San Jose City Tour. Private Tour with lunch
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San Jose City Tour. Private Tour with lunch

Active
(39 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a beautiful day with our exclusive and 100% private tour. Our professional naturalist tour guide and deluxe transportation, will pick you up directly from your hotel in San Jose.

Our tour combines a vehicle tour of the city and short walks through the main streets of the capital to have direct contact with the main attractions.

Our tour includes entry to the National Museum, one of the most important historical sites in Costa Rica. Here, our guide will take you on a tour of our history, from pre-Columbian times to the present.

We will also visit the beautiful National Theater, Congress, the Post Office, the market area and main residential areas.

Our tour includes a typical lunch with the main ingredients of Costa Rican cuisine.

Our tour is the most complete. It is a 7-hour tour where you can truly get to know and appreciate our capital city.

Available options

San Jose City Tour. Private Tour with lunch

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fee to National Museum
Professional tour guide just for you
Sightseeing by the most Iconic sites of San Jose City
100% private deluxe transportation
Delicious Typical lunch in a nice restaurant

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The most beautiful building in Costa Rica. Our Opera House was build between 1890 and 1897 as a cultural center and special celebrations for the high society of that time. Because it is a theater with constant activities, it is often closed for tours inside, so the visit is subject to the day of your tour being open. In case the entrance is not allowed, a visit to the National Museum will be made instead of the visit to the theater

2
Stop 2 Pass by

The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is a museum in San José, Costa Rica. It is located in a subterranean building underneath the "Plaza de la Cultura" and is owned and curated by the Banco Central de Costa Rica.

The Museums of the Central Bank of Costa Rica manage, preserve, research and outreach the Archaeology, Visual Arts, and Numismatics collections of the Central Bank of Costa Rica. They offer their visitors permanent exhibitions and a dynamic program of temporary exhibits that are related to their heritage. They are housed in an extraordinary building located in the heart of San José.

3

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and the capital of the province of the same name. It is located in the centre of the country, specifically in the mid-west of the Central Valley, and contained within San José Canton.

4

In 1813, the Spanish Courts gave San José the title of city and, as such, required a temple that would honor the Catholic faith. This was the reason why it was decided to build the current metropolitan cathedral. The construction of this first temple began in 1825 under the supervision of Eusebio Rodríguez, who had designed a longer and wider temple with masonry walls. The church was inaugurated in 1827 and received the title of cathedral in 1850, when Monsignor Anselmo Llorente y La Fuente was appointed the first bishop of Costa Rica.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

La Sabana Metropolitan Park is located in downtown San José, Costa Rica. It is the country's largest and most significant urban park. La Sabana is considered "the lungs of San José" by Costa Ricans.
Covering an area of 0.72 square kilometres (0.28 sq mi), La Sabana Metropolitan Park is adjacent to the city's core districts, offering green space and recreation to the residents of San José.
Several important institutions and organizations are located within or adjacent to the park.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park was officially inaugurated in 1977, though its origins go back two centuries. Manuel Antonio Chapuí, the parish priest of San José at the end of the 17th century, donated several plots of land in the Mata Redonda District "in order to favour Costa Rica's interests". Since that time, the area has been used for recreation and sports activities.

6

Enjoy shopping and haggling for thousands of beautiful handicrafts at the San Jose Municipal Handicraft Market, a veritable maze of aisles packed with colorful souvenirs to take home.
All products offered are handcrafted by true Costa Rican artists. Here you can find a wide variety of jewelry, Wood carvings, t-shirts, hammocks, coffee and spices, bookmarks, butterflies in frames, sloth bears and thousands of other objects.

7
Stop 7

The National Museum of Costa Rica invites you to learn about the cultural and natural history of Costa Ricans, from pre-Columbian times to the present.

Its exhibition rooms show the varied collections in the fields of national history, archeology and natural history, which for 135 years has been the oldest in the country. It carries out temporary exhibitions on artistic and cultural themes and has a varied agenda of activities throughout the year.

The Museum is located in an emblematic building, declared Historical Architectural Heritage and a symbol of the abolition of the army in Costa Rica.

In case the National Theater is closed, it will be replaced by the National Museum

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Tip for the tour guide

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
20 reviews
5★
17
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.6
19 reviews
5★
15
4★
2
3★
0
2★
2
1★
0

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Infant meals not included

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.

Top Attractions

Museo del Jade

This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.

Museum 1-2 hours ¢5,000 (CRC)

Mercado Central

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.

Historical 1 hour ¢6,000 (CRC) for tours

Parque La Sabana

A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Zip-lining in nearby areas Coffee tasting tours Spa treatments Museum visits Historical tours White-water rafting in nearby rivers Coffee plantation tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air
  • Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus

Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Escalante Barrio Amón San Pedro

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.

Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day

A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.

Festivals

Fiesta de las Luces • December Festival de las Artes • March

Pro tips

  • Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
  • Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
  • Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
  • Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-80
1
Childs
Age 4-12
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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