Immerse yourself in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Costa Rica’s vibrant capital with this 6-day city-based itinerary. The City 360 Package offers a well-balanced mix of urban exploration and nearby nature adventures. From discovering San José’s iconic landmarks and rich history to visiting the majestic Poás Volcano, lush coffee plantations, and rainforest treetop trails, this experience is perfect for travelers who want to explore Costa Rica’s diversity without venturing far from the city.
Upon arrival at San José (SJO) International Airport, our staff will meet and greet you after you collect your luggage and clear customs. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at San José Hotel
Services: ground transportation, airport meet and greet.
Meals: N/A
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites or similar
Visitors will be captivated upon arrival in San José, the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Costa Rica. The people, predominantly of European descent, are known for their energy, happiness, and strong democratic traditions. The journey begins with a visit to the National Theater Lobby, often referred to as “The Jewel of San José.” This architectural and artistic masterpiece, built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897, reflects the country’s cultural pride. Next, we explore the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, an archaeological treasure showcasing Costa Rica’s rich indigenous history. From there, we head to the Central Market, a bustling hub of Costa Rican culture and traditions, where you will have the opportunity to browse and purchase local handicrafts. We will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, a historic and spiritual landmark. As we tour the city, we will highlight several important buildings and institutions, including the University of Costa Rica, the Old Train Station, the National Liquor Factory, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the Legislative Assembly (Costa Rica’s equivalent to Congress), the historic Metallic Building, several city parks, and points of interest. This tour offers an engaging introduction to Costa Rica’s capital, with insights into the nation’s economy, culture, politics, religion, and current affairs. Finally, we will stop at a local art gallery, where you will have the chance to purchase unique souvenirs.
Recommendations: comfortable clothing, tennis shoes, sunscreen, waterproof jacket during rainy season, camera.
Overnight at San José Hotel
Services: ground transportation and tour guide for the activity.
Meals included: breakfast.
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites or similar
We begin the day with a delicious breakfast at Doka Coffee Estate, followed by a guided tour of an active coffee plantation. There, you will learn about the traditional methods used to produce some of Costa Rica’s finest coffee—from cultivation and harvesting to roasting. The tour is interactive and concludes with a tasting of the freshly brewed “Golden Bean.” Next, we head to Poás Volcano National Park, where the cooler temperatures and lush cloud forest signal our arrival. Poás is an active stratovolcano standing at 2,708 meters (8,885 ft), with a massive crater over a mile wide and 1,050 feet deep. You will enjoy dramatic views of the main crater, with its steaming fumaroles, and hike to the serene Botos Lagoon while discovering the park’s rich ecosystems. It has erupted 40 times since 1828, including in April 2017. The final stop is La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you will savor a buffet lunch featuring traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Then, you will explore rainforest trails leading to stunning waterfalls and visit educational wildlife exhibits, including the aviary, butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, serpentarium, jungle cats, and frog exhibits—an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages. Due to altitude and volcanic activity, this tour is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, recent surgeries, or pregnant women.
Recommendations: Comfortable clothing, walking or hiking shoes, waterproof jacket or raincoat, insect repellent, camera.
Overnight at San José Hotel
Services: ground transportation, entrance fee and tour guide for the activity.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites or similar
Discover the wonders of the Costa Rican rainforest from the forest floor to the treetops on this award-winning eco-adventure. The Rainforest Aerial Tram offers a unique opportunity to explore the rainforest canopy and its hidden secrets while soaring above the treetops with spectacular views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and a lush private reserve. This immersive tour includes a serene Aerial Tram ride (1 hour and 20 minutes), a guided forest trek, and access to several fascinating exhibits: a Butterfly Garden, a Terrarium with reptiles and amphibians, and a beautiful Orchid Garden.
Butterfly Garden: Step into a 200-square-meter enclosure filled with vibrant tropical butterflies. This controlled environment allows guests to admire dozens of exotic species up close, learn about their life cycles, and understand the delicate ecosystems they inhabit.
Orchid Garden: Explore the diversity of one of the world’s largest plant families—the Orchidaceae. With over 30,000 species, 800 genera, and more than 100,000 hybrids, orchids are truly global in reach. In this garden, you'll learn about the different types—terrestrial, epiphytic, lithophytic—and what makes them so unique in both form and function.
Reptile & Amphibian Exhibits: As you walk through the Terrarium, you’ll encounter fascinating species of snakes, frogs, and other rainforest dwellers. These exhibits provide insight into the crucial roles these creatures play in maintaining the rainforest's biodiversity, and the delicate balance of their ecosystems.
Please wear: comfortable clothes, walking shoes (closed shoes).
Please bring: light jacket, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, raincoat, camera.
Overnight at San José Hotel
Services: ground transportation and tour guide for the activity.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites or similar
Enjoy a day off to explore the wonders of the area, relax at the hotel or take an optional activity.
Overnight at San José Hotel
Services: hotel accommodation.
Meals included: breakfast.
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites or similar
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby and take you to SJO International Airport for your departure flight. Please ensure you have all your personal belongings with you before leaving.
Services: ground transportation.
Policies and Payments
ONE DAY TOURS CANCELATION POLICY: No refund on cancellations less than 48 hours prior to departure.
PACKAGES CANCELATION POLICIES: If your reservation is canceled 30 days before the arrival,100% will be refunded. No refunds after 29 days prior arrival.
INSURANCE: Our passengers, while transported in vehicles owned by CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS, are covered by insurance from the Instituto Nacional de Seguros.
RESPONSIBILITY: CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS as a recognized tour company, acts only as an agent for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by car, motor coach, railroad, boat or plane and assumes no liability during such travel for injury damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned whether by reason or defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts of default of any company or person engaged in covering the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS cannot be held responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delay, hotel or airline irregularities, sickness, weather or any other causes. CENTRAL AMERICAN TOURS assumes no liability for the loss of personal effects or baggage. The right is reserved to cancel or change any tours, schedules and rates and to cancel or substitute stops on any tour without notice, and to use the services of affiliated companies as deemed necessary.
NOTE: When other individuals or companies are used to provide services, their insurance payment and cancellations policies will apply.
5 nights in San José - Country Inn & Suites or similar
Arrival and departure transfers are included. All transfers between destinations are also included.
Gratuities for the guide and driver are not included.
Breakfast is included daily. Other meals are included as outlined in the itinerary.
A bilingual guide (Spanish/English) will be with you during the tours listed in the itinerary.
Costa Rica
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