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$3,533/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$3,197/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$3,206/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$5,287/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$5,932/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$4,605/p.p.
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Pura Vida Adventure: Pacuare River & Arenal
Arenal and San JoseA Costa Rica escape mixing rainforest thrills and river canyons with serene hot springs, inviting travellers into the heart of wild, lush nature
7 days
From US$2,564/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$4,617/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$3,533/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$3,197/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$3,206/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$5,287/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$5,932/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$4,605/p.p.
Request a Quote
Pura Vida Adventure: Pacuare River & Arenal
Arenal and San JoseA Costa Rica escape mixing rainforest thrills and river canyons with serene hot springs, inviting travellers into the heart of wild, lush nature
7 days
From US$2,564/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$4,617/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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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
San JoseLight Rain
28°C / 82°F
93mm / 3.7"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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ExcellentBased on 5,298 ReviewsThis was the first time we had utilized Goway. We wanted a custom itinerary for a 3 week Italy, Athens and Greek Island adventure. Edwina Brislane was receptive to our goals for the trip, had helpful suggestions and reacted well to our requested revisions. Lisa Dachuk helped "tie a ribbon" on the trip and ensured we had considered all aspects of the experience. Lisa dealt quickly with a couple of requests while on the trip and celebrated a successful trip with us.
We enjoyed working with both Edwina and Lisa. Their knowledge and enthusiasm contributed to our very memorable trip.Dan & GailI had a great experience booking Australia and New Zealand trip through Goway Travel. Lori Mezzoro was very helpful and organized. All the recommendations she made were very good. I had a great trip with my kids.LauraI recently traveled to Greece with friends, and our entire experience was exceptional thanks to the planning support we received from Avery at GoWay. Every part of our itinerary was organized with care, accuracy, and great attention to detail.
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The 7‑night Idyllic Aegean Cruise was a major highlight. It was beautifully arranged and gave us an unforgettable way to explore the islands. Our excursions were equally impressive:
Skip‑the‑Line Acropolis & Acropolis Museum timed entry, which made sightseeing smooth and efficient
Classical Greece: Olympia, Delphi & Meteora, a breathtaking and well‑paced journey through some of Greece’s most iconic historical sites
Avery was consistently responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive throughout the planning process. Every confirmation, transfer, and timing detail was handled flawlessly, allowing us to simply enjoy the trip without worrying about logistics.
I highly recommend GoWay Travel — and especially Avery — for anyone planning a trip to Greece. This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve had, thanks to their outstanding service and organization.LorraineMy husband and I just returned from a wonderful 2 week trip to Chile, South America arranged for us by Goway Travel. Every detail of the trip was outstanding. The hotel choices were perfect for us as were the tours Goway arranged. All the guides were prompt, friendly and very knowledgeable. Our Destination Specialist, Karen Larrota, did an fantastic job setting up the itinerary. Communication with her during the booking process was excellent. The Goway customer service team reached out to us several times during the trip (as did Karen) which was very reassuring.
We have traveled with Goway previously and will surely do so again. Regina ChaplesAn Extraordinary Tour Guide in Xi’an China Leo a blessing we will never forget
There are some people who come into your life and leave footprints on your heart that will last forever, Leo was one of those people for us.
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What touched me most was his compassion for my husband Keith, knowing Keith had difficult breathing and walking long distance and walking Leo thoughtfully arranged a wheelchair so he could enjoy the journey with everyone that kindness meant more to me than words can express
Leo patience, professionalism kindness and genuine care for our group. May every moment special. He make sure we were comfortable learned something new and enjoyed authentic Chinese food and created memories we will cherish for a lifetime
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Leo may God continue to bless you, protect you, and guide you as you touch the lives of travelers from around the world. Thank you for being such a beautiful part of our China story. You will never be forgotten
With love and gratitude
Lisa & KeithLisa PaulMy wife and I have just returned from our 5th trip with Goway. Once again everything ran smoothly from first day to last. This trip was the 9 day all Ireland tour which covered both north & south Ireland. The tour was operated by Rabbies tours whom we used in Scotland and the 16 passenger van only had 6 passengers including us.Other than a couple of days the weather was prety good although the wind did get a bit wild. The pub food was delicious & i got a taste for real Guiness. We spent a few extra days in Dublin and found it very expensive, the excange rate didn't help. Our travel consultant Jaqueline personalised the trip and was very helpful. George CroomeWe were able to see the perfect amount of sites during our nearly 3 weeks in Australia. Sam Day was extremely knowledgable about every step of the travel process. He was incredibly patient with all the demand my wife and me had. We really look forward to using his services again.Alan RosenbergMy husband and I booked a tour to Portugal using Goway travel. Working with Phoebe was a pleasure. She responded promptly and professionally to all of my requests, concerns and queries. Our trip was filled with lovely details and unexpected treasures.Kristen RemsenMy trip to China was a wonderful experience, and everything was planned very well. The itinerary was well organized by Ms. Harpreet Litt. The arrangements were smooth, and the overall trip was enjoyable.
I appreciated the attention to detail and the excellent coordination throughout the journey. It was a memorable experience, and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone planning to visit China!edytaHarpreet Litt provided us with a rich experience for our week. She offered good choices for local tour companies. We had a very good guide in Osaka. She is an Osaka resident with good English skills. She took extra pains to include opportunities we requested Osaka was a beautiful city at night. My photos of restaurants and street food were colorful and fun. Food was good too.Noel Chrisman
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