San José , Costa Rica

Travel to Heredia and the mountains

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(1 reviews)

5h - 6h

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

This is a private tour for couples, friends and family. Close to San José and surroundings, ideal for those who have a free day and want to do something different and discover what is in those mountains behind the city, for lovers of nature and beautiful views, we will visit forests and incredible viewpoints and small towns that will give you an insight into how people live in Costa Rica and what life is like in the mountains of this beautiful Central American country. Let's go to Heredia a town with a rich history and discover some of the places at the foot of the Barva volcano.

Available options

Travel to Heredia and the mountains

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Detailed itinerary

One of the first places that we will visit is the province of Heredia, well known as " La ciudad de las flores".

After passing through the center of Heredia we began to climb the hills to visit the town of San Rafael of Heredia in where we visit El monte de la cruz park and surroundings areas.

We pass through the town of San jose de la montaña and Sacramento at the foot of the Barva volcano, beautiful views and nature are seen in this part of the tour

What's not included

For this tour it is preferable to have breakfast prior to pickup

Lunch is not included, however throughout the tour we will have the opportunity to visit restaurants with typical Costa Rican food and atmosphere.

On the way back it is always possible to go to a cafe or make stops when necessary

Entrance fee to Monte de la cruz 5 dollars

Parking Fees

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is recommended for people over 13 years old.

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.