San José: Doka Coffee, Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls Day Trip

Summary

Coffee aromas volcano mist and waterfalls near San José in one full day

You’ll taste fresh-brewed coffee at Doka Estate as mist lifts off the fields, stand at Poás Volcano’s rim with sulfur clouds drifting past, then wander rainforest trails past waterfalls and wildlife at La Paz Gardens. With breakfast, lunch and transport included, you’ll feel Costa Rica’s wild beauty—all in one day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—sort of nutty, warm, almost sweet—coming from the Doka Coffee Estate as we shuffled off the bus. Our guide, Andrés, grinned and handed us mugs before we’d even said good morning. I’m not a morning person but honestly, that first sip with the mountain air around us was something else. He walked us through rows of coffee plants still wet from last night’s rain, explaining how they pick each bean by hand. I tried to help but mostly just got muddy shoes. Breakfast was simple but good—eggs, gallo pinto, plantains—and I kept sneaking extra sips of coffee when no one was looking.

On the drive up to Poás Volcano, clouds pressed close against the windows and everything outside looked washed in green. We only had about twenty minutes at the crater (rules are rules), but it felt longer somehow. The crater itself is huge—like staring into another planet—with these wisps of sulfur smoke drifting out and birds calling somewhere you couldn’t see. Andrés pointed out tiny wildflowers growing in cracks between rocks. It’s colder up there than you’d think; I wished I’d brought a thicker jacket.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens was loud with birdsong and water rushing over rocks—you can’t really hear yourself think sometimes. There were toucans flashing yellow chests in the trees and butterflies landing on everyone’s hats (mine too). The animal exhibits surprised me; a jaguar sleeping with its paws curled under like a housecat, hummingbirds darting so fast they’re just blurs. The trails get muddy after rain so watch your step—I nearly slipped trying to take a photo of one waterfall and ended up laughing with a couple from Cartago who’d done the same thing. Lunch was included—rice, beans again (never tired of it), chicken stew—and we ate looking out over all that green.

I keep thinking about that moment at Poás when everything went quiet for a second except for wind moving through the trees. Maybe it’s silly but it felt like standing right on the edge of something wild and old. If you’ve got a day in San José and want to see what Costa Rica feels like outside the city—coffee fields, volcano mist, waterfalls thundering down into jungle—it’s all packed into this trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coffee tour, volcano, and waterfall visit

• Breakfast at Doka Coffee Estate
• Guided coffee plantation tour
• Visit Poás Volcano National Park crater
• Walk trails at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Explore animal exhibits at La Paz Gardens

Top questions

How long is the day trip from San José to Doka Coffee Estate, Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with early morning pickup from San José and returns in the evening.

Is breakfast or lunch included on this tour?

Yes, both breakfast at Doka Coffee Estate and lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens are included.

How much time do you spend at Poás Volcano?

You have about 20 minutes at the main crater due to National Volcanic Security Bureau regulations.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle is included for guests staying in San José.

What wildlife can you see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

You may see toucans, monkeys, jaguars, hummingbirds, butterflies and more in both natural settings and educational exhibits.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available if requested during booking.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking trails that may be muddy or uneven.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

All entry fees and taxes are included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from San José in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits with all entry fees covered at Doka Coffee Estate (with breakfast), Poás Volcano crater viewing (timed per park regulations), rainforest trails through La Paz Waterfall Gardens plus a hearty Costa Rican lunch before heading back to town.