The largest of all Costa Rican cities, San Jose is the capital of this Central American country. Strategically situated in the center of the country, a range of day trips can be enjoyed from this favorable location, which allows you to truly immerse yourself within the Costa Rican culture.
Due to the mountainous and vegetative nature of the country, some of the destinations on this list may take a couple of hours to reach. However, most can still be enjoyed in a day. There are many external companies throughout Costa Rica, and the web, that organize hassle-free tours departing from San Jose. You may find multiple destinations can be merged into one day.
Although booking through a tour operator may be easier, it certainly isn’t a requirement. You can quite easily use public transport or, better still, hire care for yourself. A car will allow for greater freedom to discover the very best of regions in your own time.
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9 Popular Day Trips from San Jose
Poas Volcano
One of Costa Rica’s first National Parks, Poas Volcano is just a short hour-long journey from the capital. Because of its easy accessibility, this National Park is one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica. With good reason too. Ascending 2600 meters, you will be welcomed with breathtaking views of the Central Valley below and of the largest crater lakes in the world – just hope for a clear, cloudless day!
Due to the active, and often unpredictable behavior, of the volcano, guests are limited to just 20 minutes at the crater observation point. Marvel at the bright blue crater lake, caused by a build up of chemical compounds, and witness some incredible geological spectacles; from fumaroles to geysers. As the volcano park is managed by SINAC, a government-affiliated organization, tickets must be independently purchased through their website beforehand.
Check out: Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens day trip.
Doka Estate Coffee Plantation
The Central Valley that surrounds San Jose has some of the most fertile soils in the entire country. The slopes of Poas Volcano are no exception. Couple this with a favorable climate and elevation, and you have the optimal growing conditions for coffee. As you meander up the slopes, you will discover vast coffee plantations; one of the countries most prized commodities.
Whilst there are many coffee-growing families in this region, the largest and most extensive is the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation. Here, you will be able to learn and discover the intricate process of coffee production. To obtain a better insight into the process, the best time to visit Doka Estate is between the months of September and January, as this is coffee berry picking season. The entire plantation explodes in a sea of red, as the berries ripen.
You might like: Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens day trip.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Still, on the bountiful slopes of Poas Volcano, you may discover the incredibly diverse reserve of La Paz. A privately owned reserve within the Vara Blanca Cloud Forest system, La Paz boasts a variety of waterfalls of differing heights. Nature is all around, from the wild jungles to the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Within the reserve, you will find 3.5km of trails extending through the cloud and rainforests. Amble along the well-maintained paths to discover the waterfalls, and look out for wildlife; including butterflies, frogs, birds, and mammals.
However, for those who wish to have an easier time spotting local animals, discover the onsite wildlife sanctuary. Meet a plethora of rescued animals, including some of Costa Rica’s most iconic animals: sloths, jaguars, snakes, and more. A great day out for the family.
Have a look at: Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens day trip.
Sarchí
Although Costa Rica is best known for its huge abundance of nature, the country also has a great artistic flair. Sarchí is a great town to discover the locals living in Costa Rica.
Just under an hour from San Jose, travel Northwest away from the city. Known throughout Costa Rica, Sarchí is renowned for its artisanal crafts and intricate paintings. One of the towns’ most famed possessions is the art of ox cart paintings.
Having been produced in the town for over a century, knowledge is passed down through the generations. The resulting ox carts are highly decorative, ornate, and colorful. Sarchí, and the neighboring town of Grecia, are great places to discover local craft shops and souvenir markets.
Check out: From San José: Sarchi Souvenir Shopping Private Guided Tour.
Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
Approximately 2-3 hours from San Jose, Arenal Volcano is one of the most iconic destinations in all of Costa Rica. This perfect conical-shaped volcano dominates the surrounding lands. If you are short of time, spending just the day in this region is highly recommended. There are many activities you can experience in just a day, including zip-lining, jungle hikes, white water rafting, and relaxing within the plentiful hot springs.
For the latter, geothermally heated water bubbles up to the surface from within the volcano to produce a series of naturally heated pools. Some of the most famous in the region include Baldi, Tabacon, and The Springs. Relaxing in the pools is the perfect finish to a day of rainforest hiking. Many tours offer Arenal packages, that allow you to partake in at least two excursions within Arenal and La Fortuna.
Check out: Day trip to Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining including Meals.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Another popular day tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio offers the luxury of a rainforest AND beach. At just under 3 hours from the city, visitors to this Pacific coastal town will be rewarded with an opportunity to spot wild animals and relax on one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
Being the smallest National Park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio offers a series of hikes within the park that can be completed in just a few hours. Likely wildlife sightings include a variety of money species (capuchin, howler, and squirrel monkeys), sloths, and scarlet macaws. After, enjoy the tepid waters around the bay and soak in the tranquility of the area. However, don’t forget your snorkel, as a wealth of marine life can be found beneath the waves here.
Manuel Antonio is relatively easy to reach via bus from San Jose and leaves multiple times throughout the day.
Check out: Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San Jose.
Monteverde
Leaving the beach behind, welcome to the cloud forest of Monteverde. A vast expanse of jungle habitat, Monteverde offers one of the very best of Costa Rica’s famous nature.
South of Arenal and La Fortuna, it is easy to reach Monteverde in just a few hours. Unlike other jungle ecosystems in Costa Rica, Monteverde is characteristic of a cloud forest. Typically, a thick layer of cloud swaps the trees here, creating a mysterious yet enchanting feel. Due to the higher elevation and exposure to the elements, vegetation has adapted to grow in interesting ways – from twisted trucks to gnarled branches. If you are interested in plants, Monteverde is home to over 500 species of orchids!
Here, you can experience life above the canopy. For thrill-seekers, try ziplining through the trees and considerable speed. Or, take your time as your cross the hanging bridges on foot, and enjoy the sights from your vantage point.
You might like: From San José: Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip.
Irazu Volcano
The tallest volcano in Costa Rica, Irazu is an absolute must-see. Just under 2 hours’ drive from the city, Irazu is perfect for a day trip from San Jose.
Although the volcano viewpoint boasts incredible scenery and Instagram-worthy shots, there isn’t a great deal to do at the crater other than marvel at the beauty. If you are driving, you may have the opportunity to discover more about the slopes of Irazu. If you are an avid ghost enthusiast, then a stop at Finca Sanatorio Duran may just be for you. Thought to be one of the most haunted places in Costa Rica, this abandoned tuberculosis hospital is a hotspot for those brave enough to venture inside.
If ghosts and ghouls aren’t for you, why not explore the forest of Prussia. Unlike many habitats in Costa Rica, which typically offer exotic tropical trees, Prussia offers an extensive pine forest and beautiful viewpoints.
Check out: From San José: Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes Full-Day Trip.
Tortuguero National Park
The last entry on this list is Tortuguero National Park. On the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, traveling to Tortuguero involves an hour-long boat ride through the jungle – the perfect way to spot wildlife! Typically, tourists like to spend a few days in Tortuguero, however, there are some companies that offer one-day trips from San Jose. This is just enough time to squeeze in a trip to the National Park and beach, as well as a little bit of souvenir shopping in the main town.
The best to visit is without a doubt to spend at least one night here. Many artisanal hotels can be found in the region, offering comfortable stays. By staying the night here, you may have the chance to partake in a night tour to discover the nocturnal creatures of the Caribbean.
Check out: From San Jose: Tortuguero Park Day Tour with Breakfast & Lunch.