San Jose Foodie Tour | Costa Rican Culinary Culture
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
- You will experience Costa Rican Culinary Culture at 3 different places.
- You will taste Costa Rican Gastronomy at carefully curated and selected restaurants (Bocas, coffee, natural drinks, cocktails, etc), and learn about culture and history.
- You will learn about the historical aspects of the neighborhood while walking to the next stop.
- Each dish is prepared with fresh products that are grown within the country. (Organic and farm-to-table)
- Our Tico chefs, managers, or guides will explain to you the concept of each local dish transformed into their own signature dish.
1) Specialty coffee workshop (coffee tastings, food, and everything you need to know about coffee).
2) Delicious Costa Rican food tastings at a local restaurant (equals a whole meal).
3) Unique mixology workshop, local spirits.
We work with small groups, and the tours get full easily. If you cannot find availability to book, please contact us; we can create a new tour for groups of 2 or more people.
Available options
San Jose Foodie Tour | Costa Rican Culinary Culture
City Tour San Jose Downtown
Duration: 2 hours: Walking time of the city Tour<br/>Downtown San Jose: You will visit the main San Jose downtown attractions, parks, monuments, and historical buildings. Not accessing museums.
What's included
Mixology workshop
English-speaking guide
Private reservations for our Foodies
1 hour coffee workshop - Costa Rican specialty coffee
6-course tasting menu
Detailed itinerary
1
We will walk to Escalante neighborhood and visit restaurants, coffee shops and bars in this area.
The tour starts at 12:00pm:
- First stop: 2 medium size starters, a drink and a digestive.
- Second stop: 1 starter + main dish + an artisan beer/wine or soft drink + dessert.
- Third stop: Coffee workshop + 3 coffee tastings + digestive + an appetizer.
- Fourth stop: Mixology workshop by mixologist (World Class Mixologists) + 1 cocktail made with local liqueur.
Digestives are small sweet cocktails, it has liqueur.
2
Barrio Escalante most Iconic Park
3
Old, classy, and historical building
What's not included
Additional drinks or meals not mentioned in what's included section.
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off (available if requested, extra fee)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
10 reviews
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10
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Vegetarian/vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Meeting point
Meet at the lobby. If the tour is not available at a specific date, please contact us, we can open new groups if we have guides available.
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
