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.
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Choose your perfect holiday San Jose & Alajuela
Find inspiration from our selection of itinerary suggestions, a great starting point for your next trip
Explore National Parks, home to exotic bird and wildlife in dense tropical rainforest. Stay in excellent hotels and character jungle lodges where our expert guides will bring…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde
Costa Rica
Birdwatching for Experts
19 Nights from
£6,242
San José - Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Gulf of Nicoya - San Gerado de Dota - Turrialba Volcano
A tour designed for birdwatching enthusiasts, staying a specialist lodges with expert local guides to help you discover a wide array of species, particularly at Turialba priva…
Route
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
Extensive tour with privately chartered domestic flights, helicopter flight to Tenorio and staying in the best luxury lodges, this is truly the ultimate way to experience the…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Papagayo - Tenorio - Coscovado - Golfo Dulce
Costa Rica
Birdwatching Wetlands & Mountain Habitats
12 Nights from
£4,082
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Guanacaste - Nicoya
Explore unique wetlands on the Pacific coast and Tortuguero National Park, mountain landscapes and eco-systems by Arenal Volcano and continue to the mangroves and beaches of N…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Guanacaste - Nicoya
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
Staying in luxury accommodation throughout, explore five National Parks including mighty volcanoes, cloud forests, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Relax on a remote trop…
Route
San Jose - Carara National Park - Central Valley - Bajos del Toro - Tenorio National Park - Guanacaste - San Jose
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
Ideal for couples and families. Get back to nature with a 'glamping' experience on Isla Jesusita, raft on the Pacuare River, observe the Resplendent Quetzal, and enjoy Costa R…
Route
San Jose - Pacuare River - San Gerardo do Dota - Corcovado - Manuel Antonio - Gulf of Nicoya Island
Costa Rica
Natural Wonders & Character Lodges
14 Nights from
£3,360
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Explore National Parks, home to exotic birds and wildlife in dense tropical rainforest. Chill at the beach on the Pacific coast, stay in first class hotels and enjoy guided ex…
Route
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
Caribbean, Central & Pacific Eco-Systems
14 Nights from
£3,833
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Manuel Antonio - Osa Peninsula - San Jose
Explore five National Parks with exuberant flora and fauna, mountain landscapes and birdwatching. Admire an active volcano, follow forest trails and relax on the beach.
Route
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
Immerse yourself in the wildlife, birdlife and wonders of nature from Tortuguero National Park to the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park and Arenal National Park.
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park - Osa Peninsula - Arenal National Park - 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
Discover natural wonders, Tortuguero flooded coastal forest, Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoy a 7-night Star Clipper cruise exploring the beautiful Pacifi…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Clipper Cruise: Manuel Antonio - Golfito Playa Panama - Bahia Potrero - Isla Tortugas
Costa Rica
Forest River Rafting & Remote Beach
11 Nights from
£5,372
San Jose - Pacuare River - Puerto Viejo
Enjoy an adventure on the Pacuare River with rapids and optional river-rafting, trek in the rainforest and stay five nights on the Caribbean coast at a delightful boutique bea…
Route
San Jose - Pacuare River - Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica
Quality Time for Families
14 Nights from
£3,542
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
A slow pace tour of Costa Rica, perfect for families; Arenal Volcano, rainforests, birdwatching and excellent lodgings with activities for families of all ages. Plus, relax on…
Route
San Jose - Arenal - Esterillos Beach
All the hotels were excellent: Good varied selection. All guides and transport were good. We were satisfied with everything.
Mr & Mrs B (Torquay)
The itinerary and travel arrangements worked very well. Your ground agent was really excellent: Prompt, good standard of vehicle and good choice of local guides. Overall it was a terrific trip.
Mr & Mrs S (Cheam)
We came to you because friends had used you and we don't have any regrets. You did an excellent job, thank you. All the hotels were better than expected and guides were lovely.
Mr & Mrs B (Teddington)
All our guides were very polite, knowledgeable and always on time. Basically, they were all exceptional.
Mr & Mrs W (Wiltshire)
Our holiday was absolutely brilliant: Tours and transfers were on time and excursions fantastic. All guides were knowledgeable, passionate and their English were excellent. Thank you!
Mr & Mrs T (Sidlow)
All the services worked like clockwork - Guides were always on time, friendly and informative. Thanks to Veloso for arranging our tour: Your professional approach and knowledge were much appreciated!
Ms L & Mrs C (Chippenham)
Costa Rica is amazing, it is a stunning destination where people, wildlife, food and weather are wonderful! Thank you so much for our fantastic holiday it was a huge success!
Mr & Mrs Q (Isle of Man)
Thanks for our fabulous holiday in Costa Rica! This was my 1st trip after major surgery and I've now confidence to keep travelling. Thanks Victoria and everyone at Veloso for your kindness and care!
Mr & Mrs W (Wotton-under-Edge)
All drivers and guides were excellent without exception: they were all on time, polite and efficient. Costa Rica had amazing wildlife, friendly people, stunning scenery and it is safe! Thanks Veloso!
Mr & Mrs W (Saltash)
Veloso are exceptional travel specialists…all the arrangements were flawless, the guides superb and knowledgeable, and the places they recommended were all great. It was the perfect holiday!
Mr & Mrs D (Luton)
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