Best Day Trips from San José, Costa Rica
San José isn’t an attractive city; however, it serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the beautiful landscapes and diverse attractions of Costa Rica.
With hundreds of hotels, San José provides the perfect spot to drop off your luggage, pick up supplies, and rent a car. Consequently, you have the freedom to roam around the Central Valley, embarking on day trips to stunning locations, always knowing you can return to your room come nightfall.
This region, being the most populous in Costa Rica, is full of destinations that are ideal for a morning or afternoon visit. Whether you crave local cuisine or seek natural wonders, the Central Valley makes short-term excursions not only accessible but also immensely rewarding.
1. Roam the Coffee Groves at Hacienda La Chimba
Travel time: 30 minutes
In the hills above suburban Santa Ana, Hacienda La Chimba is both a coffee farm and a hidden retreat. You could spend hours zip-lining through trees, enjoying a captivating coffee tour, and savoring an exquisite meal at the on-site restaurant. For a more peaceful experience, hike the Mantra Trail through the rolling coffee groves and find playful sculptures along the path.
How to get to La Chimba from San José: Drive or take a taxi to the middle of Santa Ana, followed by a steep drive up to the property. Alternatively, you can take the bus to the Río Oro supermarket in Santa Ana and walk 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to the entrance.
2. Hike to the Crater Lake at Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Volcán Irazú is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica and one of the most visited. Well-maintained roads and walking paths make Irazú accessible to almost any traveler, and the dramatic above-the-clouds vistas are worth the journey. Gaze into a jade-colored crater lake, stroll the lava fields, and visit the souvenir shop. Note that the air is thin at 3400 meters (11,155 feet), so a sweatshirt is a wise packing choice.
How to get to Irazú National Park from San José: It is easiest to reach Irazú by private car, with about a 90-minute drive from downtown San José. Ensure you make a reservation at the entrance to save time.
3. Learn About Costa Rica’s War Hero at the Museo Histórico Juan Santamaría
Travel time: 45 minutes
This colonial compound in downtown Alajuela celebrates a legendary 19th-century drummer boy. The Museo Histórico Juan Santamaría, built into a former prison, features exhibits that tell the tale of the Filibuster War, an 1856 conflict between Central American freedom fighters and US mercenaries. Discover how Santamaría sacrificed himself to help defeat William Walker.
How to get to the Juan Santamaría Museum from San José: You can take a bus or taxi to Alajuela, where the museum is centrally located, adjacent to Parque General Tomás Guardia and the Cathedral of Alajuela.
4. Feel the Spray at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
This private park invites visitors to walk right up to several breathtaking waterfalls, courtesy of its sophisticated network of paths and stairways. La Paz Waterfall Gardens also serves as a wildlife refuge, where visitors can explore the falls and animal exhibits at their leisure.
How to get to La Paz Waterfall Gardens from San José: La Paz is located about 90 minutes north of San José, best reached by private car.
5. Get to Know the Fine Art of Cultivation at the Britt Coffee Tour
Travel time: 45 minutes
One of Costa Rica’s most renowned coffee brands, the Britt Coffee Tour is situated in Heredia, just north of San José. This campus features an aromatic souvenir shop, a stylish café, and a multimedia coffee tour. You can learn how Britt coffee is cultivated and sample brews with local experts.
How to get to the Britt Coffee Tour from San José: Take a bus to downtown Heredia, then walk another kilometer (0.6 miles) north to Britt’s location.
6. See Underground Artwork at Anfiteatro de Villa
Travel time: 30 minutes
Among the most unique attractions in the Central Valley, Anfiteatro de Villa features a series of artificial caverns in Ciudad Colón. Six subterranean chambers pay tribute to Egyptian burial sites and medieval castles. You can also enjoy an elegant dinner at one of the on-site restaurants.
How to get to Anfiteatro de Villa from San José: You can reach Ciudad Colón by bus and then walk one kilometer (0.6 miles) north to the Anfiteatro or drive for convenience.
7. Gaze at an Active Volcano at Parque Nacional Volcán Poás
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Featuring a kilometer-wide caldera and acid lake, Volcán Poás is the second-largest volcanic crater worldwide. Hike to the scenic overlook for a view of the steam-spewing depression below. The national park is a marvel of scientific study for its seismic activity and rich biodiversity.
How to get to Volcán Poás from San José: The best way to reach Poás is via a 90-minute drive from San José. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance and check for conditions, as the volcano is known for sudden eruptions.
8. Explore the Cloud Forest in Parque Nacional Volcán Barva
Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Although the least-known volcano in the Central Valley, Volcán Barva offers some of the best hiking adventures. The extinct crater has transformed into a serene lake surrounded by a cloud forest. Spend the day exploring paths, lagoons, and lookout points in this beautiful national park.
How to get to Volcán Barva from San José: The trailhead is at the end of a long, winding road best accessed by a 4WD vehicle. Reservations are recommended.
9. Follow the Trails at Adventure Park Costa Rica
Travel time: 45 minutes
Adventure Park Costa Rica is a hidden gem for exhilarating activities such as rappelling, trail-running, and canopy tours. Famous for its mountain biking trails, this park attracts thrill-seekers from around the world. Whether you’re camping with family or looking for an adrenaline rush, Adventure Park is the perfect suburban getaway.
How to get to Adventure Park Costa Rica from San José: Drive approximately 45 minutes north of San José, keeping an eye out for the roadside sign and entrance.
