Outdoor Activities in San José

The province of San Jose is filled with plenty of opportunity for local activities and adventures. As the capital city of Costa Rica, the province of San Jose is everything you would expect out of the region that was picked to represent one of the most stunning places in the world. Tourist-friendly, San Jose offers unique and inclusive accommodations, and is home to many businesses that hire the best tour operators for you and your travel companions. One of the great features of this Costa Rica province is that you never really have to leave to have an adventure. Full of rich local culture, you can find an adventure just by exploring everything in town, from churches and museums to theaters and adventure. After a day of exploring, head back to your hotel for some rest and relaxation without too much travel time.

Local R&R

San Jose offers resort spas that give guests everything they need to rest their bodies and minds, so that they can be open to taking in all of the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer. If you want to spend a day relaxing before you head back home, visit the Corteza Amarilla Art Lodge & Spa during the last leg of your trip. Located in Santa Ana, this spa offers a local experience by being in the center of the city, and is conveniently located close to the airport. From upscale spas city spas to forest lodge spas, that is sure to show you how a little luxury and the beauty of nature can cleanse your soul.

Before or after you spoil yourself with spa treatments, hit the green at some of San Jose’s golf resorts. If you are a golf-lover, don’t miss the 18-hole 72 par course at Valley del Sol in Santa Ana. For the serious golfers, you won’t find a more professional course than the 18-hole championship course at Cariari Country Club. This beautiful gold resort is near the Juan Santamaria International Airport, just outside of San Jose. Whether your golf game is for business or pleasure, you will find everything you need at the Costa Rica Country Club in Escazu. With just 9 holes, you can hold a business meeting and enjoy a short game of golf.

Adventure Travel in San Jose

If you do want to venture out of the city limits during your stay, San Jose makes the perfect base camp. San Jose is not only the capital city, but it also serves as the main hub for tourists that are arriving or departing Costa Rica. Adventure travel like hiking, volcano tours, white water rafting and more can be easily arranged in this central location. Ask the local adventure travel operators about tours in places like Poas Volcano or La Paz Waterfall, located within an hour of city limits.

Map of San José

Click to enlarge map - San Jose Region Map

Consider renting an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) for a family-friendly tour around the small province of San Jose. ATVs are easy to use, even for kids, and offer a new, exciting way to explore Costa Rica. Visit coffee plantations and mountains while experiencing all the beauty that the Central Valley has to offer. Don’t forget to stop once in a while to look around and take in the landscape!

Head to San Gerardo de Dota and Santa Maria de Dota and try to be one of the few people to have a truly exceptional experience: spotting the Quetzal. This resplendent bird can be found in the area but is known to be elusive, so be sure to bring all your best bird-watching gear!

For those looking for trout fishing or canopy tours, visit Rio Savegre. There are also scenic white water rafting routes available south of San Jose in Rio Pacuare. This is another great opportunity for some of the best rafting in Costa Rica as well as a chance to spot some of the wildlife local to Costa Rica.