Luxury San Jose
Vacations & Tours made for you
Fascinating museums
Explore Costa Rican culture and history through the city's museums
Exciting day trips
Visit nearby coffee plantations and the Poás volcano
City life
Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's largest city
Experience San José, the Heart of Costa Rica
Costa Rica may be renowned as a bountiful, serene paradise, but lesser known is its cosmopolitan heart: San José. Positioned in the mid-west of the Central Valley, it presents a sleek and modern contrast to the rest of the country. While often overlooked, there are a multitude of things to do in San José. Be drawn in by its plethora of museums, showcasing everything from gold and jade to natural history, unwind in Parque La Sabana or pick up souvenirs at the Central Market.
Costa Ricans are known as one of the happiest populations around the world, and ‘Josefinos’ are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. Take some time to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s largest city, soaking up its culture and cafes, exploring its colonial corners, and experiencing its famous and diverse nightlife.
There are also a rich choice of day trips on offer across the Central Valley. Just an hour away is the active Poás Volcano, which boasts one of the largest volcanic craters in the world and sits among the lush forested scenery of the Central Mountain Range. As expected in Costa Rica, there are also a number of coffee plantations within reach of San José, where you can experience tours and delicious tastings.
San José is a great city from which to begin or end your travels in Costa Rica and we can create a bespoke itinerary to make the most of your stay here.
Highlights
Explore the city’s parks and museums, including the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Jade Museum, to get a feel for its culture and history
Take a day trip to the magnificent Poás Volcano to explore the scenic forests and its enormous crater
Enjoy San José’s diverse nightlife, including restaurants, bars and live music
San José can be the perfect starting point for your Costa Rican adventure, providing an authentic introduction to the country's culture and daily life before you head out to explore its incredible biodiversity.
James Sirotkin
Travel Designer
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Discover more of Costa Rica
Arenal
The omnipresent Arenal Volcano towers over the region, contrasting against sheer blue skies or framed by verdant jungle foliage as you glance up from your activities. Enjoy hikes, zip lines, hot springs and much more.
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Corcovado and Osa Peninsula
Osa enjoys an exceptional wealth of biodiversity, from primary rainforests to sandy coastline. Remote and exciting, this is one of the best places for wildlife encounters in Costa Rica.
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Dominical
A sleepy surf village with great access to the national park and various stunning beaches. Learn to ride the big waves or sit back and relax in nature watching fiery sunsets.
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Manuel Antonio
One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. A marine reserve protecting an idyllic coastline and important, verdant rainforests. Spot dolphins, whales, howler monkeys and kingfishers.
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Nicoya Peninsula
Tangled stone cliffs and winding mangroves greet the rugged, beautiful coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. A natural paradise with a focus on sustainability and respecting the precious environment.
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Pacuare Reserve
Exhilarating and remote, get off the beaten track here with white water rafting, vast areas of primary, virgin rainforest and masses of wildlife. Stay at sustainable, luxury lodges in this stunning riverside location.
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Puerto Viejo
Located on the southern Caribbean coastline there’s plenty to do here. Visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge for wildlife, surf the big waves on Salsa Brava beach or find the calmer waters and beach bars at Limon.
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Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste is located 100 miles northwest of San Jose, with Arenal to the south, Tenorio Volcano National Park to the west and the Caño Negro Forest to the east. It’s renowned for its light blue river and waterfalls, tinged a mesmerising turquoise colour by particles from volcanic activity.
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The Central Cloud Forests
Elevated, tropical evergreen forests, misty and humid, transport you to a magical paradise. Hike to waterfalls among almost luminous green lichen and moss punctuated, with pink tropical orchids.
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The Coffee Valley
Fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate make Costa Rica one of the best places in the world for growing delicious coffee beans. Learn about the culture connected with the land and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and more.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from December to April, and the green season, which runs from May to November. We recommend avoiding travelling from September to October as many regions experience heavy rainfall during this time.
If you’re visiting the city, we recommend visiting during the dry season for clear sunny days perfect for outdoor exploration, although the rainy season can be ideal for indoor activities such as museum visits, and is generally quieter. No matter when you go, Costa Rica offers the chance to discover some amazing ecosystems and see fascinating wildlife all year round.
Dry season
December – April
Green season
May – November
Plan your trip to San Jose
Whatever you want from your adventure in San José, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
