Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of San Jose? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Top 3 tours in San Jose
Make your stay in San Jose complete with these things to do
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Real People. Real Stories. Really Good Travel.
Private tours with locals in San Jose
Our locals will give you the best experiences that San Jose has to offer
Private & Personalized Tours in San Jose with a Local
When you hit the road and land in a new city like San Jose, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes San Jose spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically San Jose.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in San Jose, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in San Jose awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in San Jose, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely San Jose. Get ready to explore like a local!
Welcome to San Jose! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to San Jose to start your city trip on the right foot.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
27 reviews
3 hours | city highlight tours | San Jose
Want to see the best of San Jose? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real San Jose!
Ready to taste the best food in San Jose? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in San Jose.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
The Best Private San Jose Tours with a Local - Withlocals
Travelers love our locals
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
5.0
Very enjoyable!
"Maria Jose gave us a great tour of historic San Jose. She has a charming demeanor and shares a lot of information from a local's perspective. She tailors the tour, meeting us at our hotel, and when we told her we enjoyed walking she kept us moving along. We expressed interest in art, and her murals, and she included murals, mosaics, and sculptures in the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together and wholeheartedly recommend her tour."
LeanneAbout local María JoséSan Jose, January 20, 2026
5.0
Who said money can't buy you friends? :)
"You know those moments when you visit your friend who's living in a city you've never been to? You've already spent last night catching up. And today, they are taking you around town to show you around!
Our time with María José was exactly that. She was very personable and time with her did not feel like an assignment that she's been repeating regularly like what other tour guides would do.
It was also very clear from her that while she's here to help us get acquainted with the city she calls home, she prioritizes safely for us -- making sure we know what to look out for so when we go our separate ways, we are well equipped for. We were introduced to a lot of things that we wouldn't have been exposed to if we were to go with a tourist agency or alone. If you are looking to get some guidance from a friend you don't have, this María José is the best. "
CrystalAbout local María JoséSan Jose, January 15, 2026
5.0
Lunch in the rain
"Despite visiting San Jose during the rainy season, I still think a food tour is one of the best ways to get to know a city. Maria took me to multiple local spots. At great variety of dishes that left me satiated, but wanting to explore more. She’s a great tour guide. She’s very knowledgeable about the city, and her being an artist and Muralist only Aviad. Would highly recommend."
JonathanAbout local María JoséSan Jose, October 26, 2025
5.0
Fun Food Tour with Maria
"Maria took us to several of her favorite restaurants and we sampled local food and drinks. She was so informative and fun, full of energy and you could feel her love of the city. The food she chose for us was delicious and just enough to fill us up. We also walked quite a bit around the city and she pointed out key areas and buildings for us. It was a great tour! Thank you!
"
JanAbout local María JoséSan Jose, September 27, 2025
5.0
Great host, great tour
"I have three criteria for a great food tour. It should take me places I wouldn't have found via Google reviews, it should give me a window to the city's culture, and the guide should bring an interesting personality. This tour, while a bit pricey, absolutely delivered on all three. Maria was excellent company throughout the day, her intimate knowledge of the local art scene greatly enhanced the tour, and she picked great bites that felt very authentic and true to city's culture. The food selections focused on what every day Costa Ricans eat rather than high end culinary one-offs. We very much enjoyed this approach and left feeling like we had been given the chance to connect with the city through its food."
ChrisAbout local María JoséSan Jose, September 1, 2025
5.0
A wonderful experience!
"María José was amazing, and she made sure to answer all our questions. She is a wonderful human being and a pleasure to learn from. We walked away happy to have learned so much about San José and Costa Rica in general, and sad that our tour had ended. If you are lucky to have her as your guide, we have no doubt you will have a fun and meaningful experience too."
HenryAbout local María JoséSan Jose, June 19, 2025
5.0
Fun evening with Alberto
"We had a great time with Alberto. He is kind and engaging, a pleasure to talk to. He chose well for the 10 tastings. Great variety of food and locations, and at a casual pace. We were introduced to many new tastes even though we had been in Costa Rica for two weeks! Highly recommend."
BrendaAbout local AlbertoSan Jose, February 11, 2025
5.0
Fun and fabulous walking tour
"Alberto was very personal. Asked us about ourselves and told us some of his background. He was very knowledgeable about San Jose and showed a real love and passion for his city. He showed us all the highlights as noted in the tour."
MarilynAbout local AlbertoSan Jose, February 4, 2025
5.0
Great tour!
"Maria did an excellent job with our tour. We had only 2 hours one afternoon and had two kids with us. She somehow managed to tell us about history, current events, taught us some cultural tips, and showed us some beautiful spots. She balanced the needs of our children (start with ice cream, stop to run around a park, get balloon animals from a clown) and grown ups (historical, political, geographic questions). We even saw two parakeets and a bobo! Finally, Maria showed us two of her murals. She is such a talented artist!"
JenAbout local María JoséSan Jose, January 26, 2025
5.0
Awesome San Jose Food Tour
"Three friends and I went on the walking food tour in San Jose with Maria as host. We couldn’t have been more pleased in the choices for all local dishes at various eateries. We had a lot of fun and I would recommend Maria wholeheartedly for this tour."
LynnAbout local María JoséSan Jose, November 16, 2024
8 reviewsEnglish・Português
