San Jose Airport (SJO)

Alajuela is a small city located just outside of Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose. Alajuela is the home to Costa Rica's largest airport SJO and the starting point for many people's vacations. While there are many nice hotels and restaurants to visit, many people choose to explore them on the days before or after their flights to shorten their travel times. For the rest of their vacations, people visit the Arenal Volcano or the lovely beaches that Costa Rica has to offer! If you are looking for where to eat in Alajuela, there are many delicious local sodas or small restaurants to choose from near the San Jose airport SJO. And if you are in the Alajuela area, before to try Xandari for a delicious lunch overlooking the Central Valley and lush coffee fields.

OUR MOST POPULAR

EXPERIENCES

Waterfall jumping is the best in Costa Rica.

San Jose to Arenal Day Tour Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping

The best way to make the most out of your stay in San Jose is to come for a San Jose Day Tour to the Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping EXTREME tour near the Arenal Volcano. This is an easy and exciting way to spend the day close to San Jose where you can experience the best in adventure and see Costa Rica's impressive and lush countryside. Adventure of a lifetime! ›] Read More

Get ready to enjoy one of Costa Rica most exuberant and exciting rivers

San Jose One Day Tour Rafting Sarapiqui River 3-4

Get ready to enjoy one of Costa Rica's most exuberant and exciting rivers! White water rafting on the Sarapiqui River is considered one of the "Must-Do" Costa Rica tours. You'll experience over 45 exciting rapids with names like "The Terminator" and "Dos Locos" on this FULL DAY class 3-4 rafting trip. Whether you are a first-timer or a rafting expert, this rafting trip will guarantee to get your adrenaline pumping! ›] Read More

See the Arenal Volcano from San Jose and go canyoning in the Lost Canyon.

San Jose to Arenal Canyoning | Hot Springs

See the beautiful Arenal Volcano area and the best tours it has to offer during your stay in San Jose. Go canyoning in the Lost Canyon hidden deep in the rain forest near the Arenal Volcano. You will get to rappel, down-climb and river-trace your way through the canyon. Then head to La Fortuna and enjoy the relaxing volcanically-heated hot springs. Transportation, lunch and dinner will be provided - just bring extra spending money for souvenirs! ›] Read More

Get up-close and personal with San Jose and explore the must-see attractions according to the locals that live here.

San Jose City Tour

Get up-close and personal with Costa Rica's capital city! Explore the must-see attractions in San Jose according to the locals that live there. ›] Read More

The best Jungle Safari Float with Desafio Adventure Company from San Jose.

San Jose One Day Jungle Safari Float on the Sarapiqui River

Take a great trip out of the big city to come see the abundance of nature and wildlife on our Jungle Safari Float in Sarapiqui! This river trip is a smooth two-hour paddle down the quiet Sarapiqui River on the class 1 section and is great for nature lovers of all ages, especially children and their parents! Your naturalist guide will paddle and steer your boat as you float down the river and point out all of the exotic wildlife such as birds, frogs, insects, and monkeys! ›] Read More

San Jose One Day Tour White Water Rafting Sarapiqui River Class 2-3

San Jose One Day Tour Rafting Sarapiqui River Class 2-3

Turn your day of travel into an action packed adventure! Go Rafting on the Sarapiqui River class 2-3 from San Jose! The Sarapiqui River is perfect for all nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who are looking for an easy-going adventure. It's easy to get from San Jose to this exciting white water rafting trip and end back up in San Jose. You'll love this amazing day of adventure! ›] Read More

Full-Day tour SJ-Poas-Photo Op La Paz Waterfall-Lunch-Sarapiqui Safari

This unique full-day adventure is a great way to escape the hustle & bustle of the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José and Alajuela and experience the Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall and an easy-going Safari Float on the Sarapiqui River! ›] Read More

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HOTELS

Xandari Resort

Xandari is one of the most breathtaking hotels you will ever stay in. The Xandari Resort is near the San Jose Airport, but it is really a destination on its own and worth a several nights' stay. The new owner is Indian with an impeccable touch for luxury, great service and delicious food. Xandari is visually stunning with unique creation of tropical colors and contemporary design. You will love Xandari. ›] Read More

Adventure Inn

Adventure Inn in San Jose is the perfect starting and ending point to your stay in Costa Rica. Adventure Inn has a free airport taxi transfer, full American and Costa Rican-style buffet breakfast and great service. Adventure Inn is a good value-priced hotel and the hotel of choice for experienced Costa Rica travelers. We guarantee you will enjoy your stay at Adventure Inn. ›] Read More

This colorful and modern hotel is located right downtown San Jose.

Park Inn by Radisson

The Park Inn by Radisson has upped the ante for affordable lodging in the heart of downtown San Jose. The Park Inn is a modern, comfortable, ecologically-conscious, Leed's construction hotel -- a great starting and ending point to any vacation in Costa Rica. ›] Read More

Chayote Lodge

Dedicated to providing its guests with the highest level of comfort while offering them a taste of local life, Chayote Lodge is perfect for those looking to forego the five-star hotel experience and enjoy a more rustic and untouched Costa Rica. Enjoy the rich, vibrant landscape and architecture inspired by local coffee culture while relaxing at the lodge, exploring the surrounding town, or enjoying the different natural parks, coffee fields, rural villages, local artisan shops, and waterfalls in the area. Book your stay today! ›] Read More

Hotel Grano de Oro

This San Jose hotel is considered the cream of the crop in Costa Rica’s capital city. Hotel Grano Oro truly does live up to its name. It was gifted this name as a metaphor describing the parallel this hotel has with coffee: As coffee is the most important crop to Costa Rica, Grano de Oro is just as important to the tourism industry. In operation over 10 years and still going strong, many people frequent this hotel, bracketing their Costa Rica vacation, or simply to enjoy what San Jose has to offer. This five star luxury hotel and fabulous restaurant will be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica.›] Read More

The Studio San Jose Hotel is an elegant, artistic luxury hotel in San Jose.

The Studio Hotel

We like to recommend the Studio Hotel because it is an artsy, modern and luxury hotel away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San José, but still with all of the important local amenities. The staff at the Studio Hotel is friendly and helpful, plus the rooms are large and clean with a comfortable bed and pillows and you will love the breakfast buffet. ›] Read More

Hotel Don Carlos

This small colonial-style boutique hotel sits just 15 minutes away from the city centre square of San Jose. It’s an ideal place for those wanting to stay in the downtown core and explore Costa Rica’s capital. ›] Read More

Country Inn & Suites

Described as an excellent airport stop over hotel by many, San Jose’s Country Inn hosts spacious and clean rooms and great facilities. This San Jose airport hotel is conveniently located and is perfect for late arrivals or early departures into the Juan Santamaria International airport. The rooms come furnished with large comfy beds, modern furnishings and air conditioning. The hotel also offers free wifi, two outdoor swimming pools and an outstanding restaurant. ›] Read More

Holiday Inn Aurola

The Holiday Inn Aurola, located in downtown San José, is a perfect example of classic and solid good service and comfort for your Costa Rica hotel stay. This hotel delivers on high-quality service and room comfort, plus the location is ideal if you want to experience Costa Rican urban culture up close and personal! Holiday Inn Aurola has great linens, super comfortable rooms, modern features, friendly staff, an amazing breakfast buffet and great views of San José! ›] Read More