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Central & South America

San Jose Costa Rica Vacations

  • One of San Jose icon locations, The National Theater, and a highlight on all Costa Rica vacations
  • Enjoy san jose tour
  • san jose vacation
  • San Jose is typically the starting point of all Costa Rica tours

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.

 

Costa Rica Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to a Costa Rica vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Costa Rica's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Costa Rica for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Costa Rica vacations today!

 

Extend Your Trip

After your Costa Rica tours, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours? These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.

 

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San Jose, Costa Rica

  • Costa Rica Signature

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the “Pura Vida” lifestyle on this quintessential journey through Costa Rica. After a quick start in San Jose, buckle up and experience the jungles of Arenal and coastal delights and Manuel Antonio. Along the way, you’ll visit impressive waterfalls, hike canopy bridges, and embark on a river safari.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,243
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica Family Escape: Tortuguero & Arenal

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: The natural wonders of Costa Rica are a thrill to curious and inquiring minds of all ages. On this incredible adventure, you’ll explore the canals of Tortuguero, sample handmade chocolate, tour the jungle canopy in Arenal and much more.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,200
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica Complete: Tortuguero, Arenal, Tenorio & More

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: An encompassing tour of northern Costa Rica, travelling from east to west, discover the canals of Tortuguero, volcanic Arenal and Tenorio, and bask in the sun on sandy beaches in Playa Hermosa.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,929
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Romantic Costa Rica: Arenal and Guanacaste

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Enjoy a romantic getaway on this eight day, tailor-made trip combining spectacular volcanic views, invigorating hot springs and the dazzling white-sand beaches of Costa Rica's Pacific coast. With plenty of time at leisure, you and your loved one are invited to relax, unwind and connect.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,898
    Trip Type:
    Go as you Please, Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica Wonders

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: It's the perfect introduction to Costa Rica. Explore the slopes of Arenal Volcano, venture through the cloud forests of Monteverde, and enjoy days of leisure on the beaches of Manuel Antonio.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,707
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Hotel Parador: Stay of Distinction

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Relax in luxury with the beautiful Pacific Ocean on one side and pristine rainforest on the other. Nestled in spectacular Manuel Antonio, Parador Resort & Spa is a leader in eco-luxury. Discover this haven of responsible relaxation for yourself.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 965
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Stays of Distinction
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Arenal Kioro Suites & Spas: Stay of Distinction

    Spend your days adventuring and your nights being pampered in Costa Rica.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 765
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Romance & Honeymoon, Stays of Distinction
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Bahia del Sol Beach Front Resort Costa Rica

    Head to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica to enjoy a stay at a boutique beachfront hotel. During your days at Bahia del Sol Beach Front Hotel and Suites, you'll enjoy exclusive accommodations as you explore the surrounding landscape and take advantage of the pristine beaches and waters of the Pacific.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 845
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Single Friendly
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica Elements: Escorted Touring

    Costa Rican authorities have set aside one-third of the country as protected and eco-tourism is taken seriously. Embark on the best sustainable travel option that Costa Rica has to offer.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,188
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica Elements: Private

    Costa Rican authorities have set aside one-third of the country as protected and eco-tourism is taken seriously. Embark on the best sustainable travel option that Costa Rica has to offer.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,897
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica Getaways

    The name Costa Rica is Spanish for ‘rich coast.’ Even with just a few days here, it’s hard to disagree.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 439
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Family Vacations, Ideas for 18 to 30 Somethings, Romance & Honeymoon, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica Green

    Whether you travel for wildlife, exhilaration or relaxation, Costa Rica is ready and waiting.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,810
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • Del Mar Condos Los Suenos Costa Rica Long Stay

    Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, Los Sueños Resort and Marina and Del Mar Condos is a luxury beachfront residential community with stunning ocean view condos and single-family villas. Enjoy a wide array of restaurants, shops, and services, an 18-hole championship golf course, , a private Beach Club, and a beautiful full-service international marina.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,531
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Family Vacations, Snowbird Long Stays
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Discover Costa Rica : Small Group Tour

    Discover rainforests, mountain ranges, and tropical coasts on this exploration of Costa Rica’s abundant natural highlights. Get acquainted with the country in the colonial streets of the capital San Jose before spotting sea turtles on the coast at Tortuguero, hiking to a cascading waterfall beneath the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, and spotting beautiful Quetzals in the Sevegre Valley.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Single Friendly, Small Group Touring
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Family Fun Adventure in Costa Rica: San Jose to San Jose

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: The safest, most colourful, and wildlife-rich destination in Central America, Costa Rica is a natural vacation choice for families looking to combine nature, thrills, and a warm escape from the winter. This round-trip from San Jose combines the best known destinations with lesser known highlights.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,240
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Hotel El Establo: Monteverde

    The Hotel features a 155 well-appointed and comfortable rooms with balconies or terraces. Each choice of room; Deluxe, Suite, and Honeymoon Suite, are located in six separate areas all with forest views. The hotel’s elegant facilities include the international restaurant "Las Riendas" and "Laggus".
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 778
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Ideas for 18 to 30 Somethings, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Natural Highlights of Costa Rica: Small Group Tour

    Escape to Costa Rica for a tropical adventure, scouting through rainforests and searching for turtles along the coast of this incredible Central American nation. Get your bearings in the colonial capital of San Jose before spotting sea turtles at Tortuguero, dormant volcanoes at La Fortuna, and the cloud-wrapped forests of Monteverde.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,249
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Family Vacations, Small Group Touring
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • San Jose Stopover

    San Jose is the gateway to Costa Rica and must stop on any Costa Rica itinerary.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 377
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Si Como No Resort: Manuel Antonio

    Escape to the coastline of Costa Rica and the eco-friendly luxury of Si Como No Resort & Spa. Sitting atop one of the most idyllic hillsides in Manuel Antonio, Si Como No offers gorgeous accommodations and incredible access to the world-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 947
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Spring Break Costa Rica

    Central America’s rainforest wilderness is ready to lift your winter blues.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,240
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Tortuguero Canals: Laguna Lodge

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park has a wide diversity of plant and animal life, perhaps most famously, it's turtles. The park features eleven different habitats, including rainforest, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches, and lagoons.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 611
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Volcanoes & Beach Holidays

    From its environment and culture to its range of activities, diverse Costa Rica proudly wears its eco-tourism crown. Explore the area surrounding its most famous volcano, Arenal. Then hit the Pacific Coast for some well-earned relaxation, Costa Rica style.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,425
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details
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Costa Rica