One of the biggest misconceptions we see as travel planners is the belief that you will not travel as much if you stay in San Jose and take day trips to popular attractions. This is absolutely false. You will spend more time traveling that way and then to add insult to injury, you will be staying in a loud, unattractive city instead of peaceful places surrounded by rainforest, volcanoes, beaches, and exotic flora and fauna.
You can do day trips to Arenal Volcano and hot springs, but should consider that it will require a 3 – 4 hour drive in each direction (depending on how many others join the tour), totaling 6 - 8 hours of driving for a tour that only lasts a few hours.
You can also do a day tour to a beach that is located 2 hours (up to 3 depending on how many people need to be picked up for the tour) from San Jose. When you get there, the tour lasts a few hours and then you drive back.
The Tortuguero one day tour is by far the worst. It requires a combination of driving boating a total of 5.5 hours in each direction, for a combined 11 hours of driving. Despite the fact that all of the brochures show nesting turtles, you will not see them as they only nest at night.
We do not recommend any of these options, but they are possible. We will accept your reservation if you insist, but please do not say we did not tell you so when you are exhausted half way through your trip.
Take advantage of our local knowledge and expertise to enjoy a vacation with positive and rewarding memories.
What is the difference between shuttles and private transfers?
Can I reserve a shared shuttle transfer from the airport?
Are there baggage restrictions for shuttle transfers?
How will I know who my driver is at the airport?
How are the roads in Costa Rica?
How long does it take to drive between destinations?
Can I use public buses to get around Costa Rica?
Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Will my driver’s license work in Costa Rica?
Are there domestic airports at all tourist destinations?
Are there baggage restrictions on domestic flights?
Should I take a domestic flight?
What is the Land-Boat-Land transfer?
Can I do a day trip to Monteverde from Arenal or vice versa?
Can I do a day trip to Monteverde or Arenal from Guancaste?
Can I do day trips from San Jose to Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero or the beach?
Unsure of what to do? Let us make you a free custom trip plan!