San José

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with San José's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
A Day in the Cloud Forest
morning
:

Start your morning with a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Enjoy hiking along the trails while spotting unique wildlife.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a thrilling zip-line tour to get a bird's eye view of the rainforest. The adrenaline rush will be unforgettable as you soar through the trees.

evening
:

Wind down with a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Costa Rican dishes. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sunset views.

day 2
Wildlife Adventure Day
morning
:

Begin your day at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens where you'll see diverse wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds. The cascading waterfalls are a must-see.

afternoon
:

After lunch at the gardens' restaurant, explore the animal sanctuary and enjoy the scenic trails. Take lots of photos amidst stunning tropical plants.

evening
:

Head back to San José and enjoy a variety of local cuisines at a nearby eatery. Reflect on your wildlife encounters from the day.

day 3
Volcano Exploration
morning
:

Visit Poás Volcano early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Witness the spectacular crater and learn about volcanic activity.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch nearby and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Then, explore the trails in the rainforest and spot some fascinating flora and fauna.

evening
:

Return to San José and indulge in a cultural dinner accompanied by traditional music. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Costa Rican nightlife.

day 4
Beach Escape Day
morning
:

Set off early to the Pacific Coast beaches of Jaco or Manuel Antonio. Enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze as you walk along the shore.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at a beachside café and then relax on the sand or try surf lessons. Take a dip in the ocean to refresh yourself from the sun.

evening
:

As the sun sets, unwind at a beach bar sipping on cocktails. Savor the laid-back beach atmosphere before heading back.

day 5
City Culture and Art
morning
:

Start your day at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum to learn about Costa Rica's indigenous history. Marvel at the ancient gold artifacts displayed.

afternoon
:

Visit the National Theater of Costa Rica for a guided tour and enjoy its stunning architecture. Have lunch at a nearby café, sampling local coffee.

evening
:

Catch a cultural performance at the theater or explore local art galleries. Dine at a restaurant that showcases the best of Costa Rican cuisine.

day 6
Adventure Sports Day
morning
:

Kick off the day with a mountain biking tour in the scenic hills around San José. Feel the rush as you navigate through trails and enjoy the landscape.

afternoon
:

After biking, have lunch at a local spot and then head to a nearby river for white-water rafting. Experience the thrill of navigating through rapids.

evening
:

Return to the city filled with adrenaline and enjoy a casual dinner with fellow adventurers. Share stories of your day’s adventures over delicious food.

day 7
Coffee and Nature
morning
:

Visit a local coffee plantation and learn about the coffee-making process. Taste freshly brewed coffee while surrounded by lush landscapes.

afternoon
:

Take a guided nature hike in the surrounding area to discover biodiversity. Enjoy lunch surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains.

evening
:

Return to San José and try a coffee-inspired dessert at a local café. Relax and take in your magical coffee-filled day.

day 8
A Day in Nature
morning
:

Explore Braulio Carrillo National Park, hiking and enjoying the stunning views of the rainforest. Spot some exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch amidst nature and continue your exploration of the park. Visit the renown Rainmaker Conservation Project afterwards.

evening
:

Wind down the day with a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. Reflect on the incredible experiences in nature you had.

day 9
Food and Drinks Tour
morning
:

Start the day with a traditional breakfast at a local sodas, a small family-owned restaurant. Savor dishes like gallo pinto and fresh tropical fruits.

afternoon
:

Join a food tour exploring San José’s culinary scene, visiting markets and trying local snacks. Sample a variety of flavors and learn about Costa Rican gastronomy.

evening
:

Enjoy a casual food and drink pairing in a lively neighborhood. Experience the nightlife as you meet locals and other travelers.

Discover San José

Read more in our San José 2024 Travel Guide.

San José Travel Guide