San Jose City Guide - Excursions

San José lies at the heart of the Central Valley and Highlands, an important agriculture region that is particularly famous for its world-renowned coffee. To explore the region, you can either hit the road in a rental car, or participate in any of the organised tours offered by either Swiss Travel Service (tel: 221 0944; website: www.swisstravelcr.com) or Lava Tours (tel: 281 2458; website: www.lava-tours.com).

Day trip options include ascents up Costa Rica's most famous trio of active volcanoes, namely Volcánes Irazú, Poás and Turrialba, a coffee plantation tour in the Orosi Valley or a visit to the Pre-Colombian ruins at Monumento Nacional Arqueológico Guayabo.