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Multi-day Tours and Trips from San José

Multi-day Tours and Trips from San José

Not to be confused with the Californian city, San José is the capital city of the Central American country of Costa Rica. In a country known for its beaches, biodiversity and volcanoes, there is no shortage of excursion-worthy destinations.

Whether you only have a short time to see more or have a few days free to explore, a guided multi-day tour from San José is the best way to visit this rugged tropical destination.

Located in the center of the country, San José is the perfect starting point into the surrounding regions.

2-Day trips

One of the most popular 2-day tours from San José is a trip to the village of Tortuguero. Located on the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park’s beaches are a major green and leatherback turtle nesting site and the surrounding canals, wetlands and forests are home to manatees, tapir, jaguars and other exotic wildlife species.

A tour to Tortuguero includes a boat ride through the tropical forest, accommodation at a 5-star forest lodge and a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy where you will learn more about these gentle ocean reptiles.

Another 2-day trip to the Caribbean coast visits Pacuare. After an early morning departure from San José, a slow cruise will get you to your hotel in time to rest before a waterfront lunch. In the afternoon, visit the town of Barra de Pacuare for some Caribbean atmosphere and a tour of the Quelonios Sea Turtle project.

After overnighting at Laguna Madre de Dios, day 2 of your tour explores the Pacuare Reserve by boat to learn more about tropical rainforests and wetland ecosystems before heading back to San José in the late afternoon.

If volcanoes are more your cup of tea, then consider an all-inclusive 2-day tour from San José to the Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs. Your first day will be spent soaking in the thermal pools and enjoying the views of the volcano.

On the second day of your tour, you can choose to participate in one of four activities such as white water rafting, horseback riding, the Arenal Hanging Bridges or a canopy tour. Departure back to San José is in the early evening.

For two adrenaline-filled days, you can also book a 2-day Pacuare River white water rafting adventure or you can custom make your own 2-day itinerary by booking a private overnight tour.

3-Day trips

A 3-day tour of Costa Rica from San José you will have the time to travel to sites that showcase the varied landscapes and biodiverse ecology.

On an expertly organized all-inclusive trip, you travel to the artisanal town of Sarchi before continuing on to your first nights’ accommodation where your room will give you a night-time glimpse of the glow of the Arenal Volcano.

If included in your tour, your guide will accompany you as you hike at Arenal Volcano. On day 2 of the journey, traverse the woodlands and rainforest and cross the famous hanging bridges of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Finally on the final day of the tour, you will either head to Sky Park for a zip lining adventure, sky walk and sky tram experience in Monteverde or relax on the white-sand beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast before heading back to San José.

For more time near the water, an all-inclusive 3-day walking and canoe tour in Tortuguero is one way to visit this remote destination under the care of an expert guide.

You will set off each day along the waterways of Tortuguero where you might spot some of the elusive rainforest wildlife or maybe see the magnificent green and leatherback turtles who nest on the shores of this sandbar reserve.

4-Day trips

Four-day tours from San José set out to explore the abundant fauna and flora and rugged landscape of Costa Rica.

On a 4-day excursion, your itinerary may include the Caribbean shores of Tortuguero National Park, the hot springs at Tabacon, hiking close to the Arenal Volcano and a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Hanging Bridges. The final day of this kind of tour is spent unwinding on the beaches at the Manuel Antonio National Park.

For a short, but activity rich tour, consider a 4-day Tamarindo Beach and San José City tour. Tamarindo Beach is one of the best known surf-spots in Costa Rica and is a great spot for fishing and other water sports.

The area also has a vibrant nightlife. In contrast, San José offers visitors a taste of tradition, history and culture with its interesting architecture, prominent plazas, theatres and several fascinating museums.

You can also combine a visit to Costa Rica and Panama with a 4-day tour to Bocas del Toro from San José. You will be transferred to the Panamanian border and assisted with the border crossing before continuing to Bocas del Toro.

On this tropical island holiday, you can expect a boat excursion to Dolphin Bay, Cayo Coral and Red Frog Beach. You will also have the option of joining a boat trip to the various islands that make up this archipelago. After a busy but laidback few days, you will return to San José for your onward arrangements.