Overview
Take a trip to San Jose on your Costa Rica Vacation
Located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, San José is the country’s largest city and serves both as Costa Rica’s capital and as the head of the San José province while on a Costa Rica vacation.
Named in honour of St. Joseph of Nazareth, the city was originally founded in 1737 as the result of an edict from the Catholic Church to allow the many scattered inhabitants of the region a place to concentrate and worship. A small village initially, the area’s fertile soil made for excellent farming conditions and with the introduction of coffee to the Central Valley in the 19th century, San José became quite prosperous. When Spain abandoned its colonial interests in Central America, both San José and Cartago prepared to battle for control with San José being the victor in 1823.
Despite being an agriculturally based city for much of the 20th century, San José has grown into a modern city that is the centre of political and economic activity in Costa Rica. It is also a cultural hub hosting some of the finest museums in Central America including the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum and the Costa Rican Art Museum which features an open-air sculpture garden. San José’s markets are colourful and vibrant and the city offers a sophisticated nightlife when on Costa Rica tours. Its central location means that the city is an excellent base from which to explore the rest of this fascinating country.
At a Glance
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Costa Rican Colón (CRC)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.12 Trips Found
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12 Trips Found
Costa Rica Coast to Coast
Arenal and San JoseA journey through Costa Rica, from canal-side lodges in Tortuguero to Lagarta Lodge’s coastal calm, where rainforest and ocean meet.
10 days
From US$3,637/p.p.
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Costa Rica For Families: Tortuguero & Arenal
Arenal and San JoseThis Private-guided Costa Rica adventure drifts from rainforest canals to volcanic trails, with chocolate tastings, sloths, and hot springs along the way.
8 days
From US$3,292/p.p.
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Essential Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forest & Pacific
Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Arenal, and San JoseSmall group journey through Costa Rica, from Chayote Lodge’s cloud forest calm to coastal rainforest retreats, where wildlife, rivers, and rich nature unfold.
9 days
From US$3,307/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Costa Rica: Wildlife, Volcanoes & Coast
Monteverde, Arenal, and San JoseDiscover Costa Rica on this Private-guided journey from rainforest canals to cloud forests and Pacific sunsets, with volcano views, wildlife, and warm coastal days.
12 days
From US$5,373/p.p.
Request a Quote
Romance in Costa Rica: Arenal & Guanacaste
Arenal and San JoseDiscover the romantic allure of Costa Rica on this getaway, from the iconic Arenal volcano’s hot springs to the serene beaches of Guanacaste’s coastline.
8 days
From US$6,107/p.p.
Request a Quote
Costa Rica Deluxe: Arenal & Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal, and San JoseEase into Costa Rica’s vivid landscapes on this Independent journey, from misty volcanoes to Pacific shores, with hot springs, waterfalls, and rainforest wildlife.
8 days
From US$4,791/p.p.
Request a Quote
Birdwatching in Costa Rica
Rincon de la Vieja National Park and San JoseOn this captivating 10-day Costa Rican adventure, unravel the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most enthralling birding destinations.
10 days
From US$3,134/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of Costa Rica & Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama City, and San JoseA mixed guided journey through Costa Rica and Panama, weaving rainforest canals, colonial charm and Caribbean shores into a dreamy escape for curious travellers
12 days
From US$4,754/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Costa Rica Coast to Coast
Arenal and San JoseA journey through Costa Rica, from canal-side lodges in Tortuguero to Lagarta Lodge’s coastal calm, where rainforest and ocean meet.
10 days
From US$3,637/p.p.
Request a Quote
Costa Rica For Families: Tortuguero & Arenal
Arenal and San JoseThis Private-guided Costa Rica adventure drifts from rainforest canals to volcanic trails, with chocolate tastings, sloths, and hot springs along the way.
8 days
From US$3,292/p.p.
Request a Quote
Essential Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forest & Pacific
Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Arenal, and San JoseSmall group journey through Costa Rica, from Chayote Lodge’s cloud forest calm to coastal rainforest retreats, where wildlife, rivers, and rich nature unfold.
9 days
From US$3,307/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Costa Rica: Wildlife, Volcanoes & Coast
Monteverde, Arenal, and San JoseDiscover Costa Rica on this Private-guided journey from rainforest canals to cloud forests and Pacific sunsets, with volcano views, wildlife, and warm coastal days.
12 days
From US$5,373/p.p.
Request a Quote
Romance in Costa Rica: Arenal & Guanacaste
Arenal and San JoseDiscover the romantic allure of Costa Rica on this getaway, from the iconic Arenal volcano’s hot springs to the serene beaches of Guanacaste’s coastline.
8 days
From US$6,107/p.p.
Request a Quote
Costa Rica Deluxe: Arenal & Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal, and San JoseEase into Costa Rica’s vivid landscapes on this Independent journey, from misty volcanoes to Pacific shores, with hot springs, waterfalls, and rainforest wildlife.
8 days
From US$4,791/p.p.
Request a Quote
Birdwatching in Costa Rica
Rincon de la Vieja National Park and San JoseOn this captivating 10-day Costa Rican adventure, unravel the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most enthralling birding destinations.
10 days
From US$3,134/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of Costa Rica & Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama City, and San JoseA mixed guided journey through Costa Rica and Panama, weaving rainforest canals, colonial charm and Caribbean shores into a dreamy escape for curious travellers
12 days
From US$4,754/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
Costa Rica is not just all about the beaches. There is so much more to discover, including volcanoes, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.
Costa Rica is also globally admired for its environmental values. The country’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices is deeply ingrained in its DNA.
If your main interest is beach time, December to April offers the best weather. However do not discount visiting during the Green Season in September, which reveals a different side of the country, full of wildlife and vibrant scenery.
I love the country’s rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. It combines rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches in one destination.
One of San Jose icon locations, The National Th...
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Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
San JoseLight Rain
28°C / 83°F
86mm / 3.4"
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