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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!
Make your stay in San Jose complete with these things to do






Our locals will give you the best experiences that San Jose has to offer
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore San Jose with locals

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Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"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."
"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! "
"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."
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!
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Enjoy San Jose like a local
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"María is incredible. I cannot say enough good things about this incredible woman. She is a local artist with murals all over town. Her art is breathtaking/ stunning. She is quiet and kind. She took me to all the local restaurants she eats at and that accommodated my vegan diet. I would pay 5 times what I paid to go spend a day with this inspirational woman who is making the city beautiful one mural at a time! "
"We had such an amazing tour of San Jose with Maria! We met her near the National Museum then started our beautiful stroll through the city. Maria took us through the downtown area and pointed out the important buildings and gave us a brief history of the area. We stopped at a restaurant in a beautiful old home where Maria suggested some local foods and drinks. Everything was so good and it was fun trying new foods and eating like the locals. We continued our walk through beautiful parks and stopped at another restaurant for some more tastings. One thing we really enjoyed was finding out that Maria is a local artist and has done several murals in San Jose. We asked her to take us to see the murals and they were fantastic. I got a picture of her and I in front of one of the murals. We would definitely recommend this tour as a safe, fun way to see the city."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.