manuel Antonio

Departure Time:  5:00 PM

Duration:  3 Hours

Difficulty:  Easy

What to Bring:  Hiking shoes, trousers, insect repellent, and camera.

Tour Includes: Round trip transportation, equipment, flashlights, tour guide and snacks including light sandwiches and drinks

• Duration: 3  Hours (approx.)
• Location: Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Puntarenas

Other tours offered from the Manuel Antonio area

Tours offered in manuel antonio, jacó and san josé, manuel antonio, privacy overview.

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Costa Rica at Night: The 18 Best Things to Do After Dark

In Costa Rica the sun sets year round between 5:15pm and 6:00pm. After that, it gets pitch black very quickly. So, the question becomes, “now what?” 

As someone who has been living in Costa Rica for several years I have found my bedtime has been slowly creeping up earlier and earlier. But, night time in Costa Rica doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do. There are plenty of things to keep you entertained from night active wildlife tours to unique dining experiences to bioluminescent kayaking. 

So, get ready to discover our 18 favorite things to do at night in Costa Rica. 

Plus, we included a lot of tips about what to expect in the dark from mosquitos to safety to creepy crawlers. Yay!

Let’s get to it!

1. Go Bioluminescent Kayaking

Have you ever experienced bioluminescence before? 

If not, the Nicoya Peninsula and the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica are the two best places in Costa Rica to experience this. 

Bioluminescence is a natural light produced by living organisms in the water.

These organisms create light through a chemical reaction involving a light-emitting molecule called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase.

This glow serves various purposes, such as attracting mates, luring prey, or deterring predators.

On the Nicoya Peninsula, we strongly suggest taking an evening kayak tour with Bahia Rica to see the bioluminescence. They are located right down the street from the ferry terminal in Paquera . 

Check Availability and Book Your Nicoya Bioluminescence Tour

On the Osa Peninsula, the best place to see bioluminescence is in Golfito Bay. Our favorite kayak tour departs from Puerto Jimenez . 

Check Availability and Book Your Biolumiscnece Tour from Puerto Jimenez

Note: It is possible to experience this year-round, but the optics are best during a new moon when there is very little light. 

2. Take a Wildlife Night Tour

A wildlife night tour is the perfect way to see nocturnal animals.

Typically on a wildlife night tour an experienced guide will take you on a night hike through the rainforest at either a private reserve or a widllife refuge.

You will have a headlamp or flashlight to help guide you.

Along the way, your naturalist guides will point out night active wildlife as well as creatures you would never even be able to see during the daylight hours. 

This fun tour option for nature lovers can be done throughout the country. 

Here are our top tour choices in different towns.

• Monteverde :  Night Tour in Monteverde
• La Fortuna:   Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner
• Manuel Antonio :  Night Jungle Tour with Dinner
• Drake Bay :  The Night Tour with Tracie The Bug Lady
• Manzanillo :  The Dark Side of Nature: Refuge Night Walk

3. See Sea Turtles Laying Their Eggs

One of the coolest things you can experience in Costa Rica is to see sea turtles laying theirs eggs on a beach.

The best places to see this in the evening are in Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast and just north of Tamarindo on Playa Grande on the Pacific Coast. 

In Tortuguero, the best time to experience this is between July and September. They offer these tours year round, but I really think it is only worth it when the main turtle nesting of the Green Sea Turtles.

Check Availability and Book You Turtle Nesting Night Tour in Tortuguero

On Playa Grande near Tamarindo you can see Olive Ridley sea turtles laying their eggs. The best time of year for this is between November and March.

If you go at a different time of year there is a chance you might not see any turtles.

Check Availability and Book Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo

4. Relax in a Hot Spring

If you plan to visit La Fortuna , we highly suggest visiting a hot spring park. Here you can soak in pools of varying temperatures created from volcanic water.

Most of the hot spring parks in town are open until 9 or 10pm at night. So, you can eaisly spend a fun filled evening here.  

A lot of the places have fun multi-color lights, swim-up bars, secluded pools for couples, and waterslides for kids. 

Check out our guide to all the hot springs in La Fortuna to find the perfect place for your interests. 

5. Go to a Bar / Pub

Every town you visit most likely has a few bar or pub options.

Typically, in Costa Rica these are open air places with relaxed vibes.

You can find places that serve craft beers, local spots with national beers , beach bars , or cocktail bars .

You can even find unique bars like El Avion in Manuel Antonio . This is a bar and restaurant in an old plane. The food isn’t the best, but it is a unique place to get a drink.

If you are in Monteverde, check out Treehouse Restaurant . This is a restaurant and bar with a giant tree in the middle. Again, the food isn’t my favorite but the place is unique for a cocktail or beer.  

6. Take a Cooking Class

We love taking a cooking class because it is a great way to get a taste for the culture (literally). It is possible to find private cooking classes or take a class with a group. 

Some of our favorite options are:

• Farm-to-Table Cooking in La Fortuna
• Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo
• Private Native Caribbean Cooking in Puerto Viejo

7. Try a Unique Dining Experience

Costa Rica is filled with amazing restaurants, but some places just stand out as being completely unique and more of an experience than just a meal. 

A few of our favorite unique dining experiences are:

Adventure Dining in Jaco : This is a dining experience located in the hills above Jaco with beautiful views. It feels a lot like going to a friend’s house and meeting new fun people. Transportation is included from Jaco area hotels. 

San Lucas Tree Top Dining in Monteverde : This is a high end restaurant located in the trees of Monteverde. You will enjoy a 9 course menu in an intimate setting (there are only 8 tables and all are very secluded) in the jungle.

Mirador Ram Luna in San Jose : This is a traditional restaurant in the hills above San Jose with amazing views of the city. I suggest coming here on Wednesdays for their Tierra Tica Show. On this night you can enjoy a buffet, open bar, traditional dancing, and traditional live band.

HiR Fine Dining in Tamarindo : This is a fine dining experience with several courses prepared at the chef’s home. You get a chance to talk to the chef (named Mercy) as she is cooking right in front of you. And, belive me, she is an amazing chef!

8. Check Out Some Live Music

There are so many live music options in Costa Rica to enjoy in the evening.

• If you are staying in almost any town you can find a bar with live music at night. This is usually acoustic sets or a small band.
• If you are in San Jose you can check out if any bigger-name artists are playing at the National Stadium.
• There is a  jazz cafe in San Jose  that is a mid-size venue. We have experienced some great music here. 

9. Enjoy the Nightlife Scene

Costa Rica is known for having a pretty good nightlife scene. This especially applies to bigger towns such as San Jose, Jaco , Tamarindo, Playas del Coco , and Puerto Viejo . 

These towns are known for having Latin music and electronic dance clubs. Typically, the weekend nights are best for this, but you can definitely find places to enjoy Costa Rica nightlife any night of the week. 

If you are bit hesitant about doing this on your own, it is possible to join a fun guided bar crawl instead.

Check out the:

• San Jose Bar Crawl : A 3 hour long bar crawl through downtown San Jose with a local guide. A few drinks are included as well. This is a great way to meet other tourists and safely experience the capital city at night.
• Tamarindo Bar Crawl : This tour is only available on Friday nights in Tamarindo. It departs from Selina Hotel, so expect a lot of backpackers to be joining. You will visit 3 different venues. Shots are included. 

10. Enjoy Views of the Moon and Stars

Most of the beach towns and areas in the jungle are free of light pollution. You can get some amazing moon and star views here. 

I have a free star app on my phone called Stellarium which is great for figuring out what stars you are looking at.

If you have a camera with you, try some long exposure shots like the one of the moon that Thomas took above.

11. Farm-to-Table Dinner & Cocktails Class in San Jose

If you are in San José you will have the opportunity to join one of our favorite evening activities.

San Jose Urban Tours hosts a farm-to-table dinner and cocktail-making class.

This activity begins at 4pm and lasts for about 4 hours.

You will walk through a local market, taste traditional drinks, and enjoy 4 tasting menus of traditional food.

This is a really fun tour. I think it is well done and you will have a great time. 

Check Availability and Book Your Farm-to-Table Dinner

12. Take a Night Mangrove Tour in Manuel Antonio

In Manuel Antonio it is possible to take an evening boat tour through the nearby mangroves with an experienced guide. 

This tour departs at 5:30pm and includes transportation from your Manuel Antonio area hotel. 

Along the way you might see crocodiles, turtles, boas, lizards, bats, birds, crabs, raccoons, and more! 

Plus, a tasty traditional dinner is included. 

Check Availability and Book Your Evening Mangrove Tour

13. Go to the National Theater

If you will be in San Jose, you might want to check the current national theater schedule .

Even if you don’t understand Spanish, you will likely enjoy a performance here.

Plus, the interior of the building alone is worth a visit. 

14. Play Some Games

I suggest bringing a few games with you on your trip.

A deck of cards is always a good idea because it is easy to transport and your game options are endless for those evenings when you and your travel companions just don’t know what to do. You also can never go wrong with a good ‘ol game of UNO .

15. Hang Out at Your Hotel Pool

We love staying at a hotel with a pool and in most towns it stays warm enough in the evenings to still be very pleasant in the water. 

In our experience, you can often end up with the hotel pool all to yourself if you go in the evenings. 

16. Check Out Costa Rican TV

There is a good chance that you will have a TV in your hotel room that has at least the basic Costa Rican channels. 

I personally find it fun to check out the TV stations in another country. I think the news is especially interesting to watch. 

You might not understand all of the Spanish, but it is a great way to practice your language knowledge. 

17. Read a Book

If I don’t feel like going out and there is nothing exciting to do, I usually opt to read a book.

One of my favorite things to do while I travel is to read a book about the particular place I am currently visiting. 

A few good Costa Rican books I’ve read that are available as paperback or ebooks are:

• The Adventurer’s Son by Roman Dahl : A nonfiction book about a young man who goes missing in Corcovado National Park written by his father
• Monkeys Are Made of Chocolate by Jack Ewing : This book details the observations and experiences the author (who is also a naturalist) has made from three decades of living in Costa Rica.
• Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias : This is a fictional book written by a Costa Rican author detailing a mother and daughter relationship in the mid-1990’s.

Check out all the Costa Rica themed books on my Amazon “to-read” list

18. Go to Bed Early

I know this is boring. However, the sun rises around 5:30am here and I think that this is the best time of the day. All of the animals are out and everything is beautiful. 

So, I suggest going to bed early so that you can wake up early. 

Plus, after a long day of adventures and warm weather, you might be very ready for an early bedtime. 

Things to Note About Night Time in Costa Rica

• Don’t forget to bring a lot of bug spray with you. We like this one from Repel . Once the sun goes down the mosquitos can come out in full force here. This especially applies to the rainy season when it is more humid.
• Even during the rainy season it doesn’t typically rain at night on the Pacific Coast. On the Caribbean Coast or in cloud forest towns like Monteverde it is more common to experience rain in the evenings. 
• It is a good idea to pack a flashlight or headlamp in your luggage. 
• Costa Rica is generally safe , but it is not a good idea to walk around alone at night. Petty theft does sometimes happen.
• If you hear weird laughing noises in your room at night, don’t worry, it’s just geckos. They are cute and harmless.
• If you hear loud roars as the sun rises in the morning, those are howler monkeys. Also cute and mostly harmless. 
• We suggest bringing earplugs and a quality eye mask if you want any chance of sleeping later than 5:30 am.
• You might hear some interesting sounds of the jungle at night. It can be a bit creepy at first to be sleeping in your cozy hotel room and hear nocturnal wildlife scurrying around outside. Don’t worry, it’s all just part of the Costa Rican experience. 😉

Conclusion: Costa Rica at Night

In conclusion, despite the lack of light there are still several fun things to do in Costa Rica in the evenings.

If you have any questions about planning your trip, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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Costa Rica Travel Details : What You Need to Know

🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.

• Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
• You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services

🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?

We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.

🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?

Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.

✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?

Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner . Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).

🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?

We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.

🗣️ What is the main language in Costa Rica?

The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.

💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas

📞 What is the best way to stay connected?

An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.

🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.

🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.

Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)

We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes. Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together. Want the whole crazy story?

Sarah McArthur

Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.  She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.  Want the whole crazy story?

21 Best Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: January 9, 2023

While many people make San Jose a quick pit stop on their Costa Rica vacation , we are here to tell you to make sure to put it on your itinerary. With a cool vibe and plenty of attractions, there are many things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica making it the perfect beginning or ending to your trip.

So why should you visit San Jose? San Jose is the Capital city of Costa Rica, it is Costa Rica’s largest city and it is filled with beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and an exciting array of activities. San Jose is home to 1.5 million Costa Ricans who enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Latin America. There are plenty of museums and galleries to explore and its hip urban vibe makes for an excellent place to make a base as you explore some of Costa Rica’s top attractions.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose can be overwhelming when you first arrive. The city is a sprawling metropolis, as crowds of people fill the various walking streets, and the restaurants are packed with young and hip urbanites. Once you look past the congestion and chaos, you’ll discover a cultural city filled with plenty of things to do.

When landing at San Juan Santamari a International Airport, take the stress out of travel and b ook your private transfer to your hotel. Your driver will greet you at arrivals and take you directly to your hotel hassle-free. This airport is also where you’ll fly into when visiting the Arenal volcano area and Monteverde cloud forest.

Where to Stay in San Jose

We suggest staying near Avenida Central (Central Avenue) in downtown San Jose. Located in the center of the city, it is easy to walk to many of the top San Jose attractions. There is a huge concentration of hotels in this area to suit all budgets and we stayed at the Gran Hotel San Jose Hilton .

I wouldn’t suggest staying at the Juan Santamaria International Airport even though there is plenty of accommodation here. It is just a little too far out of town and you won’t really be able to take in all of San Jose’s nightlife and attractions. We loved being able to go for a walk on Avenida Central at night and early in the morning. That being said, the Hampton Inn & Suites is lovely . It’s a little more affordable and Ubers are quite reasonable to get around San Jose. If you are doing day trips and guided tours, the airport area could be a good option. Check it out on TripAdvisor

Gran Hotel San Jose

The Gran Hotel San Jose Hilton made for a great base to explore all of San Jose’s top tourist attractions and it was a superb property with outstanding views of the city. We had some travel points to use so we searched for the most convenient luxurious hotel we could find and it was perfect. We walked everywhere and its bar had the best views in the city. Even without travel points, it is an affordable luxury hotel by any city standards. Check out prices and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

If you are looking for a more local option make sure to check out this cool Air B&B right in the center of town.

What to do in San Jose Costa Rica

Okay, now that we have suggested where to stay in the city, let’s take a look at all the amazing things to do in San Jose Costa Rica to entice you to add it to your bucket list. Let’s go!

1. Avenida Central – Central Avenue

Avenida Central (Central Avenue) is a walking street that goes right through the core of downtown San Jose. It is filled with restaurants, shops, and attractions. The best way to start your day is to find a local coffee shop to have some flavorful Costa Rican coffee take it away with you, and start walking along the avenue. Avenida Central is quiet in the mornings and walking along the street in solitude is the perfect way to get your bearings.

We took a long stroll from end to end to start planning our day. There are several walking streets beside Avenida Central in San Jose, and there are many walking streets that branch of from the main Central Avenue so get lost and stroll as long as you like along the auto-free streets to feel the energy of the city. There’s great shopping along here as well.

If you enjoy walking, this food and walking tour is a super way to learn about Costa Rican culture and food where you’ll meet in the morning for coffee at a café in Borbon Market before setting off to one of San Jose’s top attractions, Central Market to sample local foods and fruits.

2. Plaza de la Cultura 

The Plaza de la Cultura is the main square of San Jose and a great place to begin your San Jose exploration. In the heart of the plaza, vendors sell crafts, street performers show their skills, and locals sell birdseed to feed the pigeons flocking to the square. If you want that classic photograph of a swarm of birds soaring off at your feet, this is the place to do it.

There are plenty of things to do in this area of San Jose that you can easily walk to from the plaza. Many of the top sights like the Central Market, Museo de Jade, Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, and Gold Museum are all within walking distance of this plaza. It is here you’ll find typical fast-food chains found in every city in the world and it’s a great place to grab some ice cream to take with you as you explore.

Don’t be alarmed by all the police walking around wielding guns, they are there as a deterrent. Plaza de la Cultura is very safe and it is a spot where many tour groups meet up. The police are there to make sure everyone feels safe and because of that, it is probably the safest place in all of San Jose.

3. Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica – National Theater of Costa Rica

The National Theater of Costa Rica ( Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica) is the centerpiece of San Jose and one of the city’s top attractions. It’s a meeting spot for tours and friends to meet up for coffee and it is the Grande Dame of the town. Dating back to 1897, this historic building is a must-see for anyone visiting San Jose.

The coffee barons of the 19th century went all out importing marble from Italy, and commissioning opulent frescoes and statues of Beethoven and Spanish Playwright. The original statues have been moved inside for fear of earthquakes and erosion so make sure to go in for the full experience.

The grand theater is beautiful from the outside with its neoclassical facade, stone columns, but inside you’ll find an ornate interior. The first thing you’ll notice is a painting by Aleardo Villa. Alegoría al Café y el Banano (Allegory of Coffee and Bananas) is dedicated to the Costa Rican coffee and banana harvest.

Guided Tours

Tours are offered for $11 USD and are offered hourly in both Spanish and English. You’ll learn about the history and architecture and they take you on a backstage tour to see every nook and cranny. If you don’t want to take a tour, you can see a performance. This is the premier theater in Costa Rica and you’ll be able to watch everything from classical music to comedians and dance performances. Note: No photos are allowed in the theater.

4. Coffee Shop at National Theater

If you don’t have time for the 45-minute tour, or if you don’t want to spend the $11, there is a coffee shop in the lobby where you can enjoy a delicious Costa Rican coffee. If you ask to use the bathroom, you can take a peek inside the theater itself. They’ll give you a pass to get by security, but don’t spend too long lingering or you’ll get caught! The coffee shop is busy, so be sure to grab a table as soon as you see one.

5. Take a Free Walking Tour

Each day at 9:00 am, there is a free walking tour led by local guides. They are offered in both Spanish and English. Patrons meet in front of the T eatro Nacional and join their guide with the red vest and umbrella for a cultural tour of San Jose. The free tours don’t ever leave at 12:30, they leave at 9:00 am every day.

Taking the free walking tour of San Jose is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the city. We suggest doing this on your first day. It takes you to all the city highlights so you can get your bearings and decide where to come back to in the coming days. The local guides are knowledgeable and friendly and offer tips and information on where to eat and what else to see in San Jose. The tour is free, but make sure to show your guide some love at the end. Suggested Tip: $10 USD per person.

Looking for Day Tours from San Jose Costa Rica? These are the most popular!

San Jose is a great place to make a base for Costa Rican day trips. With its central location, you can easily get to see the cloud forest, volcanoes, and waterfalls.

• EXPLORE THE CLOUD FOREST FROM SAN JOSE
• VOLCANOS AND WATERFALLS ON A DAY TRIP
• FULL DAY ZIP LINING AND HOT SPRINGS WITH MEALS

We have a full description of San Jose’s best day trips at the end of this post. You can skip here to browse San Jose day trips

Beware, there is a copycat guide that stands out in front of the theater publicizing his own walking tour. He nearly got us the day before telling us that the free walking tour starts at 12:30. We popped up to our hotel room to drop some stuff off and looked up how much we should tip. The first thing we saw was his face warning that he was a fraud.

6. Museo Nacional de Costa – National Museum

San Jose is filled with museums showcasing Costa Rican history and culture and the National Museum (Museo Nacional de Costa) is San Jose’s premier museum. The National Museum was originally a fortress and these were its army barracks that give a nice overview of the history of Costa Rica with pre-Columbian artifacts to the abolishment of the Costa Rican Army in 1948. We found this fact fascinating. Costa Rico has not had a military since its civil war in 1948.

Military History and Bullet Holes of National Museum

If you aren’t a museum fan, you still must stroll along the outside of the Museo Nacional de Costa to see the bullet holes in the walls and watchtowers. It was a fierce battle and the scars still show from the 1948 Civil War.

As the former president, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Oscar Arias Sanchez said,  “Military solutions to conflicts should be the last, last resort, Here, conflicts are resolved at a negotiating table.”

7. Stone Sphere – National Museum

The mysterious stone spheres of Costa Rica date back to 200BC and there have been more than 300 of them discovered throughout the country. You don’ have to go in search of them though, there is one located right downtown San Jose in the National Museum. The nearly perfectly smooth sphere sits on display in a glass encasement.

The stone spheres around Costa Rica range in size from a few centimeters to two meters in diameter and they weigh up to 15,000 kg (16 tons). They are so impressive that some are on display around the world including two in the United States. Our guide told us that treasure hunters blew them up when they were first discovered thinking that gold was hidden inside.

8. Pre Columbian Gold Museum of San Jose

Located in the heart of downtown San Jose under San Josés main square, The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is one of the most popular museums to visit in San Jose. Some of the metal objects on display date back to 500 AD. Here you’ll learn of what everyday life was like centuries ago. It also traces Costa Rica’s history from 500 AD to the 1500s when the Spanish arrived. This museum focuses on the purpose and uses of gold spanning from Pre Columbian times. The Gold Museum is one of the top attractions in San Jose with more than 1600 pieces of gold artifacts on display.

9. Jade Museum

The Jade Museum is yet another museum that is worth visiting in San Jose. It houses the largest collection of pre-Columbian jade in the world. Museu de Jade is located just behind the National Museum so if you have extra time, you can pop in there. The jade on display dates back to 500 BC. The Pre-Columbians traded with the Mayans during this period and this rare stone played a large role in the daily life of Pre-Columbian Costa Rica. It’s located just across the Plaza de la Democracia from the National Museum.

10. Children’s Museum

If you are looking for things to do in San Jose with kids, make your way to the Children’s Museum. The Museo de Los Ninos is popular for families complete with dinosaurs, science displays, ancient Egypt, and Costa Rican history. What makes it good are the interactive displays.

Museum of Natural Sciences  – Considered one of the best in Latin America for animals, archeology, and dinosaurs.

11. Mercado Central – Central Market

When searching for souvenirs, Central Market is a good place to start. Central Market is one of Costa Rica’s oldest landmarks dating back to 1821. It is filled with food stalls and souvenir shops, but it is also a place to rub elbows with the locals. Locals regularly shop at this market and with its many food stalls you can sample some authentic Costa Rican food at bargain prices. You’ll see a lot of people sitting on stools eating traditional food, so why not join them and say hello!

12. California Boulevard

Another lovely walking street in San Jose can be found in front of the National Museum. California Boulevard, aka Calle 17 is a beautiful path that was designed to mimic the streets of Los Angeles. This walking street is far quieter than Avenida Central and its cobblestone path is lined with palm trees and colonial architecture. This is where you’ll find many government buildings, private residences, and educations centers.

13. Graffiti Wall

Along California Boulevard, is where you’ll also discover beautiful street art. Like many cities around the world, street tagging was becoming a problem in San Jose, so they offered artists a chance to own a piece of the wall to celebrate their expression of art. We were told that each artist auditioned for their spot and they were granted a piece of wall for five years.

14. National Park of San Jose

It is a quiet and small park, but the National Park of San Jose is historic. It is also a spot where you can view the railway. At one time, trains were a popular way to get around Costa Rica, but corruption put a stop to them when the people in power had a vested interest in automobile manufacturing. Today, Costa Rica is working on rebuilding the rail lines and soon tourists will be able to get around the country in the comfort of trains.

15. Sa Casa Del Cacao – Chocolate Factory

Chocolate was once prized as much as gold in Costa Rica and it was once the top export of the country. In Costa Rica’s history, chocolate was used in indigenous ceremonies and was so important it was used as currency. Chocolate production is making a comeback in Costa Rica, and the Casa del Cacao (The Costa Rican House of Chocolate) is a good place to experience some of that chocolate culture. It offers chocolate workshops and is a great place to pick up some genuine Costa Rican chocolate. Located in downtown San Jose you can sample two of Costa Rica’s prize exports, chocolate and coffee.

16. Berlin Wall

One of the best things to see in San Jose that nobody knows about is the Berlin Wall. Located behind the Foreign Ministry is a piece of the Berlin Wall. It’s a lovely yellow building, so you can’t miss it if you are strolling around the city. We always love finding pieces of the Berlin Wall in our travels. We were surprised to find that San Jose had a piece. You really need to seek it out as it isn’t exactly on display and many people walk right on by. We had to take photos through the fence to see it. The wall was a gift to Costa Rica after Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister asked for it to commemorate the 150th anniversary of its foreign ministry. Now you know, and here are more cool Costa Rica Facts to check out.

17. Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose

San Jose’s most beautiful cathedral is located in the heart of the city. The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose’s doors are open to visitors, but be respectful as it is a working cathedral. Each time we visited, mass was taking place and worshippers were sitting in the pews. Its beautiful design is a mix of baroque, neoclassical, and Greek orthodox. After a series of earthquakes, it was rebuilt in 1871 and has been welcoming worshippers and visitors ever since. It is such an important church that Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1983.

18. Central Park

If you are looking for that Instagrammable city sign that can be spotted all over the world, this is the place to go. It’s less crowded than the San Jose sign at Plaza de la Cultura and is a nice little park to take a break from sightseeing.

Central Park is San Jose’s oldest public space and it is located beside the Metropolitan Cathedral. Street performers can be found alongside business people eating their lunches and kids skateboarding on the concrete. There’s some interesting architecture to check out here and it’s a popular hanging spot for locals.

19. View from the Bar at Gran Hotel

The Gran Hotel is the most historic hotel in the city and is a San Jose attraction in its own right. Even if you are not staying there it is worth going up to the bar for a cocktail or for dinner. The historic hotel has been completely renovated and is very chic.

Built-in 1930, The Gran Hote l has the most coveted location in San Jose. It’s located directly on the Plaza de la Cultura with the National Theater, Gold Museum, and Avenida Central located next door. When dining in its restaurant you are treated to one of San Jose’s best views.

JFK stayed here during his visit but he wouldn’t recognize it, its renovations have created a modern design that makes you want to hang out for days. Our room was super chic, the food was excellent and the ambiance was comfortably elegant. The staff is super friendly too. Make sure to head up to the top floor to the piano bar for a glass of wine overlooking the city of San Jose.

20. Chinatown

A quirky stop on our free walking tour was San Jose’s Chinatown. Our guide told us that the plan is to build it up more and make it an actual destination in the city. We didn’t see any Chinese during our visit to San Jose, but they do have a photogenic Chinatown gate, so I believe there will be much more in the future.

21. Metallic Building

Taking the free walking tour helped us appreciate the buildings around the city. We stopped in front of many to learn of their history. This pink metallic building was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It was actually sent from Europe in pieces and was put together piece by piece. Today it is a private school, but it is definitely worth stopping to see. There is a beautiful row of rubber trees that makes for a lovely photograph.

Things to do in San Jose Costa Rica at Night

Food and Culture Night Tour

If you are looking for things to do in San Jose at night, you can book this food and culture night tour of San José . Follow your expert guide to see important cultural sites followed by a traditional dinner with wine or beer pairings. You’ll start at Morazán Park to learn about post-colonial Costa Rican history. Then continue on a walking tour to the Metallic Building, the Yellow house from Spain Park, and the oldest residential neighborhood in San José, Barrio Escalante.

If you want to grab a beer in San Jose on your own, visit The Costa Rica Beer Factory is a great place to sample some local brews.

San Jose Night Tour

This highly rated tour is a fun way to experience San Jose away from the daytime crowds. Meeting at La Sabana Metropolitan Park you’ll get an overview of San Jose’s history as you visit some of San Jose’s top attractions like the National Stadium, University of Costa Rica, and the  Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica. At the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner.

Where to Eat in San Jose

Being Costa Rica’s capital city, there are plenty of excellent food choices all around San Jose. You can easily just ask your guide or hotel for recommendations. Another way we love to find great eateries is to look for where the locals are. If it is filled with regular clientele, you can be sure it is good. Here are a few recommendations.

S oda Tapia – Soda Tapia is a cool retro-style diner 100 years old that is popular with the locals and has a fun vibe.

Cafeteria Incluyeme – This unique cafeteria employs people with disabilities creating a space where they can feel comfortable, and gain employment. It’s known for its delicious coffee, smoothies. It’s located near the Chinese gate.

Tortilleria – This popular spot for locals has delicious tortillas. While there, be sure to try the local lemonade-like drink known as Cas.

Top of the Hilton – This was excellent fine dining with a fantastic view.

Day Trips from San Jose

Manuel antonio national park.

This highly rated day tour from San Jose takes you to the white sand beaches of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s a full day tour packed with activities where you’ll be picked up in the morning and on the way stop at the biggest fruit market in Costa Rica and a stop at crocodile bridge to view one of the country’s largest crocodile populations. The rest of the day is spent searching for wildlife such as sloths and macaws, enjoying some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and enjoying the rainforest hiking trails of Manuel Antonio National Park.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Poas Volcano

There is no shortage of things to do around San Jose, and the Poas Volcano National Park & La Paz Waterfall Gardens are one of the top day trips from San Jose.

This popular tour stops at La Paz Waterfall Gardens which houses Costa Rica’s largest animal sanctuary where 100 species of rescued wildlife lives are housed in the preserve. Enjoy some of the best hiking trails around San José as you enjoy waterfalls within the rainforest. This guided tour will also take you along hiking trails to the Botos Lagoon and climb up the crater to two crater lakes at the summit where you’ll witness one of the world’s most acidic lakes, Laguna Caliente. More details here.

Hanging Bridges

This tour for nature lovers’ – is a full-day tour that takes you to one of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions. The Monteverde Hanging Bridges takes you above the cloud forest where you’ll observe wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s a long drive and it is suggested to actually spend more than one day there, but if you have limited time, this tour is a great option.

Getting Around San Jose

San Jose is a very walkable city and by staying downtown San Jose, we could walk to most of the top attractions. For other travels around San Jose, we used Uber, it was very convenient and very affordable.

To get to the airport, we used Uber. It was safe, fast, and affordable. It cost us $15 USD including the tip. Note : we read that tips are not expected by Uber drivers in San Jose, but we have a habit of tipping. (gotta keep that high Uber star rating)**

You may want to book a transfer in advance to avoid any hassles. When visiting a new city, we always feel more comfortable when we have our driver waiting for us at arrivals with our nameplate. They take us directly from the airport to our hotel and it is worth the extra cost. You can check airport transfers here.

And there you have it, all of the best things to do in San Jose. One day really isn’t enough so when planning your trip to Costa Rica, make sure to spend at least three days in its capital city.

If you are planning on going to Costa Rica to explore its beautiful beaches, cloud forest, volcanoes, and scenery, make sure to put San Jose on your list. You’ll enjoy this historic urban center.

Read More about Costa Rica Travel

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• Costa Rica Travel Guide
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• Uncruise Alaska – The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Through Glacier Country

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6 thoughts on “21 Best Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica”

I’ve always been told I should not “waste” my time staying in San José when traveling to Costa Rica, it’s my second time here and I’ve skiped it all together… I am coming back for sure (can’t get enough of Pura Visa, right?) might give the city a couple of days… Thank you!

San José is definitely becoming a vibrant city BUT I still believe that one must visit the Pacific Coast when visiting the country! It’s natural charm it’s, for me, its real jewel 🙂

One of the destination which is on top of my bucket list. Nice coverage

I have a trip booked foe July 16 through August 7 Will be my first to San Jose with my 16 year old son. I have written 21 things that you recommed down We will be staying at the Balmoral Hotel Thanks you have given us more things than we will ever have time to see Clinton Bell

very interesting….

I doubt I’ll ever get the a but it certainly looks like a wonderful place to travel to. 🙂

Home » Destinations » Inland Costa Rica » San Jose » 4 BEST Tortuguero Tours From San Jose, Costa Rica

4 BEST Tortuguero Tours From San Jose, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: May 16, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Are you considering taking a tour to Tortuguero? We say go for it! It’s possible to visit Tortuguero in a day or overnight from San Jose, but we’d definitely recommend a tour so you can make the most of it and don’t have to worry about getting there – it’s quite remote!

People call this area “the Amazon of Costa Rica,” and as you can probably guess from the name, turtles are a BIG reason to visit Tortuguero. Turtle nesting season is incredible, but actually, we find this place amazing year-round. And honestly, the best way to relax and see the most wildlife is on a guided tour.

After living in and traveling all over Costa Rica for years, we know which tours offer the best experience. So to help you out, we’ve rounded up the top Tortuguero tours available.  

Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour

Don’t have time to read the full article? No worries – we’ll skip to the good stuff! Our absolute favorite tour to Tortuguero from San Jose is this Classic Guided Day Trip . It’s the quintessential tour of Tortuguero and includes a boat ride with epic wildlife spotting (I saw animals I didn’t even know existed!). We also walked through the Tortuguero Village and if you visit during nesting season (June-October), you’ll head to the beach to see the turtles nest!

This is a 12-hour tour and you’ll depart bright and early at 5:30 am, but wake up to views of coffee plantations and waterfalls on the drive. It costs $209 USD, which covers roundtrip transport, breakfast, lunch, and park fees. You’ll need a minimum of 2 per booking, and I highly recommend booking in advance, especially during nesting season. But hey, you can book for as early as tomorrow if you like!

Click here to book our favorite tour to Tortuguero today !

About Tortuguero National Park

The tiny town of Tortuguero lies on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Both the town and Tortuguero National Park are named after marine turtles (Tortuguero means turtle.) This area of the country is one of the most important nesting sites in the Caribbean for various species of sea turtles.

Every year from July until the end of October, thousands of sea turtles come to the beach here to lay eggs. The national park was established in 1975 after a sea turtle researcher alerted the Costa Rican government about how important this area was.  

Now, 35 kilometers (22 miles) of the beach is set aside as part of the national park. While sea turtle populations have decreased worldwide, nesting here has actually gone up 500% since the park was created! Now, 20,000 green sea turtles nest here each year – the largest remaining colony in the world. As you can see, this is one of the best places to see turtles in all of Costa Rica ! 

Besides the incredible turtles, other wildlife in Tortuguero is abundant with everything from howler monkeys to jaguars to sloths. You might also spot some of the 300  species of birds  or 111 species of reptiles. This protected area is home to so many amazing critters! 

The park is open every day from 6 am to 3 pm – but the entrance often closes at 12 pm for an hour for lunch. Admission to Tortuguero National Park is $17 USD for adults. Just note that if you bring cash, bills over $50 USD are not accepted, so have smaller bills or a credit card on hand. A couple of the tours listed below actually include park fees, so you won’t have to worry about it on the day.

This area also has unique and fun activities around Tortuguero Village like a floating restaurant, a cocoa tour, and hiking up an inactive volcano.  

Due to its remote location, Tortuguero can be a bit of a challenge to get to because you can only get there by boat or plane! The more common, and cheaper option is to take a 3-hour bus ride from San Jose and then hop on a 1-hour boat trip.

If you’re based in San Jose, you can take a tour that will cover all the logistics of getting to Tortuguero. I don’t love driving in Costa Rica because the roads can be tricky. Plus, if you’re doing it all in one day, that’s at least 5 hours on the road. I’d much rather have someone else take care of the driving and planning so I can fully enjoy the experience! That’s exactly why we’ve gathered the 4 best tours to Tortuguero – and whether you’re looking for a day trip or have time to stay overnight, we’ve got you covered.

Best Tortuguero Tours from San Jose

1. classic tortuguero day trip with boat ride.

We were pleasantly surprised by how cool San Jose was but, let’s be honest, cities aren’t the reason anyone comes to Costa Rica. So with  this full-day tour , you’re up and out early, and you’ll be on a boat trip along Tortuguero’s incredibly biodiverse canals by mid-morning. Sounds good to us! 

The boat trip is an ideal opportunity to spot toucans, sloths, iguanas, and even crocodiles. And yes, spotting a croc can be a little scary, but the guides know what they’re doing. After the boat ride, there’s even more Costa Rican wildlife to spot on the rainforest hike up to a viewpoint. We love hiking so this was a real highlight for us, but make sure you wear comfortable shoes, which is always a good idea in Costa Rica anyway. 

And naturally, during turtle nesting season, which is from June to October, you’ll head down to the beach to see them. Watching the turtles make their way across the volcanic sand is precisely the kind of magical experience that keeps us coming back to Costa Rica again and again! 

Tours leave at 5:30 am and last about 12 hours. It costs $209 USD per person, which includes roundtrip transit from downtown San Jose accommodations plus park fees, breakfast, and lunch. You also get free cancellation up to 24 hours before you go in case travel plans change (as they often do!).

There’s a minimum of 2 per booking and it books up fast during turtle nesting season! We recommend reserving your spot in advance if that’s when you’re planning to visit Tortuguero.

Secure your spot here for this Tortuguero Day Trip with Boat Ride and Wildlife Spotting !

Related Read: If you’re hungry before or after your tour, try one of the best restaurants in San Jose .

2. All-inclusive 2-night, 3-day Tortuguero Getaway

Sometimes, we just want to enjoy a getaway without worrying about any planning, and  this 2-night, 3-day Tortuguero tour  is perfect for that. Personally, I don’t love experiences that feel super rushed, so I like this tour because it gives you plenty of time to soak up the beauty of one of Costa Rica’s richest and most fascinating national parks! Plus, it gives you time to explore Tortuguero town which we loved.

After an early morning departure, you’ll arrive in Tortuguero with plenty of time to enjoy the day. Luckily, the first day is nice and relaxed, with time to settle into your 4-star digs before you go to the beach, visit the turtle museum, and explore the town. Tortuguero is quite a charming little town with strong Caribbean vibes. We like that you can explore it properly rather than making a flying visit, and if you’re looking for things to do, check out our list of fun activities in Tortuguero .

Then, on the second day, you can enjoy a laid-back boat ride through Tortuguero’s canals. These wetlands are some of the most biodiverse in the world so trust me when I say that this is an incredible chance to spot wildlife! And on day three, you’ll head back to San Jose, feeling refreshed rather than tired!  

This tour offers a much less demanding way to visit Tortuguero from San Jose, as I find doing it one day can be quite intense.

They offer pickup and dropoff from San Jose hotels or the airport, but not Airbnbs, although you can just request pickup from the closest hotel! Entrance to the park ($17 USD) and the turtle museum ($2) are not included, either. But overall, I think it’s a fantastic deal at $437 USD for 2 nights in a boutique hotel in one of Costa Rica’s most important national parks, with all meals included! 

Click here to book your 2-night, 3-day Tortuguero getaway .

3. Budget-friendly Tortuguero Day Trip

We think that  this full-day tour  is ideal for groups and families traveling on a budget. You’ll need to book for at least three people at a time, but as long as you can make the numbers, it’s a great way to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty in just one day. 

I found the drive to Tortuguero beautiful and loved seeing cloud forests, waterfalls, and coffee plantations along the way. The journey is also broken up with a visit to a banana plantation to discover how fruit is farmed and exported here. I really appreciated this because the drive from San José to Tortuguero is pretty long, so it was nice to stretch our legs and see something new.

And of course, once you get to the Tortuguero National Park, you’ll tick off all of the quintessential activities, including a wildlife boat ride, a visit to the main village, and observing the turtles at the right time of year. For me, the guides make this experience extra special – Buddy is so funny and chatty, and really keeps the energy up throughout the day. 

This tour costs $150 USD per person, which is quite a bargain considering that this price includes breakfast and lunch. It’s not a huge tour either, as there’s a maximum of 30 people in a group. When we went, we were picked up around 6:30 am and returned to our hotel about 12 hours later.

Click here to snag this Budget-friendly Tortuguero Day Trip !

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

• Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
• Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
• Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
• Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
• Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here ! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here .

4. Semi-private Day Trip to Tortuguero with Volcano Hike

We’re big wildlife enthusiasts, so we think that if you’ve got the cash to spare, taking this semi-private tour to Tortuguero is worth it. It’s actually quite surprising just how much more wildlife you end up spotting when you have your guide’s undivided attention. And since Tortuguero is like a mini Amazon, there’s so much to see here, from sloths, iguanas, and basilisk lizards to monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs… to name just a few! 

The guide, Alberto, is so friendly and it was very clear to us that he cares deeply about the park and its wildlife. His enthusiasm made the boat ride and visit to Tortuguero village even more enjoyable, and we loved the hike up to Cerro Tortuguero Volcano (don’t worry, it’s extinct!). However, it still offers incredible views over the park, and seeing the canals from up here made us realize just how huge the park is! 

The tour costs $295 USD per person (minimum 2 per booking), and there will be a maximum of 8 people in your group so it’s very personal. The price includes the Tortuguero entrance fee, plus lunch and bottled water along the way, which is always welcome in the humidity, I can assure you. You’ll depart around 7 am, returning roughly 10 hours later.

Book this semi-private Tortuguero tour online and get free cancellation up to 2 days in advance .

Related Read: There are many other day trips and tours from San Jose . For one of our faves, check out the best Manuel Antonio tours – another park brimming with wildlife and gorgeous beaches.

Other Activities to do while You’re in San José

There are plenty of things to do in San Jose ! But if you’re having trouble filling that itinerary, I’ve highlighted some of my favorites below.

• Visit Poas Volcano – Poas Volcano  is a very active volcano and it’s only about an hour and a half drive from San José city center. Seeing this huge acid-blue lake crater is mesmerizing, and this specific tour  covers entry and guarantees you skip the long lines.
• Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens  – La Paz Waterfalls Gardens  is one of the best day trips from San Jose because it’s one of the biggest private wildlife sanctuaries in the country. It’s only a 45-minute drive, but if you don’t have a rental car, join this organized tour from San Jose , which covers transport, lunch, and a guided walk around the property.
• Take a coffee tour – You can’t leave Costa Rica without trying their world-renowned coffee! There are literally hundreds of coffee farms around Costa Rica , but some of the most famous are located only a short drive from San José. And on this Britt Coffee tour , you’ll try some of my favorite coffee and chocolate in the world!
• Go whitewater rafting – There are some awesome places for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica , including the Pacuare River near San Jose. If you love adventure like me, you have to go on a guided rafting tour! This tour  had fantastic guides and included lunch after the rafting, as well as transportation.

Where to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose is definitely not lacking when it comes to accommodation options! There are actually hundreds of hotels to choose from in San Jose, and most of them are extremely affordable! Below you’ll find our favorite options for each budget.

Grano de Oro Hotel – $$$

Want a luxurious experience?  Grano de Oro Hotel  is right in the heart of San Jose and features an on-site gourmet restaurant, massage services, and a rooftop garden! The entire place is absolutely gorgeous, with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful interior design. You can walk to many of San Jose’s attractions, and you’re just a 15-minute drive to the airport.

Room rates start at $170 USD per night. For luxury in a great location, book the Grano de Oro Hotel right  here on Booking.com .

Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel – $$

For a great mid-range option,  Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel  is absolutely stunning. The whole place is quiet, cozy, and clean. Each room provides garden or golf course views with a furnished balcony. They offer laundry, room service, and an airport shuttle for a fee – and they’re just a 10-minute drive to the airport. The staff are super accommodating and happy to answer any of your questions.

Prices here start at around $105 USD per night. For a relaxed and reliable choice, reserve a room at Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel online  on Booking.com .

Costa Rica Backpackers – $

If you’re looking for a budget option in San Jose, I recommend  Costa Rica Backpackers . This hostel has excellent ratings, is in a great location, and even includes an airport shuttle and swimming pool! They also have free coffee, a great on-site restaurant, and super helpful staff.

The best part? Shared rooms start at $10 USD per night and a private room is only $27 USD a night. You can book your stay  on Booking.com or through  Hostelworld .

When in San Jose, we love making a side trip to Tortuguero. This little slice of paradise is the perfect place to soak up small-town charm and spot loads of wildlife – and perhaps even turtles nesting (if the timing is right!). We love these 4 tours in particular because they highlight the best of the area, and they’re each a bit different. Whether you want a day trip on a budget or a relaxed 2-night getaway, we hope you enjoy your trip!

If you found this blog useful, check out our other blogs about Costa Rica ! We absolutely love this country and have spent loads of time traveling here. To help you out, I’ve linked to a few more articles below. Thanks for reading!

5 BEST Arenal Volcano Tours from San Jose, Costa Rica

13 Fun Things to do in Alajuela, Costa Rica

The BEST Time to visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Every Month of the Year

7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica!

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There's a language exchange mostly in English - Spanish taking place monthly at San Pedro, our page is called @Cafe Multilingue.

Entrance is free. Next one on Thursday June 6th at 7 pm. Search for Café Krakovia in Google maps and ask for the Café Multilingüe table upon arrival. All welcome 🙂.

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Welcome to the official site of Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica! This beautiful country is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Some of the top attractions include Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Paz Waterfalls, Papagayo Peninsula, Tamarindo beach, Rio Celeste, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Corcovado National Park.

You can enjoy activities such as surfing, snorkeling, fishing, ziplining and hiking. Costa Rica is also home to many unique and diverse animal species such as sloths, monkeys, birds, turtles and more. We hope you enjoy your stay!

The Costa Rica Essentials

Essential Costa Rica is about promoting organic ingredients, unspoiled nature and authentic experiences.

Fill your calendar with the most wonderful natural and wildlife events.

Sun and Beaches

Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot with beaches in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests, huge waterfalls and mighty rivers.

If stress is a part of your daily life, Costa Rica is the cure.

Costa Rica has a great place to experience nature’s wonders with your children; the country is a must for families!

Costa Rica is considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world.

Costa Rica in English, means rich coast. Every cruise ship visiting Costa Rica understands why.

Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families.

The richness of Costa Rica stems from the cultural diversity of its people.

Honeymoon & Weddings

Costa Rica is waiting for you to live this experience.

Where to Go?

Located on the central Pacific coast, the Puntarenas region extends from Punta Conejo south to Puerto Caldera to the mouth of the Bongo River. The region’s rich coastline overlooks small islands, inlets, beaches and beautiful natural wonders. The port town of Puntarenas serves as the center of the region and is home port to a ferry that carries visitors over to the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.

South Pacific

The combination of breath-taking white-sand beaches, sweeping mountain views and an ideal tropical climate has made Guanacaste one of Costa Rica’s most popular regions. It boasts many of the country’s popular beaches, including Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal and the Papagayo Peninsula. By day visitors can challenge themselves with a surf lesson, cool off under a waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, discover the craters of an active volcano with the same name and more before enjoying the active nightlife in Tamarindo.

Northern Plains

Recognized as home of Arenal Volcano National Park, which boasts 75% of Costa Rica’s bird population, the Northern Plains present endless activities for visitors. Excursions range from hiking and waterfall rappelling to canopying and exploring via a hanging bridge tour. Those looking for activities on the water will find that Lake Arenal is an ideal location for canoeing, fishing and kite surfing.

Central Valley

Those in search of cultural and natural attractions will find both in the Central Valley region. Home to the destination’s capital city, San José, many of Costa Rica’s most popular museums can be found in this urban setting including the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, National Museum and Children’s Museum, in addition to the architectural jewel of San José, the National Theatre.

Central Pacific

Beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls make the Central Pacific region an ideal destination for visitors in search of variety. The region stretches from the city of Puntarenas to Dominical de Osa and is made up of some of Costa Rica’s most visited areas including Monteverde, Quepos, Jacó, Bahía Ballena and Manuel Antonio. The region’s climate creates a unique landscape that transitions from tropical wet forest to tropical forest to tropical dry forest, providing the opportunity to observe a wide range of plants and animals.

The diverse coastline of the Northern Caribbean region attracts anglers, naturists and water enthusiasts in search of unique experiences. The North Caribbean region is famous for its interconnected canals and for Tortuguero National Park, where visitors have the opportunity to witness green turtles nesting. Limón City, the largest city on the country’s Caribbean coast, is perched in the center of the coast. The Southern Caribbean boasts some great beaches and picturesque parks, which are complemented by the area’s inviting culture.

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Ultimate Guide: The Best Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica!

N o, not just food (though that's a delight too!), but the experiences, the places to visit, the hidden gems that only the locals know about?

Fear not, traveler, for Kevin Erickson is here with the inside scoop.

• The charm of historic Barrio Amón .
• The glint and glamour of the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum .
• Why Café Hopping is an absolute must in Costa Rica.
• Nightlife in San Jose that will keep your feet tapping.
• Day trips from San Jose you can't miss out on.

San Jose: More Than Just a Transit Point

According to the Costa Rica Tourism Board, over 1.2 million tourists land their feet in San Jose each year.

A surprising fact, given that many perceive it merely as a gateway to Costa Rica's ethereal beaches and rainforests.

But guess what? San Jose is an experience, a delightful blend of modern city hustle with a soulful Latin touch.

As Anthony Faiola , a correspondent for the Washington Post, once said,

"San Jose is Costa Rica's heart and soul. It's a city with a vibrant culture, a rich history, and a doorway to the country's stunning landscapes."

Dive Deep into the Golden Hues

Speaking of rich history, did you know that San Jose houses one of the most significant gold museums in Latin America?

The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum , with over 1,600 gold artifacts dating from 500 AD to 1500 AD, tells tales of the city's golden past.

And no, it's not just for history buffs! The sheer brilliance of the craft will leave you in awe.

The Brewed Delights of San Jose

Alright, let's talk about coffee. Costa Rica's coffee is not just famous; it's legendary !

When in San Jose, café hopping is not just recommended, it's a lifestyle. Take a barista course or simply indulge in the rich flavors of the local beans.

Pro tip? Seek out the cafes where locals go, not just the touristy spots.

There, you'll find coffee made with love and an atmosphere brimming with stories.

The Lively Pulse of the Night

The sun might set, but San Jose doesn't sleep.

The nightlife here is a lively amalgamation of Latin beats, contemporary music, and some fantastic local brews.

Dance, sing, or just tap your feet - San Jose after dark is an experience you'll cherish.

More Than Just a Day’s Adventure

San Jose’s charm doesn't end within the city's boundaries. Its strategic central location in Costa Rica makes it a prime hub for various day trips, each offering a unique experience of its own.

Imagine waking up to the idea of visiting an active volcano.

Not far from San Jose is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens . As you walk through cloud forests and past cascading waterfalls, you can't help but be in awe of nature's beauty. Don't forget to drop by their wildlife refuge, home to jaguars, pumas, and myriad birds, offering you a snapshot of Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

Coffee lovers, San Jose has something special for you too! The Central Valley is the heartland of Costa Rican coffee production. You can take a tour of the coffee plantations, learning about the intricate processes that transform the humble coffee bean into the aromatic brew we all love. The best part? Most tours end with a fresh brew, letting you savor the local flavors right where they're grown.

For those who seek a bit of culture and history, the town of Cartago , a short drive from San Jose, beckons. As the erstwhile capital of Costa Rica, it is rich in colonial architecture and home to the revered Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a pilgrimage site for many.

Lastly, for a touch of luxury and some stunning views, head to Escazú . Known as the 'Beverly Hills' of Costa Rica, it offers upscale dining, shopping, and panoramic views of the city below.

In essence, San Jose serves not just as a destination but a gateway. A gateway to myriad experiences, landscapes, and stories that lie just a drive away. So, when in San Jose , venture out and let the surrounding regions narrate their tales.

What's the best time to visit San Jose?

December to April, during the dry season, is often considered the best time. However, the green season, from May to November, has its charm with fewer crowds and lush scenery.

Is San Jose safe for tourists?

Like any major city, San Jose has its safer areas and spots where you should be cautious. Common sense and standard travel safety precautions should always be followed.

How many days should I spend in San Jose?

Two to three days is usually sufficient to explore the city's main attractions. However, with day trips in the picture, you could easily spend a week around San Jose.

Is English widely spoken in San Jose?

Yes, English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major attractions. However, a few Spanish phrases will be appreciated by locals!

Is the tap water safe to drink?

In San Jose, tap water is generally safe to drink. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, opting for bottled water might be best.

San Jose, Costa Rica, with its urban vibrancy meshed beautifully with rich cultural tapestries, truly stands as a testament to the wonders that Central America offers. It isn't just a transit hub, but a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.

The city whispers tales of history , dances to the tune of modernity, and flirts with the beauty of nature. Its allure extends beyond its borders, beckoning adventurers to explore further.

When planning your next trip, let San Jose be more than a layover; make it a destination. Dive deep, explore its corners, and let the city's heartbeat synchronize with yours.

For in its streets, parks, and nearby attractions, you'll find a piece of Costa Rica that will etch its way into your heart, compelling you to return.

• Costa Rica Tourism Board
• Washington Post
• Pre-Columbian Gold Museum