Tour & Activity Scams in San José, Costa Rica
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in San José — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Willemstad, Havana, and Montego Bay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in San José
How it works
Independent tour sellers position themselves in hotel lobbies or directly outside claiming to be affiliated with the hotel. Tours sold are often overpriced relative to booking directly with the operator.
How it works
Travel agents in San José sell Arenal Volcano and Monteverde tour packages at significant markups compared to booking accommodations and activities directly in those destinations.
See all scams in San José
10 total warnings across all categories