A$3,000 | 10 days | from Sydney | Comfortable
Why you'll love it
San Jose is Costa Rica's capital, set in the Central Valley and surrounded by volcanoes and coffee farms. It gets Triptakeo's top score for nature and 9 out of 10 for adventure, and it's the main gateway to the country's rainforests, volcanoes and two coastlines.
The best time to visit San Jose is December to April, the dry season, with sunny days and the best conditions for hiking and wildlife spotting. May to November is the green season, with afternoon rain, lush forests and lower prices.
In the city, the National Theatre and the Central Market are worth a few hours. Day trips run to Poás Volcano and nearby coffee plantations. Further afield, Arenal's volcano and hot springs, the Monteverde cloud forest and the beaches and monkeys of Manuel Antonio are the classic stops.
San Jose suits nature lovers, active travellers and families who enjoy the outdoors.
Your trip cost
For 10 days from Sydney