Total San Jose Tour: Cartago, Irazu Volcano and Nightlife Adventure

Make the most of San Jose! This Total San Jose Tour combines two of our most popular experiences (Cartago Bike & Train Tour and San Jose by Night), with a bonus volcano visit thrown in, all to make for one epic adventure.

We’ll start with a train trip beyond San Jose to the beautiful town of Cartago, a sleepy oasis filled with Costa Rican local culture and the freshest air outside the big city. The scenic 45-minute journey will take you out into the mountains, and through the coffee plantations.

Once in Cartago, you’ll hop on your bike and cruise through the streets, learning all about the town’s history along the way. Many of the locals travel by bike here, so you’ll fit right in! You will make regular stops with your guide, so they can fill you in on all the history behind this fascinating town.

After getting your fix of all that Costa Rican history, we’ll visit the Central Market, where you can sample local life through foods and flavours. Here you’ll be able to brush shoulders with the locals and dive into local cuisine.

Next up, we’ll ditch our bikes and drive along the winding roads to Irazu volcano – the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. You’ll get to take in a stunning panoramic view amid the moon-like landscape of this national park.

After you’ve soaked up the view, we’ll hop on a local bus to return to San Jose for the evening portion of our tour, filled with good food, good wine and great nightlife!

We’ll visit another Central Market, where we’ll learn the secrets and uses of the roots, herbs, and fruit common in local cuisines, including ingredients that will play a role in your authentic Costa Rican dinner later on.

After the market, we’ll make our way down Central Avenue, enjoying a trip down San Jose’s memory lane, as well as visiting one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings in San Jose, the National Theatre.

We’ll spend the rest of the evening at our favourite local restaurant, which specialises in local wine and gourmet food. You’ll finish the evening in fine fashion, feeling every bit the San Jose local. If you’d like to continue the evening in the neighbourhood of Escalante, your local guide will be happy to provide suggestions on where to head, but if not, they can assist you with getting a taxi back to your accommodation.