Plan your trip to San Jose

Choose your trip length, interests, and pace to build a flexible San Jose itinerary. Add other destinations, compare experiences, and reserve time for travel between stops.

Explore more in Central Valley.

When to consider visiting

December–March

Seasonal guidance is a starting point; check weather and dates for your chosen experiences.

Choosing a base

Barrio Amón: Historic neighborhood near downtown with walkable cafés, galleries and restored mansions. Barrio Escalante: Foodie hub with many restaurants, bars and a lively evenings scene; easy access to central San José. La Sabana / Downtown: Close to major museums, the park and public transit; practical for first-time visitors.

Experiences to explore

Browse these experiences as a starting point. The planner considers your interests, pace, and published schedules when building your days.

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

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 …

Approx. 840 minutesView on Viator →

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour. You'll get up close and personal, through local food, history, culture even the herbal…

Approx. 210 minutesView on Viator →

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

See more of the Arenal Volcano region with the convenience of a full-day tour from San Jose. Take a scenic route to Arenal with views of farms, rain forests, and small towns. Stop …

Approx. 840 minutesView on Viator →

San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees

You will absolutely love San José after this experience. Guided by young biologists you will discover nature hiding in the middle of Costa Rica's largest city. You will get to expe…

Approx. 150 minutesView on Viator →

Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

Explore the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park on this full day tour from San Jose. Enjoy some of the most beautiful white sand beaches of Costa Rica and discover the abunda…

Approx. 720 minutesView on Viator →

Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience

For this full day tour, we will visit three incredible places that are completely unique to this area. As well as learning more about Costa Rican coffee, we will visit Poás Volcano…

Approx. 600 minutesView on Viator →

Make room for the trip you want

Start with the number of days you have, then choose an unhurried, balanced, or fuller pace. Review the suggested route before generating your daily plan. Transport allowances are estimates; confirm services and meeting points before booking.

Save your trip with or without an account, share a read-only link, or download a PDF with booking and map links.