The Best Day Trips from San José
By Silvanna Pacheco, June 9th, 2025.
If you are coming to Costa Rica and staying in San José for more than one night, this information is for you.
San José is Costa Rica’s capital. Small in size, it is worth visiting if you want to learn about the local culture. Visiting the Jade Museum, Gold Museum and National Museum will give you great knowledge about this Central American country. But there is so much more to discover if you leave the city and head to the Central Valley mountains. Here is a list of the top destinations to visit while staying in San José.
Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
This full-day tour offers an immersive Costa Rican experience, blending natural beauty with cultural insights. At the Doka Coffee Estate in Alajuela you will discover traditional coffee production techniques and get a taste of one of the best coffees in Costa Rica. Afterward, head to Poás Volcano National Park, a cloud forest where you’ll witness the impressive main crater of the active volcano and hike to the beautiful Botos Lagoon.
The tour culminates at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, offering a diverse array of wildlife and stunning waterfalls. This combo tour provides a rich adventure, from coffee flavors to volcanic majesty and captivating wildlife. A delicious Costa Rican style breakfast and lunch are included.
Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankester Gardens
This tour offers a scenic day trip to the east side of San Jose, combining the Irazú Volcano with the charming Orosi Valley and the beautiful Lankester Gardens.
You’ll journey through the picturesque countryside to reach Irazú Volcano, an active stratovolcano known for its crater and unique, barren landscapes perfect for hiking.
Afterward, explore Lankester Gardens, a renowned orchid research center and natural bamboo reserve near Cartago. This prestigious botanical garden is ideal for observing Costa Rica’s endemic flora and offers guided tours and picnic spots, making for a comprehensive exploration of natural beauty and biodiversity.
Sarchí Artisanal Town
Sarchí is the birthplace of Costa Rican handicrafts. This charming town is renowned for its exceptional woodworkers and artisans, offering abundant shopping opportunities for high-quality souvenirs. While in Sarchí, be sure to see the world’s largest oxcart, proudly displayed in front of the church. Visit the traditional craftsmanship at the Eloy Alfaro OxCart Factory, where you can witness oxcarts being made using a historic waterwheel. Conclude your artistic journey at the Chaverri OxCart Factory to watch painters meticulously decorate souvenirs right before your eyes.
Hacienda La Chimba
Just 20 minutes from San José, nestled in the green mountains of Río Oro de Santa Ana, Hacienda La Chimba invites you to a unique blend of adventure, culture, and environmental responsibility. This traditional hacienda is located in an area renowned for its excellent coffee production and is dedicated to conserving local wildlife. At La Chimba, you’ll find a variety of exciting activities designed for all levels of adventure: hiking trails, zip-lining and a climbing wall.
Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting
Considered Costa Rica’s premier whitewater rafting destination, the Pacuare River offers an exhilarating adventure with Class III-IV rapids amidst stunning rainforest scenery. This trip includes transportation, all safety equipment, expert tour guide, breakfast, and lunch.
Tortuga Island
This full-day excursion departs early from San José. It is a journey to Puntarenas, then board a well-equipped yacht for a scenic cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya to beautiful Tortuga Island.
On board, enjoy tropical fruits, natural drinks, and live music. Upon arrival at Tortuga Island’s Blue Flag certified beach, you can swim, sunbathe, or opt for activities like kayaking or canopy. A delicious lunch will be prepared by the crew. The island itself is 120 hectares of lush terrain with pristine waters, offering breathtaking ocean views.
For all these activities you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in San Jose. Contact Us for more information on how to book your favorite tours.