Doing a day tour from San Jose, Costa Rica offers a wide range of benefits for visitors. One of the main benefits is the opportunity to explore the beautiful and diverse natural scenery that Costa Rica has to offer.
They also provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the local culture and history of Costa Rica. Visitors can learn about the country’s indigenous people, traditional customs, and local art and craft. They can also explore the vibrant cities and towns of the country and learn about the different aspects of Costa Rican life.
It also allow visitors to experience a wide variety of adventure activities such as ziplining, river rafting, hiking, and wildlife watching. These activities offer visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the natural world and to experience the thrill of outdoor adventure.
9 of the Best Family Day Tours from San Jose
1. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a popular day trip destination from San Jose, Costa Rica. The park is a nature lover’s paradise, with hiking trails, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and five waterfalls to explore. The main attraction of the park is the La Paz Waterfall, which is a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall that cascades down into a crystal-clear pool. Visitors can hike to the top of the waterfall for a stunning view or take a dip in the cool, refreshing water at the base.
The park also has a butterfly observatory where visitors can see hundreds of different butterfly species from all over the world. The hummingbird garden is another highlight, where visitors can observe dozens of different hummingbird species as they feed and flit about. The park also has a serpentarium, a frog exhibit, a monkey exhibit and a aviary, where visitors can learn about the different species and see them up close.
The park also offers guided tours that take visitors through the different exhibits and provide information about the park’s conservation efforts. This is a great option for families and nature lovers of all ages. Visitors can also enjoy a delicious traditional meal at the on-site restaurant. With its beautiful waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and educational exhibits, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Check out their website: La Paz Waterfall Gardens
2. Parque de Diversiones
Parque de Diversiones, also known as “Parque de Diversiones Costa Rica,” is an amusement park located in San José, Costa Rica. The park offers a wide variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and kiddie rides. The park also features a variety of food options and souvenir shops, making it a great destination for a fun-filled day out with the family.
The park’s main attraction is the roller coaster, “La Selva,” which is one of the most popular roller coasters in the country. The park also has a water ride named “El Rafting” which is perfect for those looking to cool off on a hot day. The park also has a variety of other rides such as “La Montaña Rusa” and “El Tiovivo” that are perfect for both kids and adults.
In addition to the rides, the park also features a number of live shows and performances, such as acrobatic shows and magic acts, that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages. The park also has a section for young children, “La Zona de los Niños,” which features rides and activities specifically designed for children.
Parque de Diversiones is considered as one of the most popular amusement parks in Costa Rica, visitors can enjoy a day full of fun, excitement and entertainment in a family-friendly environment. It’s a great place to spend a day with your family or friends, and make unforgettable memories.
The park is usually open only Friday through Sunday, with the doors opening at 9 a.m. Information: www.parquediversiones.com. They are currently closed due to Covid but you can email them to send you further information.
3. INBioparque
INBioParque, also known as the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) Park, is a biodiversity park located in Santo Domingo, Heredia, Costa Rica. The park is an interactive and educational destination that aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity. The park features a wide variety of exhibits, including a butterfly garden, an insect exhibit, and a frog pond, where visitors can learn about the different species that call Costa Rica home.
The park also has a section dedicated to traditional indigenous cultures and how they interact with the environment. Visitors can learn about the customs and traditions of the country’s indigenous people, and how they have managed to preserve their way of life while living in harmony with nature.
The park also features guided tours, where visitors can learn more about the different species and ecosystems in the park. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s conservation efforts and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
INBioParque is considered as one of the most educational and interactive parks in Costa Rica, it’s a great place for families, school groups and people who are interested in learning more about the country’s biodiversity and culture. The park is also wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Information: Inbioparque
4. Café Britt Coffee Tour
A day tour to Cafe Britt Coffee Farm is a great opportunity for coffee enthusiasts to learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans. The tour starts with a visit to the coffee plantation, where visitors can learn about the different stages of coffee production, from growing the plants to harvesting the beans. Visitors can also learn about the various coffee varieties that are grown on the farm and the different techniques used to process the beans.
After the tour of the plantation, visitors will have the opportunity to see the coffee roasting process and learn about the different roasting techniques. Visitors can also sample different types of coffee, and learn about the nuances of flavor and aroma.
Cafe Britt Coffee Farm is also known for its eco-friendly practices, visitors will learn about the farm’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact and to promote sustainability. This tour is great for coffee lovers and anyone interested in learning more about the process of growing and harvesting coffee.
The tour also includes a visit to the farm’s on-site store, where visitors can purchase a variety of coffee products as well as other souvenirs. The tour usually takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the tour operator. It’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, and visitors can take home a taste of Costa Rican coffee with them.
Information: www.coffeetour.com.
If you want to get a head start to learning all there is to know about coffee, take a look at the Craft Coffee Guru Website
5. Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, also known as The Wildlife Rescue Center of the Simon Bolivar Zoo, is a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wild animals located in San Jose, Costa Rica. The center is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. Visitors can take a guided tour of the center and see a variety of animals, including monkeys, parrots, and other tropical birds, as well as reptiles and mammals.
The center also has an education program, where visitors can learn about the different animals and their habitats, as well as the threats they face in the wild. Visitors can also learn about the center’s conservation efforts and how they are working to protect and preserve Costa Rica’s wildlife.
The center is also known for its volunteer program, where visitors can participate in the care and rehabilitation of the animals, under the guidance and supervision of the center’s staff. This is a great opportunity for animal lovers and conservationists to get hands-on experience and contribute to the conservation of the wildlife in Costa Rica.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is a great destination for families and nature lovers of all ages. It’s a great way to learn about the different animals of Costa Rica and the efforts being made to protect them. The center is open all year round.
Information is provided in English and Spanish. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
6. Zip Lining
A day tour from San Jose, Costa Rica to go zip-lining is an exciting and thrilling way to experience the country’s natural beauty. Zip-lining is a popular adventure activity that involves gliding through the canopy of the rainforest while attached to a cable. The tour typically starts with a scenic drive to the zip-line site, where visitors will receive a safety briefing and equipment demonstration.
Once the visitors are geared up, they will embark on a series of zip-line runs through the canopy, reaching heights of up to 150 feet and speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. The views of the surrounding rainforest are breathtaking and the experience of flying through the canopy is unforgettable.
Most zip-line tours include a guide that accompanies the visitors on the tour and provides information about the rainforest and its inhabitants. The guides are knowledgeable and experienced in safety procedures and are always on hand to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Zip-lining is a great adventure for families and nature lovers of all ages. It’s an exciting and unique way to experience the rainforest and get a bird’s-eye view of the lush vegetation and wildlife. Zip-lining is a popular tour option in Costa Rica, and it’s offered by many tour operators, with different levels of difficulty and different number of lines. It’s a perfect tour for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush and a different way to explore the rainforest.
More information on Zip Lining
7. Butterfly Farm
About 40 minutes west of San José, this is one of the most unique day trips in the Central Valley. Created in 1990, the Butterfly Farm was the first live butterfly exhibit in Latin America.
The Costa Rica Entomological Society (Sociedad de Entomología de Costa Rica, or SECR) is a great way to learn about the rich diversity of insects in Costa Rica. The society is a non-profit organization that promotes the study, conservation, and education of insects in Costa Rica. Visitors can take a guided tour of the society’s facilities and learn about the different types of insects that are found in Costa Rica and the important role they play in the ecosystem.
The society’s facilities include a research laboratory, a library, and a collection of specimens from various insect groups. Visitors can learn about the different methods used to study and collect insects, as well as the society’s efforts to conserve endangered species and promote the understanding of their biology and ecology.
The society also offers workshops and courses for students and researchers, as well as educational programs for the general public. The society’s staff, which are composed of entomologists and researchers, are knowledgeable and passionate about insects, they can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the natural world.
A day tour to the Costa Rica Entomological Society is a great option for people who are interested in learning more about the natural world and the different species of insects that call Costa Rica home. The society is located in San Jose, Costa Rica and it’s open to visitors all year round. It’s a great option for students, researchers and anyone who is interested in entomology or in learning more about the natural world.
Combination tours are offered with the Café Britt Coffee Tour and the Botanical Orchid Garden including lunch and transportation to and from both locations. Information: www.butterflyfarm.co.cr.
8. Rainforest Aerial Tram
The Rainforest Aerial Tram Tour in Costa Rica is a unique and exciting way to explore the lush tropical rainforest. The tour begins with a scenic drive through the countryside to the aerial tram station. Once there, you will board a gondola that takes you on a journey through the canopy of the rainforest.
The gondolas are designed to provide excellent views of the surrounding forest, allowing you to see the diverse array of flora and fauna that call the rainforest home.
The tour guides are knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and will point out different plants and animals as you glide through the forest. Along the way, you may see monkeys, toucans, parrots, and other exotic wildlife.
The aerial tram tour is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest and to learn about the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem. It’s considered as one of the most popular tours and one of the best way to experience the rainforest. It’s a great option for families and nature lovers of all ages.
With locations in both directions from the capital – one on the Caribbean slope on the highway to Guápiles and the other near Jacó on the central Pacific coast – the Rainforest Aerial Tram offers a land and air escape for the family.
Both locations offer gondola rides through the canopy, providing passengers an aerial view of the rain forest, accompanied by bilingual guides. Both also offer canopy tours, rafting packages, a butterfly garden, snake exhibit, nature trails and flower and plant gardens.
The parks are open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Information: Aerial Rainforest Tram
9. The Town of Sarchi
Sarchi is a charming town located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, known for its colorful oxcarts and traditional Costa Rican crafts. The town is famous for its master craftsmen who create beautiful, hand-painted oxcarts, which are used for both transportation and decoration.
Visitors can take a tour of the local workshops, where they can see the oxcarts being crafted and painted, and even purchase one as a souvenir. The artisans in Sarchi are proud of their heritage and are happy to share their skills and techniques with visitors.
Sarchi is also known for its furniture and souvenirs made of wood and other materials, such as leather and ceramics. Visitors can stroll through the town’s many shops and markets, where they can find a wide variety of handmade crafts, including bowls, trays, and other decorative items.
There are also several restaurants and cafes in Sarchi where visitors can enjoy traditional Costa Rican food while taking in the charming atmosphere of the town.
A visit to Sarchi is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of Costa Rica, as well as to bring back a unique and beautiful piece of Costa Rican craftsmanship as a reminder of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Day tours give visitors the opportunity to learn about conservation and sustainability efforts in Costa Rica. Many of the tour providers are committed to sustainable tourism practices and provide visitors with an understanding of the importance of preserving the country’s natural resources.
Overall, Costa Rica is a family-friendly destination with something for everyone to enjoy.