Private tour in San Jose Isaac T
5.0
(14) reviews
6 hours
1
6 hours
1
Isaac T.
5.0
Guide rating
40
Reviews
Tours delivered
15 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi, I’m Isaac Taylor — a certified bilingual naturalist guide with deep Costa Rican roots and over a decade of experience leading immersive, custom tours. Originally from San José, I left a corporate career 10 years ago to follow my passion for nature, wildlife, and sharing Costa Rica’s beauty with travelers. I specialize in wildlife-focused and cultural tours across Costa Rica, with expertise in destinations such as Tortuguero (where I’m a certified turtle nesting guide), Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and Cahuita. Guests enjoy educational, flexible experiences that blend history, culture, nature, and adventure — all tailored to their interests. In addition, I lead San José city tours that bring the capital’s rich history, vibrant culture, and local life to light. As a licensed tourism driver (Type C2), I provide safe, comfortable transportation in a fully insured, A/C microbus with all permits up to date. My goal is to create meaningful connections and help you discover the real Costa Rica — from hidden forest trails and wildlife encounters to authentic city experiences and local flavors. Let’s explore Costa Rica together — with knowledge, heart, and a personal touch! Credentials & Certifications: -Certified General Tour Guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (I.C.T) – Authorized Tour Guide #2454 -Tourism Promoter ACTO (Tortuguero Conservation Area) – Authorized sea turtle nesting guide -Costa Rica Driving License: C1-110910710 – Type C2 Public Transport Tourism
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Isaac T.
Discover the heart of Costa Rica’s capital on this engaging San José city tour focused on history, culture, architecture, and local life. Begin with a panoramic drive through some of the city’s most important landmarks, neighborhoods, parks, and historic buildings while learning how San José developed into the country’s political and cultural center. Choose to visit either the National Museum or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum for a deeper look at Costa Rica’s past and heritage. Continue to the elegant National Theatre, completed in 1897, where you may also stop for coffee or a snack at its café. If you wish, we can include an optional lunch stop at a local restaurant to enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine. You may also visit the lively Central Market to experience local flavors, traditional products, and everyday city life. Museum entrance fees, National Theatre admission, lunch, coffee, snacks, beverages, and other food expenses are not included and must be paid directly by guests.
The half day city tour was a wonderful way to get an overview of of San José, Costa Rica! Isaac is a wealth of knowledge and a great ambassador for his country. We covered a lot and really enjoyed the lunch spot as well. If you only have a short time to see the city, this tour with Isaac is your best choice!
Isaac was a delightful and knowledgeable guide for our two tours with him in Costa Rica. His English was perfect and his knowledge of Costa Rican history and nature was extensive. He patiently waited for us as we faced an enormous line in immigration. He brought us to a local restaurant that served a delicious sampler of Costa Rican dishes. He found ways to beat the crowds at tourist destinations. I'd hire him again in a heartbeat. From my friend and traveling partner Carrie: "Isaac was very accommodating to my level of fitness and modified on the fly at the waterfall park. I appreciated his flexibility on the San Jose city tour to have our dinner early. The restaurant he brought us to was outstanding both in food and experience. He was very knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics that really enhanced my overall understanding of Costa Rica as a whole."
Isaac provided a great tour of the National Museum and surroundings. We thoroughly enjoyed. Perhaps the latter portion of the tour, Coronado Gothic Church was of less interest, but overall my wife and me had a great time.
Isaac was a great tour guide and ambassador for his home. We did a wonderful tour around the highlights and area of historic San Jose. Isaac's knowledge of the history and architecture of the places we visited we fantastic. He provided just what we were looking for. Never rushed us and always with a smile. Highly recommend.
Isaac was a great guide. He was very knowledgeable on the history of Costa Rica and San Jose and wanted to impart that to his guests. He was very interested in sharing his love for his home town of Coronado. While he specializes in nature tours we thought his San Jose city tour was excellent.
Issac was a great guide. We highly recommend him.
Pickup – San José Meet at your hotel or agreed meeting point and begin the tour. City Drive Explore San José’s main neighborhoods, parks, historic buildings, and important landmarks while learning about the city’s history and development. Museum Visit Choose between the National Museum or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. National Theatre Visit one of San José’s most iconic buildings, with the option to stop at its café for coffee or a snack. Central Market Walk through the lively Central Market and discover local products, traditional foods, souvenirs, and everyday Costa Rican life. Optional Lunch Stop If desired, stop at a local restaurant for traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Return Drop-off at your hotel or agreed meeting point. Entrance fees, food, drinks, coffee, and snacks are not included.
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I drive a well-maintained, air-conditioned van, fully authorized for tourist transportation. With all permits and insurance up to date, I prioritize passenger safety, comfort, and a seamless travel experience.
San José, San José Province, Costa Rica
Hotel, Airbnb, San Jose Downtown
Spanish
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6 hours
1
6 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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