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
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
Costa Rica
Ninos Family Adventure
14 Nights from
£3,844
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos - San Jose
A complete family adventure from the Caribbean side to the Pacific Ocean, exploring volcanoes, wildlife, rain forests, waterfalls and relaxing in the laid-back beach resort at…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Esterillos - San Jose
Costa Rica
Origins Deluxe
25 Nights from
£13,940
San Jose - Tortuguero - Sarapiqul - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Alajuela - Osa Peninsula - Manual Antonio
A comprehensive deluxe journey of discovery, flying Business Cabin, visiting over 7 national parks, and staying in the best hotels and isolated lodges, on a long, slow pace jo…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Sarapiqul - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Alajuela - Osa Peninsula - Manual Antonio
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
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
Highlands & Flooded Rainforest
10 Nights from
£2,840
San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde
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
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
Arenal Volcano & Highlands In-Depth
12 Nights from
£2,811
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Explore Poas, Irazu and Arenal volcanoes, enjoy optional excursions in in Arenal National Park and discover Manuel Antonio National Park.
Route
San Jose - Arenal / Various Excursions - Manuel Antonio
Multi-Country Landmark Tours
Zuleta
26 Nights from
£9,960
San Jose - Tortuguero - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Osa Peninsula - Manuel Antonio - Quito - Galapagos Islands
Explore the best National Parks and birdwatching regions of Costa Rica then fly to Ecuador to enjoy a 7-night cruise discovering the unique flora, fauna and friendly wildlife…
Route
San Jose - Tortuguero - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Osa Peninsula - Manuel Antonio - Quito - Galapagos Islands
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
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
National Parks, Volcanoes, Rainforest and protected beaches
18 Nights from
£4,865
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Rincón de la Vieja - Nosara - San Jose
Discover six national parks, each with a distinct habitat, trek in the foothills of volcanoes and long mountains and valley, exploring coastal forest with expert local guides.…
Route
Alajuela - Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Rincón de la Vieja - Nosara - San Jose
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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