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.
Physical Rating
Get a customized trip to San Jose in August 2026
Plan a multi-country or regional adventure across San Jose in August 2026, 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
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, Quetzaltenango, Puebla, Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Copan, Suchitoto, Leon, Granada, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, San Cristobal De Las Casas
We originally looked at booking the longer Costa Rica Family Adventure as we thought the Family Escape (at 7 nights) may be too much of a whirlwind. However, we liked the fact that there were less distances to travel (as the Family Escape does not include a visit to the Caribbean coast), and that there were more activities included, plus, on enquiry, we found out that on the dates we wished to travel the families booked onto this trip had children of similar ages to our own (16 and 12). We are so pleased we went for this option! From being met at the airport by our wonderful guide, Eduardo, and driver, Cesar, to being waved off as we boarded our transfer on the last day, we enjoyed every minute of our holiday!
Costa Rica is an incredible country and this trip gives you a sense of its diverstiy - from the volcanic landscape around Arenal, to the Cloud Forest at Monteverde, and the tropical beaches of Carillo. The mix of activities is great - from the high adrenaline rafting and zip wire course at Monteverde, to fascinating nature walks and wildlife spotting. The itinery is quite pacy - there are activities most days, however, you get at least 2 nights at each hotel (apart from in San Jose) so you do get chance to unpack a little and enjoy some downtime.
The hotels all offer something different: Los Lagos at La Fortuna is set in lush tropical gardens with its own resident crocodile and butterfly and insect houses. Plus, it has its own hot springs complete with water slides which our children loved. The Country Lodge at Monteverde is a little more basic, but charming, whilst the Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows are super stylish with spacious rooms and a stunning pool area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
9-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Carrillo Beach
This tour of Costa Rica will guide you through the natural wonders and breathtaking sights of this tropical gem! Begin your journey in San Jose, the famous capital, which is surrounded by evergreen mountains and valleys with plenty of cultural attractions. From there you will visit Tortuguero National Park, the nesting grounds of green sea turtles with its breathtaking beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds. Next, you will drive to Arenal, situated in the midst of an unspoiled setting where looming volcanoes and teeming rainforest await. Climb the Arenal Volcano and keep an eye out for some of the most famous bird and animal life in the country! Continue your tour to Monteverde which you will reach by boat. Explore the Cloud Forest and take one step closer to nature in this legendary destination! Your next stop will be in Tamarindo, one of the most famous beach and surf towns in Costa Rica. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture and cultivate your adventurous spirit. Head back to San Jose for your final destination on this tour of Costa Rica before you travel home!
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Eco Lodge, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Tamarindo Beach, Arenal Volcano, Tamarindo, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde
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.
Embark on an exhilarating Costa Rica adventure, exploring lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy thrilling activities like zip-lining through canopies, white-water rafting, and soaking in Arenal's hot springs. Discover the rich biodiversity of Monteverde Cloud Forest and unwind on Tamarindo's pristine beaches. This unforgettable journey promises immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking natural wonders, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Book now and experience Costa Rica's unparalleled beauty and excitement!
AdventureWildlifeWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Great, but very fast trip with amazing people and landscapes. The only issue: accomodiation could be a bit better.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Home-stay, Hostel, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada, Ometepe, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores
10% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Get a taste of paradise as you discover truly breathtaking attractions with this tour of Costa Rica! Begin your journey in San Jose, the bustling capital, surrounded by evergreen mountains and valleys. This is the perfect place to discover cultural icons, famous landmarks, and key neighborhoods with historical significance! Travel to Tamarindo, known for its beautiful beaches which make it the picture-perfect paradise to relax in! Spend your days soaking in the bright sunshine, splashing around the gorgeous turquoise waters, and taking part in all types of aquatic activities. Tamarindo is also famous for its diverse wildlife so be prepared to have some encounters with incredible creatures. From there you will head back to San Jose where you will end your tour of Costa Rica!
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
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
Costa Rica is a paradise for adventure lovers. In this trip you will get the opportunity to discover the volcanic terrain and rainforest of this Central American gem.
This seven-days of adventure and nature tour is packed with thrilling adventure activities, such as whitewater rafting, volcano hiking, horseback riding, hot spring bathing, and zip-lining. There are many chances to see wildlife on the hike and, of course, experience the volcano activity first hand.
This is an ideal trip package for young couples, groups of friends, adventure lovers, and active families traveling with teenagers.
See the itinerary section for more details.
RaftingTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
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.
My trip to Costa Rica was excellent and thanks for arranging a fabulous trip. My guide Oscar was probably the best and we really enjoyed the adventure activities. Excellent value for money. Will definitely book again.
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
Go on an adventure in Costa Rica with this eight-day trip filled with action and excitement. Hike to the mighty Colossus, get an adrenaline rush with a mountain bike tour from Irazu to Turrialba, and jump onto the back of a horse and discover the beauty of the surroundings, River rafting, volcanoes, hot springs and a chocolate plantation will occupy your time on this journey through the best of Costa Rica.