What to do and see in San Jose Metro, Province of San Jose: The Best Tours

September 3, 2021 Madelene Haan

Discover the best top things to do in San Jose Metro, Costa Rica including White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San Jose, Walk and Taste San Jose's Markets and Specialty Coffe, Half-Day Hiking in Pico Blanco Itzkatzú Trail, San José By Night Food Activity- Wines & Gourmet Dinner- Small Group, Bites and Sights - Walking Food Tour in San Jose Small Group, All-inclusive package 7 nights 8 days in the best destinations in Costa Rica, Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose, Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, 8-Days Costa Rica: Volcano, Tropical Jungles and Cloud Forests.
Restaurants in San Jose Metro

1. White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San Jose

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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Rio Pacuare is world famous for its pristine beauty. On this 11-hour river rafting experience, spend 4 hours descending the river and encountering 38 rapids along an 18-mi/30-km stretch. Feel the excitement of class III-IV rapids and enjoy the exposure to the wilderness where you'll see various animals in their natural habitat. Hotel pickup, guide, safety equipment and lunch is included.

Inclusions: Special Option: °Vegetarian |° Gluten Free |Let us know if you have some special meal restriction |, Breakfast, Tour Guide, Transportation from Hotels in San José, Tour operate with a minimum of 2 people

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By 926RonS

The place didn't disappoint. The numerous waterfalls and trail was great experience. Definitely worth-visiting.

2. Walk and Taste San Jose's Markets and Specialty Coffe

Biblioteca Nacional "Miguel Obregón Lizano", Paseo de Los Damas, El Carmen, San José, Costa Rica ChepeCletas Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We'll start our little adventure at Parque Morazan's kiosk ("Templo de la Música"), and then walk along Central Avenue for a few blocks. We'll walk through the alleys and food stalls of the Central Market and Borbón Market, a more underground spot compared to the Central Market. Dragon Music is a retro music store in the middle of Borbón Market, where you can find used vinyl, CDs, magazines, and more. We'll taste some flavors of the city, from specialty coffee, seasonal fruits to empanadas and more.

Inclusions: Specialty Costa Rican coffee tasting, Costa Rican style empanadas, seasonal tropical fruits and some other market flavors.

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Reviewed By ravioliprimo

We had a great time on our tour with Alexander. Educational, fun, great exercise, and an exciting way to see San Jose. From my initial phone call, Roberto was very accommodating for us on short notice, and arranged a tour for our time schedule. We really enjoyed the stop at cafe machado, too, for a local, expert coffee experience. Highly recommended for an active tour.

3. Half-Day Hiking in Pico Blanco Itzkatzú Trail

DoTicoTours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This hike is ideal for those adventurers who are in downtown and want to get to know some of most famous San José mountains. These mountains belong to the Protective Zone of Escazú and are part of the Cordillera de Talamanca. The best known hills are: • Monkey Trail Hill 2,428 m.a.s.l. • Cedral Hill 2,420 m.a.s.l. • Pico Alto Hill 2,353 m.a.s.l. • The most famous Pico Blanco 2,271 m.a.s.l. Its name refers to its rockier side which can be seen from miles away. Come join me to hike these unknown but spectacular hillsides! Join me on these spectacular hikes off the beaten path! Distance: 5 - 7 km approx. (A shorter or longer distance can be arranged if previously requested, as long as it is within the same time schedule) Duration: 4 - 5 hours Difficulty: Medium / High Departure: 8:00 a.m. Note: The terrain on this hike features dirt roads, mountain trails through rain forest paths

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Trekking poles, Hotel pick up & drop off, Guide/Expert from the area

Exclusions: Travel insurance, Tips

Reviewed By 953paolav

The experiece was really great. I felt safe the whole time and really guided. The water is amazing and beautiful and the hike was so much fun! Plus they take the best pictures! ????

4. San José By Night Food Activity- Wines & Gourmet Dinner- Small Group

Banco Central De Costa Rica Garden, Av Central, El Carmen, San José, Costa Rica San Jose Urban Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

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. Highlights: 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: Visit Central Market/ borbon Market/Cathedral of San Jose/ China Town/National Museum/Graffiti Way, Walking like a local around beautiful neighborhoods like Otoya and Amon, Special Dinner 3 course meal, You can choose in between two glasses of wine or one sangria or two beers, Local Guide

Exclusions: Transportation to and from the meeting point., Also not included are additional food and drink beyond what is specified.

Reviewed By Sudsandski

Amazing time with Angel. He has an in depth knowledge of the hidden gems of San Jose. If you are looking for an option exciting walk about highlighting all things San Jose then Bites and Sites is the path for you!

5. Bites and Sights - Walking Food Tour in San Jose Small Group

Banco Central de Costa Rica, Av. central y 1, calles 2 y 4, Paso De La Vaca, San José, Costa Rica San Jose Urban Tours
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour that takes you through the streets, bustling markets, and tranquil parks. Discover a side to this city only heard from the mouths of locals, while indulging in typical cuisine and one of Costa Rica’s most delectable exports .. Discover the secrets behind herbal remedies, and fresh produce at Borbon and San Jose Central Market. San Jose tour you’ll get up close and personal with Costa Rican life, through local food, history, and even the herbal remedies of folk medicine. Enjoy a hands-on lesson on exotic plants, fruits, vegetables, and the smoothies they can create in the midst of the vibrant city markets. Nothing could get you closer to authentic San Jose than strolling through the streets with a local as they show you the ins and outs of daily life. Take a wander through the city with us on this tour that takes typical San Jose and turns it into a local experience you’ll never forget.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, fruit ceviches, Routes Picadillos / Natural juices, Seasonal fruits Samples

Exclusions: Private transportation, Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities

Reviewed By G4395NXjennifers

We had limited time in San Jose but this tour was a great way to explore and taste the city. Love that it is locally owned and operated, and I can tell that Erik really cares about his business and customs. Erik is a knowledgeable and professional guide, he was great at communicating by email and WhatsApp and went out of his way to give us a private tour due to COVID concerns. He was also really understanding and accommodating when we were running more than a little late due to long lines at customs. I would classify this as more of a cultural tour with a walk through the markets as opposed to a true food tour, but we were able to purchase some amazing coffee and the restaurant at the end was delicious!

6. All-inclusive package 7 nights 8 days in the best destinations in Costa Rica

Summer Travel Costa Rica
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Our all-inclusive package offers the best destinations in Costa Rica in a week of tours, which guarantees that every day you will enjoy completely different activities in all the ecosystems of Costa Rica, we will have visits to active volcanoes, paradisiacal beaches with white sand and water crystalline, naturalistic tours in the rain forest, adventure, bird watching, mammals and we will have visits to historical places, also for you we have a high category hotel included that will provide you with the greatest relaxation so you can rest and enjoy the facilities. Our package is one of the most sold by our company since you do not have to worry about practically anything, you have everything included and it is ideal for the entire public, it is a very good option if you want to save money and not worry, that's why our Travel experts guarantee your complete satisfaction.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Lodging service in a 4-star hotel

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Reviewed By suzannek544

The six hour tour only took two. The dept of health had closed down the city due to a COVID outbreak. Everything was closed. Can’t really blame the operator. Probably also went faster because there were just the two of us.

7. Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose

San José Province, San José, Costa Rica Go Tours Costa Rica - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 26 reviews

Explore the lush Cloud Forest of Costa Rica on this Monteverde Day Trip from San Jose. Hike on the best hanging bridges of the country and observe the Cloud Forest up-close. Learn about the interesting jungle’s eco-system and observe Wildlife. Stop in different places on the way to Monteverde to learn about fruits of Costa Rica, in a place where monkeys are normally observed and in a look-out point to take pictures of the Nicoya Gulf and the Monteverde mountainous landscape.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off (most San Jose area hotels), Professional bilingual guide, Lunch, Visits to the Monkeys’ observation place, the largest fruit stand of the country and a look-out point to take pictures, Entrance Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Services not specified

Reviewed By londy357

I was nervous traveling post-quarantine, but our tour guide, Kenneth, frequently reminded us to wash our hands, sanitized his vehicle twice throughout the day, and kept his mask on. This tour is the best way to introduce yourself to traveling again.

8. Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Expediciones Tropicales Day Tours
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4.9 based on 10 reviews

The best TOP Ranked tour from San Jose 3 destinations in one day. Coffee Experience, Unique Poas Volcano Crater and one most beautiful nature park and waterfalls. We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. we will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance Fee to Poas Volcano, Entrance Fee Coffee Tour, Entrance Fee La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Exclusions: Bottled water, Snacks

Reviewed By 407salehn

Picked us up at 5:40 A and served us a sorry ham sandwich at boarding around 8:30 what a terrible start of the day because of the early pickup we had no access to coffee or breakfast and it was only ham option for the morning. Our day went on without breakfast. Lunch served on the beach was limited and had no deserts or coffee afterward as this was offered with another tour company I went for the same trip two years ago.

9. Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

San José Province, San José, Costa Rica Go Tours Costa Rica - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 219 reviews

Explore several attractions and sites on this full-day Arenal Volcano Combo Tour from San Jose. Enjoy views of waterfalls, volcanoes, rainforests, plantations, and wildlife on the way to Arenal. Learn about Costa Rican Coffee and food; taste some of the best coffee in the world and Costa Rican authentic cuisine. Do zip lining & rappelling in the rainforest and learn about the indigenous culture of Costa Rica. Relax in the thermal mineral waters of the Arenal Hot Springs at the base of the volcano, near the town of La Fortuna. Lunch and dinner are included.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off (most San Jose area hotels), Professional Bilingual Guide, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee or Tea with local snacks, Entrance fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Services not specified

Reviewed By Cynchang

Kenneth is the best guide ever. Super attentive to all of our needs and super patient with everyone. We tried so many different fruits and food on our drive to Manuel Antonio park. He was extremely knowledgeable about the culture, history, food and people of Costa Rica and he made the tour so much more memorable. I love the park- we saw so many sloths, monkeys, and amazing animals. We love everything and the tour was absolutely awesome.

10. 8-Days Costa Rica: Volcano, Tropical Jungles and Cloud Forests

Costa Rican Trails - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 46 reviews

This package includes an 8-days discovering all the Costa Rican essentials, an impressive volcano, tropical jungles and cloud forests boasting exuberant flora and fauna. Enjoy a boat trip to Tortuguero, visit the village to learn about Tortugueros' history, culture and work in favor of sea turtle conservation, visit one of the nicest volcanoes in Costa Rica, the rare bellbird and so much more.

Inclusions: Arrival and departure transfers, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Shuttle bus transfers on an A/C motor coach throughout the whole itinerary, 2 nights at Park Inn Hotel or similar, Standard room, 3D/2N Package at Laguna Lodge or similar, Standard Room, 1 night / Volcano Lodge or similar, Superior Room , 2 nights / Trapp Family Lodge or similar, Superior Room, Shared hike in Laguna Lodge’s private trails (Guided activity), Shared boat tour at Tortuguero National park (Guided activity), A shared visit to Tortuguero town (Guided activity), Shared Monteverde Cloud forest Tour (Guided activity), Shared Sky Trek & Tram Adventure (Guided activity), All taxes and service charges

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By HarrisAlbon

We travelled in August 2019 with 2 boys aged 9 and 11. Had THE most amazing time! Thank you to Kristina and the team at Costa RIcan Trails. From the moment we landed everything went smoothly. Cannot fault the accommodation, exactly as planned and to meet our requirements. They helped juggle the tours to meet our needs, arranged private transfers so we had time out on our own for the long journeys. Made excellent recommondations and just all in all and fantastic experience. Our tour was: 2 nights Torguguero at Mawamba Lodge 2 nights Puerto Viejo at Azania Bungalows 1 night Boca Tapada at Maquenque Lodge - Treehouse (unbelievable) 2 nights Arenal at Arenal Springs (loved the hot springs at the hotel) 2 nights at Monteverde Lodge & Springs All the recommended tours were amazing. Hikes to see wildlife, white water rafting, horse riding, zip lines just a memorable holiday. We then flew to Florida Keys on the way home for some R&R which was needed after packing it in!!

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