Costa Rica - Day trips from San Jose?
 

Hi all! Just booked an impulsive celebratory trip to Costa Rica over New Year's/first week in January with a good pal. We're flying into San Jose on the 31st and have three days in the city before joining another group to tour further. Any tips for San Jose and day trips are greatly welcomed.

We're adventurous travelers in our late 20s; we love hiking, the outdoors, and good food and drinks. Love to explore and meet local folks.

Looking forward to your suggestions. Big thanks!

River rafting on the Pacuare.

Visit Poas Volcano and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, maybe the Doka Coffee Estate tour. Toucan Rescue Ranch is another good spot.

If you have a vehicle hiking Volcán Barva in Braulio Carrillo National Park (road north from San Jose de la Montaña via Heredia and Barva town) is a great place to see the cloud forest.

I don't know of any set tours that go to that entrance of the park. You could do it with a 4WD taxi but it would probably be pricey - roughly $120 - $150 with wait time (you're going to want the driver to wait while you hike because there's no cell reception and you're not going to talk anyone into coming up there to get you anyway).

The Pacuare, Poas, La Paz and Doka or Britt coffee are also excellent suggestions.

Are you willing to rent a car?

You could go to Lancaster Gardens, & San Gerardo de Dota in that time with two nights there an one night in San Jose.

San Jose itself I wouldn't spend more than a few hours there!