No-nonsense private tours in San Jose, Costa Rica let you experience the city’s highlights without the crowds. The best options include the comprehensive city tour with a local lunch stop – perfect for understanding Costa Rica’s capital in just one day. Nature lovers will appreciate the Tortuguero National Park excursion, where expert guides track down sloths and tropical birds. For active travelers, ATV tours combine off-road excitement with volcano views, while coffee enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the hands-on Britt Coffee experience. The most memorable tours blend cultural insights with local discoveries, keeping groups small and schedules flexible. Check out these top tour picks for your Costa Rican adventure.
Key Points
- Highly-rated semi-private San Jose City Tour with a customized itinerary, deluxe transportation, and a typical Costa Rican lunch.
- Private Tortuguero National Park Tour offering a personalized experience with a knowledgeable naturalist guide and diverse wildlife sightings.
- Adventure tours including private ATV excursions, chocolate-making experiences, and Irazu Volcano exploration.
- Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens tour with direct summit access and a buffet lunch.
- Customizable private guided tours in San Jose with flexible itineraries, wheelchair and stroller accessibility, and positive reviews.
San Jose City Tour With Lunch. Semi Private Tour
Discover the vibrant heart of San Jose on this comprehensive city tour. This highly-rated, private tour offers a customized itinerary focused on must-see sights.
Enjoy transportation in a deluxe vehicle and the expertise of a professional guide who’ll bring the city’s history and culture to life. Highlights include the National Theater, Mercado Municipal De Artesanias, and the National Museum.
Along the way, savor a typical Costa Rican lunch at a well-regarded restaurant. With a 92% recommendation rate, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking an immersive San Jose experience.
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Tortuguero One Day. Private Tour From San Jose
On this private tour from San Jose, travelers will explore the incredible Tortuguero National Park. Recommended by 100% of previous guests, this excursion provides a personalized experience with a private guide and boat.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including sloths, toucans, monkeys, and crocodiles. The tour also includes a delicious Caribbean-style lunch, a nature walk, and time to explore the town of Tortuguero and its souvenir shops.
With a knowledgeable naturalist guide, travelers will have the opportunity to learn about the park’s flora and fauna. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with the convenience of hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
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Private ATV Tour From San Jose Enjoy Jungle, Beach, River Paths and Ocean Views
What better way to explore the stunning landscapes around San Jose than on a thrilling private ATV tour?
This 4.5-star rated adventure takes you on a wild ride through jungles, along river paths, and to breathtaking beaches with ocean views.
With your own ATV or shared with a partner, you’ll get a personalized experience guided by an expert.
The tour includes convenient hotel pickup, snacks, and all necessary safety gear.
While the route may change due to weather, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time navigating the rugged terrain.
Just be sure to pass the driving test and bring your valid license.
At $189 per person, this private tour is a must for adrenaline-seekers in Costa Rica.
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Chocolate Tour at Tirimbina Reserve. Private Tour From San Jose
Travelers seeking an immersive chocolate experience can embark on a private 7-hour chocolate tour from San Jose, Costa Rica. The tour, recommended by 93% of travelers, includes a visit to Tirimbina Reserve, a guided hike across a suspension bridge to a cacao plantation, and an intimate look at chocolate-making.
Highlights include learning about cacao’s history with Mesoamerican civilizations and tasting organic chocolate from the Association of Amazilla Women of the Caribbean. The tour also includes lunch, a professional naturalist guide, and private transportation.
While reviews are mixed, positive feedback emphasizes knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences with chocolate and nature. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate, with prices starting at $265 per person.
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Irazu Volcano Half Day. Private Tour
For those seeking to explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders, the private half-day tour to Irazu Volcano National Park is a must-do experience.
Guests enjoy a scenic 1-hour ride from San Jose to the highest volcano in the country. A knowledgeable naturalist guide leads the exploration of the volcano, including the captivating greenish-yellow crater lake.
With a personalized experience and limited group size, visitors can fully enjoy the stunning landscape. The tour also includes a visit to the old town of Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica.
Hassle-free hotel pickup, private transportation, entrance fees, snacks, and a tip for the guide are all included in the starting price of $185 per person.
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Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Sightseeing Tours
This private sightseeing tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey to explore two of Costa Rica’s most captivating natural wonders – Poas Volcano and the stunning La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Priced at $225 per person, the tour offers direct summit access to observe the volcano’s fumaroles and sulphuric lake, as well as a guided hike to the scenic Botos Lagoon.
At the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, guests can explore the cascading waterfalls and diverse wildlife enclosures.
Featuring a buffet lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and a bilingual guide, this highly-rated private tour is perfect for those seeking an immersive natural experience in San Jose.
With a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is sure to delight.
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Britt Coffee Tour With Lunch. Private Tour From San Jose
Exploring the renowned Britt Coffee plantation is a captivating private tour experience from San Jose.
This half-day excursion takes you behind the scenes of Costa Rica’s original coffee tour, with a guided look at the entire coffee bean lifecycle. You’ll visit the nursery, roasting area, and tasting lab, learning about the region’s coffee history and economic impact.
The tour includes round-trip transfers, a buffet lunch, and ample time to browse the gift shop.
With over half a million guests welcomed, this highly-rated, wheelchair-accessible tour offers an immersive coffee experience just outside the capital city.
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Personalized Private Tour Experience – Costa Rica
Enjoy the natural wonders of Costa Rica with this personalized private tour experience.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour includes visits to the Jaguar Rescue Centre, Cahuita National Park, and Gandoca Wildlife Reserve.
Enjoy private transportation, a personal certified guide, and all meals, including breakfast and lunch.
With a tour price starting from $1,900 per person and free cancellation up to 6 days in advance, this experience offers unbeatable value.
Accessibility is limited, but most travelers can participate.
With an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 14 reviews, this private tour is the perfect way to explore Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
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San Jose : Private Custom Guided Tour With A Guide (Private Tour)
Setting out on a private custom guided tour in San Jose, Costa Rica, offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the heart of the city with the personalized attention of a local expert.
With a 5.0 rating from 9 reviews, this tour provides a flexible and immersive experience. Guests can customize the itinerary, receive assistance booking tickets, and even enjoy a complimentary drink or food during the tour.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with transport arranged as needed. While reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and interesting cultural insights, some note occasional confusion regarding pickup details and extra charges.
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Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls Gardens. Private Tour
For those seeking to uncover the natural wonders just outside San Jose, the Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls Gardens private tour offers an unparalleled opportunity.
This personalized excursion takes travelers to the world’s largest active crater, Poas Volcano, and the breathtaking La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Guests will engage with diverse wildlife, from toucans to sloths, while enjoying a private naturalist guide and deluxe transportation.
The tour includes a buffet lunch and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless experience. With an overall 5-star rating, this private tour promises stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a customized itinerary – all at a competitive price point with flexible booking options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times of Day to Take These Tours?
The best times for private tours are typically in the morning or early afternoon when crowds are smaller and temperatures are milder. Weekdays also tend to be less crowded than weekends. Ultimately, the ideal time depends on individual preferences and the tour’s specific activities.
Do the Tour Guides Speak Multiple Languages?
Most private tour guides in the area speak multiple languages, often including English, Spanish, and other common languages to accommodate diverse visitors. This allows them to provide engaging and informative tours for a wide range of guests.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tours?
Most private tours don’t have strict age requirements, but some activities may have minimum age limits for safety reasons. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their policies before booking to ensure the tour is suitable for your group.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for a Private Tour?
Yes, private tours can typically be customized to your preferences. Many tour operators allow clients to tailor the itinerary, activities, and schedule to their specific needs and interests, providing a personalized experience.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for These Tours?
The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if you cancel 24-48 hours in advance, depending on the tour operator. Many offer flexible rescheduling options as well. Be sure to review the specific policy before booking your private tour.
The Sum Up
San Jose offers a variety of private tours that cater to diverse interests. From city sightseeing and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, visitors can find personalized tours to suit their preferences. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty, history, and cuisine with the guidance of knowledgeable local experts. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s landmarks or venturing into the surrounding landscapes, San Jose’s private tour options can make for an unforgettable experience.