Are you looking for the best day trips from San Jose, Costa Rica? 

San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica. The city is located in the central part of the country and is surrounded by lush hills filled with coffee farms, volcanoes, waterfalls, and more. There are plenty of fun things to do within the city limits, but there are even more fun things to do in the surrounding area.

We live in San Jose and aren’t really city people. However, we still love living here because the Central Valley area has so much to offer within a short drive.

We compiled this list of the 32 best day trips from San Jose to help you plan your perfect visit. This list includes activities at a variety of price points and for all interests. Plus, we put a lot of unique off the beaten path things on this list that most tourists have no idea about.

So, let’s get to it!

San Jose Day Trip on a Map

Before I get into all the best San Jose day trip options, I would like to give you a better understanding of the area so you can more accurately plan your activities. 

The city of San Jose is located in the Central Valley. It is basically the center of the country on a map. 

To the west of San Jose is the city of Alajuela. The San Jose International Airport is actually technically located in Alajuela. Above Alajuela are many nice coffee farms, Poas Volcano, waterfalls, and more. 

It’s a great place to enjoy a fun day with plenty of things to do.

To the east of San Jose is the city of Cartago. Near Cartago is Irazu Volcano, old ruins, and nice hiking spots.

From San Jose it is possible to take day trip to the Pacific Coast, Caribbean Coast or up north to La Fortuna or Monteverde.

However, these are a long drive and really I think these places deserve longer visits. But, If you only have a short amount of time it is possible to visit as a day trip.

We just suggest doing this as a guided excursion with one of the many reputable Cosra Rican tour operators because the drives are long. It will be much more comfortable than driving yourself.

We created a complete Google Map of all the experiences on this list that you can drive yourself to. This will help you better understand how close things are to eachother so you can plan fun day trip routes.

Here is the San Jose day trip Google Map link

1. Visit Poas Volcano National Park

Poas Volcano is an active volcano located in the hills above Alajuela. The Poás Volcano National Park houses one of Costa Rica’s most active and accessible volcanoes.

Its crater, with a bubbling blue sulfuric lake, is one of the largest and most impressive in the world.

Check out our guide to Poas Volcano for more info

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings during the dry season, from December to April. This will give you the best chance of having a clear view.

Things to Know: The park sometimes closes on short notice due to volcanic activity. You will need to pre-book your Poas Volcano National Park tickets. You can do that here. 

What to Expect: There are two main craters. The larger, active one frequently emits gases, while the other is a serene, cold-water lake. You can only visit for a limited time during your allotted ticket. This is because it is an active volcano and it is not safe to stay for too long while breathing in the gasses.

Safety Tips: Follow park guidelines, stay on designated paths, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. You will need to back your vehicle into your parking space. This is so the area can be evacuated quickly if needed. 

Find Poas Volcano on the Google Maps link

🌋 Visit Poas Volcano with Transportation 🌋

2. Visit Irazu Volcano National Park

Irazu Volcano is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica, standing at over 11,000 feet. Typically, the cloud line is actually below the crater. It’s a pretty cool place to visit!

Check out our guide to Irazu Volcano for more info

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings, December to April for the clearest views. 

Location: The volcano is located in the hills above the city of Cartago. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from San Jose.

Facilities Available: Visitor center, restrooms, and parking.

Safety Tips: Adhere to all park rules and stay on designated paths. Also, take it slow. Keep in mind that you are at a very high altitude. I always feel a little lightheaded up here. It may just be in my head, but I always buy some Gatorade before coming up here and I think it helps. 

Booking Information: Entry tickets can be bought on-site.

If you do not have a rental car and need a day tour with transportation we suggest a combo tour that includes Irazu Volcano, Lankster Botanical Gardens, and a visit to Orosi Valley.

3. Take a Coffee Farm Tour

There are several coffee farms that you can visit and tour in the Central Valley.

Here are our three favorite ones:

Hacienda Alsacia

This farm is the first and only coffee farm owned by Starbucks. Hacienda Alsacia serves as both a working coffee farm and a global agronomy research center.

The tour here begins with a walk through the coffee nursery and continues through the coffee fields. Along the way, you can learn about the entire coffee process, from seedling to the brewed cup.

Check out our guide to Hacienda Alsacia for more info

The tour concludes with a coffee-tasting session at the farm’s Starbucks coffee shop, where you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Hacienda Alsacia coffee.

Our Opinion: I really want to not like this place because I much rather support small local coffee farms rather than Starbucks. However, I have to admit, this place is awesome!

Even if you decide not to take a coffee farm tour, I still suggest stopping here and getting a drink or snack at their open-air coffee shop with a waterfall view. 

Location: Alajuela, on the slopes of the Poás Volcano.

Book Your Hacienda Alsacia Tour Here ☕

Doka Estate Coffee Tour

Doka Estate is one of the oldest coffee plantations in Costa Rica.

The coffee tour here offers a comprehensive overview of the coffee production process from seedling to final roasted bean.You’ll also get the chance to explore the historic main building, where some of the original machinery is still in use.

The tour concludes with a coffee tasting session where visitors can sample and appreciate the various roasts that the estate produces.

Aside from coffee, the estate also has butterfly and tropical flower gardens for visitors to explore.

Our Opinion: I really like the tour of Doka coffee plantation. It’s super detailed and you get the chance to really see the production in process, unlike some of the other coffee farm tours in Costa Rica. 

Location: Alajuela

Book Your Doka Estate Tour with Transportation from San Jose ☕

Café Britt Coffee Tour

Café Britt is one of the most renowned coffee producers in Costa Rica. The Café Britt Coffee Tour is theatrical and interactive, with professional actors playing characters who teach visitors about Costa Rican coffee culture and history.

Our Opinion: We have done this tour many times. It is very much geared towards tourists rather than giving an overall genuine experience.

However, if you have kids I think this tour is a great option. They will likely stay engaged and interested throughout the whole tour.

Plus, this tour includes all the coffee you could ever want to drink and plenty of chocolate samples as well. 

Cafe Britt is typically considered the best coffee in Costa Rica. And, I can’t say I necessarily agree with that.

However, they are definitely the most popular coffee brand to buy. If you visit here, stop in their souvenir shop to buy a few bags to bring home for family and friends.

Location: Heredia

Take a Britt Coffee Tour with Transportation

4. Visit La Paz Waterfall

La Paz is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic waterfalls. There are two ways to visit this waterfall. So, let’s go through each option.

1. You can visit the base of the waterfall for free. Just pull your rental car off to the side of the road and you can walk to the fall. Just be careful, it can be slippery. I marked this on the San Jose day trip map for you.

2. You can pay to visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. This park has multiple platforms with waterfall views, well-maintained trails, a wildlife refuge for native Costa Rican animals, a section on Costa Rican culture, and more!

Check out our guide to La Paz Waterfall for more info

​The La Paz Waterfall Garden Nature Park is a good option if you have children. We like it for really getting a taste of Costa Rica in a curated environment. 

However, a lot of people have mixed feelings about La Paz because some of the wildlife is kept in small cages. The park argues that this is an animal sanctuary and the wildlife can not be released due to injury or having already been domesticated.

I’ll leave it up to you to decide how you feel about it. 

Pro Tip: There is also a restaurant that serves basic good Costa Rican food called Mirador Cinchona thart offers really nice views of the waterfall. I marked it on the Google Map.

Check Availabilty and Rates for a Full Day Trip to La Paz with Transportation

5. Take a Day Trip to the Beach

If you have a rental car you can always take a day trip to the beach on the Pacific Coast. The closest beach (and one of the most beautiful beaches in the country in our opinion) is called Playa Blanca. 

Playa Blanca is a white sand beach dotted with palm trees. Usually you can see a lot of macaws here in the trees. 

It will take about 1.5 hours to drive here from San Jose. We suggest getting here early because Costa Ricans love this beach and the parking area is somewhat small. 

You can find out all the details of visiting Playa Blanca here.

We suggest combining this with a visit to Carara National Park and to see the crocodiles on Rio Tarcoles. 

6. Go Zip Lining

Zip lining is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Costa Rica!

On this canopy tour adventure, you will get the chance to unleash your inner explorer. It’s a three-in-one experience that includes zip lining, rappelling, and hiking.

We like this tour because it is definitely one of the very best zip line experiences that isn’t too far from the city.

Getting There: Carpintera Hills is conveniently located near San Jose. Unfortunately, transportation is not included so you will need to drive yourself to the start location. We have marked it on the San Jose day trip map for you.

Arrange Your Thrilling Zip Lining Adventure

7. Visit Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo is a vast national park with diverse ecosystems, ranging from rainforests to cloud forests.

This national park is not very popular. Mostly because it’s in a somewhat weird location and there are not a whole lot of trails.

However, if you want to get out of the city for the day and have a moody cloud forest hiking experience filled with natural beauty, this is a good option.

Also, if you are driving to the Caribbean coast this is a good place to stop for a couple of hours along the way.

Check out our guide to Braulio Carrillo for more info

Alternatively, you can visit the national park as a day trip with Rainforest Adventures. This is a 6 in 1 tour which means you’ll get to enjoy 6 fun activities in one fun filled day.

You’ll get the chance to:

Take an aerial tram ride above the jungle, go zip lining, visit a orchid and butterfly garden, check out the terrariums filled with amphibians and reptiles, walk on hanging bridges, and take a nature hike with an experienced guide.

We suggest this tour because it includes transportation from San Jose and is so fun!

Arrange a Day Trip with Zip Lining to Braulio Carillo

8. Visit the Valley Village of Orosi

The village of Orosi offers a blend of history, nature, and a glimpse into the Tico lifestyle.

We suggest spending a few hours exploring this area. You can easily combine it with a visit to Irazu Volcano, downtown Cartago, Lankster Gardens, or Tapanti National Park. 

We suggest parking your rental car in the downtown area and checking out the oldest church still in use in Costa Rica (built in 1743). This church is called Iglesia Colonial de Orosi. It is almost always open to the public and free to explore.

You can also walk across a suspension bridge over the river in this small town as well. It is located very close to the church, so I suggest leaving your car and just walking to the bridge.

Just note, I just read some reports of people being robbed on this bridge after dark, so definitely go during the day. 

I marked the church and bridge on the San Jose day trips map so you can easily find them. The bridge is called Puente Hamaca de La Alegria on Google Maps.

9. Buy Some Fresh Cheese or Strawberries

Embrace the Costa Rican food culture by indulging in fresh, locally produced cheese and strawberries!

The best places to buy strawberries and fresh cheese are in the hills above the city of Alajuela. It is not unusual to see someone with a stand set up on the side of the road selling strawberries or cheese. 

The cheese is called Palmito. It comes in a ball and is kind of similar to string cheese (but way better). The taste is somewhat light and salty. You can eat it by just cutting slices, but I suggest peeling it like you would with string cheese. 

10. Take a Tortuga Island Full Day Tour

Tortuga Island is a remote white sand Pacific Coast island that is uninhabited. The waters around here are great for snorkeling and the island itself has a hiking trail, kayaks for rent, beach chairs, and more.

As part of a day tour here from San Jose you will be picked up from your San Jose area hotel in the morning by a van and transferred to Puntarenas. In Puntarenas, you will board a comfortable boat that will take you towards Isla Tortuga. 

Near Isla Tortuga you will have 45 minutes to snorkel with provided equipment. After snorkeling you will continue to the island where you will have five hours to enjoy the tropical vibes. You will also be served lunch. 

At the end of the experience you will enjoy a boat ride back to the main land. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose. 

It’s a really fun day trip and a unique experience!

🥥 Check Rates and Availabilty for Tortuga Island Tour 🌴

11. Take a Day Trip to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast

Do you want to see sea turtles? On this day tour you might get the chance to!

You will spend the day navigating through serene canals, witnessing diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. You might possibly get the chance see olive ridley or leatherback turtles nesting on the beaches and a green sea turtle in the canals.

Tour Itinerary:

• As you leave San José, admire coffee farms before ascending into the mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Here, thick cloud forests blanket steep slopes, and waterfalls cascade in the distance.
• Transition from the bus to a boat and head into the heart of Tortuguero National Park’s jungle. I think it always feels a bit like you are entering Jurrasic Park.
• Refuel with a delicious buffet lunch of local flavors.
• Post-lunch, you’ll have the chance to stroll through the car free Tortuguero Village
• The journey back to San José includes a restful stop, with an expected arrival time of around 6:30 p.m.

Inclusions:

• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
• Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle ensuring comfortable travel, with pickup and drop-off services.
• Park Fees: Entry charges to the national park are covered.

🐢 Check Rates and Availability for Tortuguero Day Trip 🛶

12. Hike at Barva Volcano

Nestled within the sprawling Braulio Carrillo National Park, Barva Volcano is a dormant volcano.

It is not a popular destination and the road to get here is a bit rough.

However, we think that this is part of the appeal. You’ll hardly see anyone else here as you hike. It’s way less crowded than most other Costa Rican national parks. 

We marked Barva Volcano on the day trips map so you can easily find it.

Best Time to Visit: During the dry season, from December to April.

What to Wear: Hiking boots, rain jacket, and layers as it can get chilly at higher altitudes.

Expect: Lush forests, three crater lakes, and rich biodiversity.

13. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is the most popular national park in the country, and for good reason! With its pristine beaches and dense rainforests, is undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s crown jewels. 

This guided tour from San Jose is perfect for nature lovers looking to experience the park’s beauty while working with a limited schedule. 

It includes multiple stops at places like fruit stands, the Rio Tarcoles bridge to see crocodiles, the Tarcoles beach, the viewpoint of Jaco beach, and of course plenty of time at Manuel Antonio National Park.

At the national park you’ll embark on an hour-long guided hike and hopefully see TONS of wildlife.

You might see howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, tropical birds, and more in their natural habitat! We always see new animals when we visit.

After your hike, you can unwind on the Manuel Antonio beaches and then eat a delicious Costa Rica lunch before heading back to your hotel.

What’s Included:

• Round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from most San Jose hotels.
• Entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National Park.
• Breakfast & Lunch

🐒 Check Rates and Availability for Manual Antonio Day Trip 🦥

14. Hike at Prusia Forest

The Prusia Forest (sometimes spelled “Prussia”) is part of the Irazú Volcano National Park. It’s situated on the slopes of the Irazú Volcano and offers an alternative experience to the volcano’s primary crater viewpoint. 

A few things to note:

• The forest features several trails, ranging from shorter, easier walks to longer, more challenging hikes.
• I’ll warn you, these trails are intense! You are at a super high elevation here so please take it easy. 
• The main attraction (in our opinion) is the tall coniferous tree forest (pictured above). 
• On clear days, from certain viewpoints, you can even catch a glimpse of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
• It’s often cooler in the Prusia Forest than in San José due to its altitude, so it’s a good idea to bring layers.

What to Do After

This is kind of a weird recommendation, but on your way in and out of the park you will pass an abandoned sanatorium. You can walk through all the buildings, and it’s just kind of interesting and unique. 

It costs a few dollars to enter. We like to bring a picnic lunch and eat here after a visit to Prusia forest.

I marked it on the Things to Do map.

15. Visit the Bright Blue Rio Celeste Waterfall

Escape the city and dive into nature’s embrace with a day trip to the mesmerizing Rio Celeste, located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park!

Rio Celeste is a bright blue river and waterfall that almost looks fake. I assure you, the water really is as blue as that photo above.

Note: This is an activity we do not suggest doing as a day trip on your own. The drive is really long from San Jose. So, the best way to visit is on a day tour with transportation or spend a few nights up near Rio Celeste.

The tour we recommend consists of:

• Rio Celeste Waterfall: Hike through the national park with a guide
• Suspended Bridge: Offers a unique vantage point over the rainforest canopy.
• Hot Springs: Natural pools to unwind and soak in after your hike.

Inclusions:

• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
• Beverages: Bottled water, coffee, and tea.
• Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Good to Know:

• The park’s trail is considered easy, but can be slippery if it rains.
• The Rio Celeste’s blue hue is due to a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals.
• We only suggest this tour during the dry season. During the rainy season the water can often turn brown, so it really isn’t very exciting. 

Check Rates and Availability for Rio Celeste Tour

16. Visit Rescate Wildlife Center

This wildlife rescue center is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local wildlife. 

Visitors can witness a diverse range of animals, from colorful birds to playful monkeys, many of whom are rehabilitated and reintroduced into the wild. 

A visit to Rescate Animal Center not only offers an insightful experience into the country’s native species but also supports the center’s conservation efforts.

We like this activity for families with young kids who want to see a lot of wildlife in a condensed area with easy walking paths. 

You do not need to pre-book tickets. Just drive here, pay the entrance fee, and enjoy!

We marked it on the San Jose map.

17. Take a Full Day Trip to Arenal Volcano