What accommodation options are available in San Jose for the first night?

San Jose's hotel scene spans three distinct tiers catering to different budgets and preferences. The Standard category includes the practical Sleep Inn Hotel. Moving up the comfort scale Superior options feature the Holiday Inn Escazu while the Deluxe tier presents the Real Intercontinental. Guest feedback reinforces the convenience factor with one TourRadar traveler noting: "The Sleep Inn Hotel was comfortable and conveniently located for tour departures."

What are the common pickup locations for tours starting in San Jose?

Tour operators in San Jose concentrate their pickups around three key points: Juan Santamaria International Airport the downtown hotel district (including Sleep Inn Hotel and Holiday Inn Express Forum) and the Escazu area where Park Inn by Radisson stands. According to a recent TourRadar traveler: "We were greeted at the airport by the representative and assisted with hotel transfer to Sleep Inn Hotel which was just 15 minutes from the airport."

What should I explore in my free time starting in San Jose?

San Jose's cultural heart reveals itself through several noteworthy spots. The bustling Mercado Central houses more than 200 local vendors while the Metropolitan Church stands as an architectural landmark. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum offers historical context and Barrio Amón presents well-preserved colonial architecture. Both Country Inn & Suites and Park Inn provide easy access to these sites. A TourRadar traveler adds: "The central avenue is a place where you can interact with locals and learn about their way of living."

What's the average length of tours starting in San Jose Costa Rica?

Most San Jose-based tours run between 8 and 15 days with 10-day itineraries proving most popular among travelers. These routes typically include stays at upscale properties like the Real Continental while covering major attractions from Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio National Park. One TourRadar traveler reflects: "The 10-day itinerary was perfect - giving us enough time to explore each location while keeping a good pace through the country."

How long are the transfers from San Jose to the first destinations?

Travel times from San Jose hotels to initial destinations generally take between 3 and 5 hours. The journey to Tortuguero involves a 4-hour road trip followed by a 2-hour boat ride. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The drive from San Jose through Braulio Carrillo National Park was scenic making the long transfer enjoyable."

What are the most popular destinations visited on tours starting from San Jose?

Standard tour routes from San Jose encompass Costa Rica's natural highlights including Arenal Volcano National Park Monteverde Cloud Forest Tortuguero National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park. Most itineraries head northwest to Arenal (4 hours) or northeast to Tortuguero (5-6 hours). A TourRadar traveler reflects: "The itinerary from San Jose covered all the highlights - from volcanoes to cloud forests to beaches giving us a perfect mix of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes."

Costa Rica Tours from San Jose

Find your perfect adventure! We have 248 tours of Costa Rica that start in San Jose, Costa Rica. The most popular month is April, and tour lengths range between 3 and 18 days.

10 best Costa Rica tour packages from San Jose

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Explorer
Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
4.5 (60 traveler reviews)
"Very well organized! His in depth knowledge on Costa Rica's bio diversity, culture, history, agriculture and wildlife was impressive."
Vanessa, traveled in August
Duration
15 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park,Santa Rosa de Pocosol,Tenorio Volcano National Park,La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $2,660
US$1,995per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
4.2 (32 traveler reviews)
"The accommodation was comfortable and sufficient. We were lucky to see a variety of wildlife."
Maria, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Arenal,Monteverde,Quepos,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From
US$1,395per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Zip-Lines
5.0 (43 traveler reviews)
"I felt safe the whole time. Great company and selection of what to do."
Melina, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
17% Off
From $549
US$456per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
4.5 (17 traveler reviews)
"Hanging gardens and white water rafting. Well worth it."
Daniel, traveled in July
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
From $2,320
US$1,860per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Costa Rica Express - 7 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Country is stunningly beautiful. I enjoyed exploring nature and saw a lot of wildlife."
Natia, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles,La Fortuna,Arenal,Arenal Volcano National Park,Manuel Antonio National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$2,455per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
Duration
9 days
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
20% Off
From
US$3,239per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
The Best of Costa Rica
4.4 (11 traveler reviews)
"The hotels and transfers were all top notch."
Marianne, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Tortuga Island+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $1,707
US$1,451per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
4.6 (14 traveler reviews)
"Everything went smoothly, and each of the places we visited was amazing. Highly recommend!"
Cara, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
San Jose, Sarchi, Arenal Volcano National Park,Tortuguero National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $914
US$777per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"Amazing food, nature, wildlife, and culture. The hotel stay was great, people were warm and welcoming."
Elisha, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles,Tortuguero National Park,Puerto Viejo de Talamanca,Cahuita+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $1,704
US$1,448per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"It was Awesome Tour and tourradar support was available at any point of time with quick response."
Deepak, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Tortuga Island+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $1,721
US$1,463per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
4.4 (129 traveler reviews) award winner
"This tour was a comprehensive sample of Costa Rica. All the connections were very knowledgeable and friendly."
Anita, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $1,975
US$1,679per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Costa Rica Adventure
4.8 (634 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was packed with amazing activities, stunning nature, and great vibes throughout."
Leonie, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa,Montezuma,Cabuya+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
30% Off
From $1,750
US$1,225per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Costa Rica Quest
4.7 (321 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was well planned and showcased the country's incredible wildlife and biodiversity."
Antonela, traveled in November
Duration
9 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Physical Rating
Active
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $1,319
US$1,121per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Active
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
4.5 (41 traveler reviews)
"Great selection of locations to get a taste of the diversity of the country."
Tom, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Playa Tamarindo+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $1,811
US$1,539per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Raft, Hike and Explore Costa Rica
4.7 (30 traveler reviews)
"Amazing customer service. Great transportation and meals."
Sandra, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
15% Off
From $1,595
US$1,356per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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