Cartago Day Trip by Rail from San Jose: Bike Ride and Market Tour
San Jose, Costa Rica
Rating: 
Trip Type: Rail Tours
Duration: 5 hours
Ready for a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of San Jose? Ride the rails to nearby Cartago and enjoy a bike tour of the historical town! After a guided morning stroll, a 45-minute train trip takes you through the mountains to this sleepy oasis, where you’ll bicycle to its Central Market for some tasty bites. Enjoy the fresh air and friendly locals on this half-day tour, with transport by bus back to the capital. Numbers limited to 12 people, ensuring an intimate experience with a small group.
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Ready for a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of San Jose? Ride the rails to nearby Cartago and enjoy a bike tour of the historical town! After a guided morning stroll, a 45-minute train trip takes you through the mountains to this sleepy oasis, where you’ll bicycle to its Central Market for some tasty bites. Enjoy the fresh air and friendly locals on this half-day tour, with transport by bus back to the capital. Numbers limited to 12 people, ensuring an intimate experience with a small group.
Meet your local guide and small group at a central location near Parque de Español (Spain Park), one of the oldest parks in the city. Learn a bit of history about the area, crossing the street for a close-up view of the Yellow House — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — before continuing on foot to the National Liquor Factory. Your guide shares snippets about these 19th-century landmarks before you make your trip out of town.
Follow your guide on a 10-minute hike up into the hills of San Jose until arriving at the Atlantic Railroad, where you’ll hop on a train to Cartago. This scenic 45-minute journey takes you past the university campus and further into the mountains through local coffee plantations.
When you reach Cartago, hop on your bike and coast through the streets of this beautiful city, learning all about its history along the way. Your guide makes regular stops at colonial landmarks to fill you in on the background of this historical Costa Rican town, where you'll be among many locals who get around by bicycle.
Finish up at the Central Market, where you can brush shoulders with the locals and sample the cuisine, gaining plenty of insight from your guide on regional foods and flavors. Afterward, hop on a local bus and return to San Jose, where your guide will happily point you in the direction of your accommodation or offer tips on exploring the city.
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