San Jose City Tour Food Tasting - Coffee and Chocolate
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This San Jose city tour is for curious travelers who want to taste the culture, not just hear about it. It’s fun, informative, and delicious; the kind of experience that sticks with you (and your palate) long after the last bite.
With our Foodie San Jose City Tour, you’ll leave not only with great photos, but with a deeper understanding of what Costa Rica is made of, its people, its flavors, and its proud, poetic capital city.
Available options
San Jose City Tour
City Tour San Jose: • ✅ Guided walking city tour of downtown San José with cultural and historical highlights
• ✅ Three local tastings
What's included
Food and drinks mentioned on activity details section
English speaking local guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Detailed itinerary
1
• Start at the National Theatre with the story of how coffee funded the city’s most iconic building
• Visit the historic Steinvorth building, where you’ll sip coffee cherry tea, specialty coffee and sample artisanal chocolate while learning about the cultural significance of cacao
• End with a savory local bite (like a handmade empanada or chifrijo) at a spot filled with flavor and local life
• Along the way, stroll through plazas, parks, murals and stories that bring San José to life.
What's not included
Gratuities
Alcoholic drinks (you can buy them at the restaurants)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (available on request)
Extra meals or drinks that you order that are not mentioned in the activity details section - what's included section.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.8
19 reviews
5★
18
4★
0
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0
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1★
1
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Wheelchair accessible
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Wear confortable shoes
Don't eat too much before the tour so you can taste all the meals and drinks included
Meeting point
We meet in front of the National Theater
Important notes
Tips can be paid in cash or credit card the day of the tour (optional)
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
