San Jose lies amidst the central mountains, dividing the country between its Pacific, Caribbean coasts and its lowlands. Alajuela is the region just north, outside the city, with country lodges to explore the surrounding countryside, Poas and Irazu Volcanoes and La Paz waterfall Gardens.
San José is located in a deep bowl that lies amidst the mountains that divide the length of the country between its Pacific and Caribbean coasts and lowlands. The capital spreads out over a grid, its tin roofs glittering under the sun, spreading out to the suburbs and coffee plantations.
The Poás and Irazú volcanoes can be seen from the city and one doesn't have to travel far to reach the forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Choose your perfect holiday San Jose & Alajuela
Find inspiration from our selection of itinerary suggestions, a great starting point for your next trip
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Costa Rica
'Glamping', River Rafting and National Parks
15 Nights from £4,044
San Jose - Pacuare River - San Gerardo do Dota - Corcovado - Manuel Antonio - Gulf of Nicoya Island
Costa Rica
Quality Time for Families
14 Nights from £3,542
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
Costa Rica
Caribbean, Central & Pacific Eco-Systems
14 Nights from £3,833
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Manuel Antonio - Osa Peninsula - San Jose
Costa Rica
Birdwatching, Wildlife and Rainforests
12 Nights from £3,922
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park - Osa Peninsula - Arenal National Park - San Jose
Costa Rica
Luxury Lodges & Forest, Off-Grid
16 Nights from £7,552
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste - San Jose
Costa Rica
Explore by land and sea
14 Nights from £5,642
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Costa Rica
Birdwatching for Experts
19 Nights from £6,242
San José - Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Gulf of Nicoya - San Gerado de Dota - Turrialba Volcano
Costa Rica
Luxury Lodges & Private Charters
22 Nights from £25,550
San Jose - Tortuguero - Papagayo - Tenorio - Coscovado - Golfo Dulce
Costa Rica
Origins Deluxe
25 Nights from £13,940
San Jose - Tortuguero - Sarapiqul - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Alajuela - Osa Peninsula - Manual Antonio
Costa Rica
Birdwatching Wetlands & Mountain Habitats
12 Nights from £4,082
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Guanacaste - Nicoya
Multi-Country Landmark Tours
Zuleta
26 Nights from £9,960
San Jose - Tortuguero - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Osa Peninsula - Manuel Antonio - Quito - Galapagos Islands
Costa Rica
National Parks, Volcanoes, Rainforest and protected beaches
18 Nights from £4,865
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Rincón de la Vieja - Nosara - San Jose
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