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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: Arenal & Manuel Antonio

    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:
    AU$ 4,029
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Luxury in the Jungle: Monteverde, Arenal & Islita

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Experience the unique wildlife and verdant atmosphere across the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Punta Islita while basking in the lap of luxury on this 9-day Costa Rica vacation. Relax in volcanic-fed thermal springs, take in the spectacular sights of the cloud forest, and kick back while staying at an eco-luxury resort along Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 4,319
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences
    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$ 1,898
    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 Flamingo.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,829
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Costa Rica: Jungle & Coast

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Venture from the vibrant jungles of Arenal to the coastal delights of Manuel Antonio during your 8-day Costa Rica vacation. Begin with a canopy exploration of Arenal Volcano, featuring a thrilling 3 km zipline descent. Navigate Balsa River's rapids and float across Lake Arenal before flying south to Manuel Antonio National Park for a diverse rainforest encounter beaming with wildlife and pristine beaches along the Pacific coast.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,944
    Trip Type:
    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:
    AU$ On Request
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    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

  • San Jose Stopover

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: San Jose is the central hub of Costa Rica, and many travellers passing through the region will layover in the city. To turn your layover into a mini-vacation, consider this stopover itinerary.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 889
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks
    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:
    AU$ 3,171
    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:
    AU$ 863
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details

  • Volcanoes & Beach Holidays

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: 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:
    AU$ On Request
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Costa Rica See Trip Details
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