Full Day Private Shore Tour in San Jose from Puntarenas Port
Active
7h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience our Private Full Day Shore Excursion tailored exclusively for Cruise Ship Passengers!
Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of San Jose.
Discover the awe-inspiring allure of the Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, marvel at the grandeur of Metropolitan Church (Catedral Metropolitana), and capture iconic moments at landmarks like the Parque Espana, Jade Museum, Parque Nacional Park, and many more.
Indulge in delectable local cuisine and explore a myriad of unique souvenirs to commemorate your journey.
Our excursions are meticulously designed to align with your ship's schedule, allowing you to savor every moment without the worry of returning to your ship on time.
We'll greet you directly at the port and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day.
Available options
Private Tour for 5 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the port Puntarenas.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide in San Jose<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 1 passenger
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the port Puntarenas.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide in San Jose<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 3 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the port Puntarenas.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide in San Jose<br/>Pickup included
Driver-Only Tour
No guide, fixed 7:30 AM pickup: Private transportation only. No guide, no entry tickets. Available on Tuesdays with a fixed 7:30 AM pick-up.
<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 7 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the port Puntarenas.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide in San Jose<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 2 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the port Puntarenas.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide in San Jose<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 6 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the port Puntarenas.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide in San Jose<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 4 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the port Puntarenas.<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide in San Jose<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Pick up and drop off at the port
1 hour of free time for shopping and dining
Modern, air-conditioned private transportation
Professional local tour guide in San Jose
Detailed itinerary
1
This captivating San Jose shore excursion commences at the Puntarenas cruise ship port. A warm welcome awaits you from our friendly driver just outside the cruise ship terminal. Step into a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle, embarking on a 1.5-hour journey through the scenic beauty of Costa Rica. Our tours are meticulously synchronized with your ship's docking times, ensuring a prompt start and a timely return to the port with ample time to spare before your ship's departure.
Please note that San Jose is a significant distance from the port, allowing limited time for exploration. This excursion includes a tour with a licensed guide, as well as a brief shopping and lunch break. However, due to time constraints, extensive shopping or a sit-down meal may not be possible.
2
Stop 2
The 1,140-seat National Theater of Costa Rica is the national theater of Costa Rica, located in central San José. Construction began in 1891 and opened to the public on October 21, 1897 with a performance of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's opera Faust.
3
The Parque España is an urban park located in the city of San José, capital of Costa Rica. It is a public space located between 7th and 9th avenues and 9th street, and is surrounded by several sites of historical and cultural interest of this Central American city, such as the National Culture Center (CENAC), the National Insurance Institute, the Casa Amarilla, the Edificio Metálico, the Paseo de las Damas and Parque Morazán.
4
This is the National Park of Costa Rica, located in the downtown section of Barrio La Soledad. It is full of wonderful tropical trees and exotic plants from the country. It is also quite popular among locals, as they often come here to eat lunch, read newspapers, and watch their children play.
5
San José Español: Catedral Metropolitana es una catedral de San José, Costa Rica, situada en la calle Central y las avenidas 2 y 4. La catedral original se construyó en 1802, pero fue destruida por un terremoto.
6
Stop 6
El Museo del Jade es un museo arqueológico de San José, Costa Rica. Desde 2014, se encuentra frente a la Plaza de la Democracia. Fue fundado en 1977 por Fidel Tristán Castro, primer presidente del INS. El museo posee la mayor colección de jade americano del mundo.
7
Stop 7
After the guided tour, relish in 1 hour of free time. Your guide will drop you off at a convenient location, allowing you to savor lunch and indulge in some retail therapy.
8
After a day filled with delights, our comfortable private vehicle will whisk you back to your ship, brimming with cherished memories. Trust our decade-long expertise in organizing shore excursions and exploring the shores with utmost comfort and peace of mind. Booking a tour during your cruise can be daunting, but not with us!
What's not included
Entrance fees (none will be required)
Extended shopping or a sit-down meal
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cruise with confidence: In the event your ship cannot dock, we will provide a full refund!
Please note that the tour route and duration in the city are subject to your ship's docking times, traffic conditions, special events, and other circumstances beyond our control. Regrettably, we cannot provide refunds if the tour duration must be adjusted due to any of the aforementioned factors.
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
