Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Guide Types
Get a customized trip to San Jose in April 2027
Plan a multi-country or regional adventure across San Jose in April 2027, with help from a local expert.
Jean Carlo IlamaTravel Expert in Costa Rica
Randall Jiménez Moreno
Travel Expert in Costa Rica
Ellen Zoe GoldenTravel Expert in Costa Rica
Olman RomeroTravel Expert in Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama
Yuliana ValverdeTravel Expert in Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama
An amazing Costa Rica vacation package where you will enjoy a perfect combination of nature and adventure tours at 3 of the most important destinations in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific Coast.
With our tour you will be able to customize it because at each location you will be able to select your preferred tour from a list of the top activities in each region. The itinerary can be customized for very active people or just relaxing activities for seniors and families with children. The package includes excellent hotel´s quality as well.
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-90 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano
Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Central Market, which, in our opinion, is the only way to learn about the city’s food (aside from eating it, which we’ll get to!). Stroll the market with your local guide and get to know the secrets and uses of the roots, herbs, and fruit common in local cuisines, including ingredients that will play a role in your authentic Costa Rican dinner later. The locals say that you can get anything you need at the Central Market, even love potions for attracting a boyfriend or girlfriend…wink.
After the market, we’ll make our way down Central Avenue, enjoying a trip down San Jose’s memory lane, learning about the city’s history and anecdotes, as well as visiting one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings in San Jose, the National Theatre.
From there, our appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture continues, with a walk through Morazan Park to enjoy the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
We’ll continue to charming Barrio Amon, one the oldest neighborhoods in San Jose. Designed by Amon Fasileau, a Frenchman who settled in the area, it has become one of the most scenic parts of the city, boasting a rich, architectural history.
We’ll be spending the rest of the evening at a favorite local restaurant that specializes in wine and gourmet food.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We just returned from the Costa Rica Eco-Adventure (2/1/2025-2/8/2025). This was our sixth Trafalgar trip. was a WONDERFUL tour guide. Very knowledgeable and personable. worked very hard; it was much appreciated! It was a great tour!
A couple of things we noticed on this trip, that were different than previous Trafalgar trips . . . We prepaid our gratuities (as we always do). Usually, the tour guide talks about the ability to tip the guides and drivers, and thanks those who have already paid the gratuity. This didn't happen on this trip. We hope he received our prepaid gratuity! Also, on previous trips, it was noted if you had been a previous Trafalgar traveler. This did not happen on this trip. We are proud Trafalgar trip repeaters, which makes us some of your greatest advertisers.
One suggestion we had: For our farewell dinner, we went to a restaurant where we could order off the menu. There were 42 of us. It took probably two hours to get our food. It would be better to limit the menu to a couple of appetizers, salads, main entrees and desserts, to make the evening not as long.
Thanks again for a wonderful experience. We will be back to travel with Trafalgar again!
Eco toursNational parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Paz Waterfall, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Liberia City
12% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore incredible worlds above and below the water through some of Central America's best on this 45-day adventure. Amble down the Yucatan Peninsula to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, then cut inland to the lush jungle around Tikal, cruise to the wide river Rio Dulce and end up among the clouds in Panajachel and Antigua. Continue to the relaxing beach vibes of the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, spot colourful birds perched on the historic facades of Suchitoto and explore the historic cities of Leon and Granada in Nicaragua. Stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde, then admire the towns and steamy jungles of Costa Rice and Panama, stopping off at the stunning islands of Bocas del Toro. With plenty of moments to meet the locals and try the region’s varied cuisines, you can’t go wrong on this carefree Central American journey.
WildlifeCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, Playa Del Carmen, R
Panama City, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel, Tulum, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, San Jose, Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Caye Caulker, Boquete, Chitre, San Ignacio, Flores
With its compact size, exotic environment, unspoiled beaches, romantic culture, and wild natural landscapes, Costa Rica is the perfect destination to explore by car on a self-drive trip. This is the perfect opportunity to explore on your own with just the right amount of planned activities and free time.
From San José to Manuel Antonio, drive and enjoy the most picturesque areas of the country. Visit the famous canals of Tortuguero and the beautiful beaches of the South Caribbean. Drive to the majestic Arenal Volcano, towering above the picturesque village of La Fortuna. Visit the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest and enjoy an included day pass of adventure activities to explore with. Finally, discover the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio and include a visit to the lush Manuel Antonio National Park, considered one of the most beautiful in the world thanks to the rich biodiversity of its jungle and sea coast.
Beach
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Cahuita National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park
Get ready for a 27-day adventure through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. From oceans teeming with marine life to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is truly a natural paradise. You’ll explore the intricately carved structures at Copan, the cloud forests of Monteverde and spend three nights in the island paradise of Bocas del Toro. Sample varied cuisines along the way during cooking lessons with locals, giving you a real insight into the heart and soul of Central America.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Antigua
Panama City, San Jose, Antigua, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita National Park, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Copan, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Chitre, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon
8% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
On this immensely popular 10-day vacation package, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the highlands of Costa Rica including tropical jungles, cloud forests, and even a visit to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal.
Head from San Jose to the Osa Peninsula, a destination popular with eco-tourists due to its biodiversity and stunning beauty. There are a variety of exciting activities and excursions to do on the Osa Peninsula and it is a perfect place for all kinds of water sports such as swimming, diving,, and snorkeling in crystal clear Pacific waters.
Start in Corcovado National Park where you can enjoy a full-day tour experiencing vibrant flora and fauna unseen in other parts of the world. There are even a few endangered jaguars in the park! Then stay on Cano Island before heading to the famed Arenal Volcano. Here, visit the hot springs and then choose one of three exciting excursions. After Arenal, enjoy some adventure activities and a few nights in the lush Monteverde cloud forest.
This is an excellent itinerary for anyone who appreciates the generosity and beauty of nature. Book now!
Nature and bush walks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Corcov
San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Corcovado National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Embark on thrilling adventure through Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes and beaches, where wildlife waits around every corner. This nine-day Premium journey will see you uncover the local secrets of San Jose, explore the wild wetlands of Cano Negro, witness the biodiversity of Monteverde and search for sloths in Manuel Antonio. A local leader will take you beneath Costa Rica’s lush surface and show you the country at its very best. Costa Rica’s natural wonders have etched it a place on the map, but you’ll soon discover its cherished traditions and welcoming people are every bit as endearing.
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Manuel Antonio National Park
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the country that encapsulates ‘pura vida’ (the simple life) on this 10-day exploration of Costa Rica. Perfect for all nature lovers and wildlife seekers, this trip will have you walking through the national parks of Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio for rainforest, waterfall and beach views and joining an Indigenous Terraba community to learn about local culture. Wander through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, filled with butterflies. Visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world. And search for the resplendent quetzal (and maybe a cheeky sloth, too) in Quetzles National Park, getting off the tourist trail with a local naturalist guide.
BeachTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Lodge, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio, Copey District
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Dive into Central America on this 48-day adventure, bookended by two chaotic capitals and filled with fun, adventure and culture. Journey through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica on an adventure through the tantalising highlights of the region. Get acquainted with Central American cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories as you explore the wealth of ancient ruins, spot the range of unusual wildlife and relax on idyllic Caribbean shores. This is one of our longest adventures through Central America – a trip that zig-zags from the top of the Yucatan peninsula to the highlands of Costa Rica.
WildlifeCustom private toue
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Chetumal, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Puebla, Copan, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, San Cristobal De Las Casas
Enjoy the best of Costa Rica with this special multiday vacation package visiting San José, Poas Volcano National Park, La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, Arenal Volcano & Hanging Bridges, Baldi Hot Springs, Tortuguero Park and Tortuga Island and its beautiful beaches. This includes a great mix of nature and adventure tours, high quality hotels, deluxe transportation services and professional tour guides.
In Poas Volcano, take a hike to the main crater and the trail to Laguna Botos, a beautiful lagoon formed in a former crater. Later on, explore the rainforest at amazing La Paz Waterfalls (a Wildlife Refuge Center)
In Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Town, explore the rainforest at Mistico Park and a walk to the hanging bridges. In the afternoon, visit the unique Baldi Hot Springs, have a delicious buffet lunch and just relax in the multiple thermal pools.
Explore Tortuguero National Park with a professional naturalist tour guide and in a private transportation from San Jose. This unique tour will allow you to see lots of wildlife species along the canals and during the boat tour. A hike on the Tortuguero Hill and admire the beauty of this amazing region.
Located 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Tortuga Island (called "Tolinga" by the natives) is a sanctuary of white sand beaches and turquoise waters that houses marine birds, flora and fauna, typical of Costa Rican Central Pacific area.
This flash tour is the perfect option for all those with limited time in Costa Rica.
Tour guide, Juan Pablo, was extremely knowledgeable about the culture and places we visited. He made every one feel important and was her accommodating.
The places visited provided a variety of experiences. Overall an excellent trip experience
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Resort, Lodge, Hotel, Bungalow
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Guanacaste, Correos De
San Jose, Guanacaste, Correos De Costa Rica, Arenal, Monteverde
10% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Enjoy the best of Costa Rica with this special multiday vacation package visiting San José, Arenal Volcano & la Fortuna Waterfall and Manuel Antonio National Park. This includes a great mix of nature and adventure tours, high quality hotels, deluxe transportation services and professional tour guides.
Hike to the base of La Fortuna waterfall and swim in the cristal water river. Later, get relax at the world´s class Hot Springs complex of Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and taste a delicious buffet lunch.
Customize the trip with your preferred tour in Arenal Volcano from a vast list of options we provide.
Enjoy the beautiful drive from Arenal Volcano to the Central Pacific coast till arrival to Manuel Antonio. A time to relax at the Costa Verde Hotel and enjoy the beach and night life of Manuel Antonio as much as possible.
Discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica – and the culture shaped by the tropical wilderness – with your loved ones, on a trip that’s tailored for families. Pick produce and make dinner with a local family during an agricultural homestay, look for three-toed sloths in the thickets of the Manuel Antonio National Park and walk through the canopy of Monteverde’s cloud forest on a suspended bridge. Take a break from active adventure by soaking in springs heated by Arenal Volcano and lying beneath swaying palms on pristine beaches while the kids play nearby. This adventure takes you into the wild heart of a country many visit but few truly know.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Santa Rosa De Pocosol
San Jose, Santa Rosa De Pocosol, Arenal, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Manuel Antonio National Park