Arenal Volcano

Located 90km northwest of San José, the active Arenal Volcano and its lush surroundings attract countless visitors every year. The surrounding jungle and the Lake Arenal — perfect for kayaking — make for an unforgettable nature experience. Most day tours to Arenal volcano will include a stop for some delicious local coffee, some adventurous experience like a zip-line flight through the rainforest, close encounters with exotic animals, a visit to hot springs and plenty of gorgeous views from viewing platforms.

• Address:

  Arenal Volcano, Sendero Coladas

Bites and Sights Food Tour

Discover the beauty and culture of the Costa Rican life with a San Jose walking tour that takes you through the streets, pedestrian shopping areas, busy markets and quiet parks. Meet the locals, indulging in typical cuisine and Costa Rica’s delicacies, learn about traditional herbal remedies and folk medicine. An expert guide will teach you to handle exotic plants, fruits and vegetables.

Cementerio General de San José

Cemeteries in Latin America have always attracted visitors. Their maze-like layout, over the top architectural features and mysterious atmosphere are present in Cementerio General de San José as well. Wander through the winding paths and admire mausoleums and tombstones that belong to the who's who of Costa Rican politics, business and arts. When you walk towards the south of the cemetery, you have a beautiful view over the mountains on a sunny day.

• Web:

  www.msj.go.cr/MSJ/Servicios/SitePages/servicios_cementerios_municipales.aspx

• Address:

  Cementerio General de San José, a short walk northwest from downtown San José

• Opening hours:

  Mon 7:30am–3pm, Tue–Sun 7:30am–4pm

• More info:

  www.patrimonio.go.cr/biblioteca_digital/publicaciones/2009/cementerio_general.pdf

Children's Museum

The Children's Museum combines hands-on learning for kids with an art gallery — an exciting experience for the whole family. The building is located in an old prison complex that looks like a typical fairytale castle. Quite an unusual juxtaposition!

• Web:

  museo.museocr.org

• E-mail:

  info@museocr.org

• Address:

  Museo de los Niños, Avenida 9, Calle 4, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2258 49 29

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 9am–2pm

• More info:

  Located in the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

Coffee Tour & Adventure

Costa Rica is well-known to provide the perfect conditions for coffee plants. While you are in San José you shouldn't miss out on visiting one of the several plantations. Tour providers offer combinations of plantation and adventure programs. Learn about the cultivation of coffee plants and visit Costa Rica's rainforests, wildlife and waterfalls, all in one excursion.

Corso Lechería Tour

Located 50 minutes north of San José, the Corso Lechería dairy farm provides an all-in-one tour. You will have the chance to meet their pampered cattle and taste their organic produce in many forms, such as milk and cheese. You're also invited to stroll around the adjoining strawberry farm and taste the berries you pick yourself. You can book a tour that includes lunch.

• E-mail:

  info@corsolecheria.com

• Address:

  Poasito, Alajuela, Costa Rica

• Phone:

  +506 4002 1430

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Sat 8am–4pm

• More info:

  Located northwest of San Jose in Monteverde

Alma de Café

Sitting inside the National Theatre, Alma de Café lets you enjoy your meal surrounded by frescoes and chandeliers, a marble checkerboard floor and pale green walls decorated with paintings and portraits. Their signature Café 7 Provincias is made with grains coming from different provinces of Costa Rica, and can be coupled with snacks like quiche and crepes.

• Web:

  www.teatronacional.go.cr/Cafeteria

• Address:

  National Theatre of Costa Rica, 1, Catedral, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2010 1110

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 9am–6pm

Aquiares Coffee & Community Experience

The Aquiares Estate is one of the largest coffee farms in Costa Rica. Book a tour with them to see the process from seed to cup and visit the local community to learn about coffee agronomy and fully appreciate its importance to Costa Rica. This tour is ideal for foodies and coffee lovers.

• Web:

  www.aquiares.com/visit-us

• Address:

  Turrialba, Cartago Province, Costa Rica

Britt Coffee Tour

Since 1991 Britt Coffee Tour has educated and entertained nearly 1 million coffee lovers from around the world by inviting them to their working plantation and roastery. Join the tour to find out why Costa Rican climate and diverse landscape provide ideal growing conditions for gourmet coffee beans. Foodies will appreciate the buffet lunch at the Don Próspero restaurant. Don't forget to take some freshly roasted beans home with you.

• Web:

  www.coffeetour.com

• Address:

  Santa Lucia de Barba Heredia DE, Costa Rica

Cafe La Mancha

Cafe La Mancha is a lovely coffee shop tucked away in the busy downtown of San Jose — yet sitting inside provides a respite from the busy noise of the city. The staff as well as the owner will eagerly chat with you about their coffee. Pair your perfect cup of caffeinated goodness with freshly made carrot cake or lemon pie. Take a break under the glass roof of the courtyard and recharge your batteries.

• Web:

  www.cafelamancha.com

• Address:

  Calle 1, Avenidas Central & Primera, San José

• Phone:

  +407 533 1433

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun closed

Cafeoteca

Cafeoteca is a place where one can truly have an authentic coffee experience in a stylish space with 50s Scandinavian design and a cozy outdoor space. Choose the coffee beans of your liking, as well as cup size and the brewing method. In case you get addicted to their particular blends (which can easily happen), you can even purchase bags of their roasted coffee beans.

• E-mail:

  info@kalu.co.cr

• Address:

  Calle 31, Avenida 5, Barrio Escalante, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2253 8367

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–6pm

Coffee Tour & Adventure

Costa Rica is well-known to provide the perfect conditions for coffee plants. While you are in San José you shouldn't miss out on visiting one of the several plantations. Tour providers offer combinations of plantation and adventure programs. Learn about the cultivation of coffee plants and visit Costa Rica's rainforests, wildlife and waterfalls, all in one excursion.