Bites and Sights: Cultural Exploration through a Walking Food Tour in San Jose
4.9
1,005 Ratings
San José
Embark on a walking food tour in San Jose to uncover the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life. Taste local delicacies, explore historical sites, and learn about traditional remedies and exotic plants. Get a true sense of San Jose through its flavors!
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Central Market (Mercado Central) - The San Jose Central Market is an important cultural site in Costa Rica as it is one of the oldest and most representative places of San Jose, the capital city of the country. The market opened in 1880, making it one of the oldest landmarks in Costa Rica as the country declared independence in 1821.
What's Included
  • Seasonal fruit tasting at the Borbon Market.
  • Hands-on experience making Tortillas and plantain empanadas with cheese.
  • Enjoy a Costa Rica Style tamale cooked by locals and served in a banana leaf.
  • Learn how to prepare Cafe Chorreado and taste the renowned Agua de Sapo.
  • Sample the traditional caldosa at the Central Market.
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Discover the allure and traditions of modern life in Costa Rica on this immersive San Jose exploration by foot. Dive into the essence of the city through its culinary delights, historical narratives, cultural touchstones, and even the native herbal concoctions used in traditional healing. Participate in an engaging tutorial on the plethora of exotic vegetation, including fruits and vegetables, at the Borbon Market. Wander through the bustling Central Market, savoring the flavors of empanadas stuffed with cheese and beans. Visiting landmarks such as the Cathedral, National Theater, and the picturesque Morazan parks will deepen your understanding of the nation’s storied past, while heightening your gustatory senses to better connect with San Jose’s essence. Conclude your journey at the esteemed Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop to indulge in artisanal coffees and chocolates crafted by women. There, you will also partake in a tasting and discover how to prepare the traditional Cafe Chorreado, delight in a tamal crafted by indigenous families and ensconced in banana leaves, create your own plantain empanadas with cheese, and sample the renowned Agua de Sapo, a fusion of sugar cane and lemon.

  • Safety Tips, San Jose is a big city like any other, it is a preventive measure to dont wear flashy jewelry.
  • Dont eat before the tour.
  • The groups are 12 people with a guide.
  • We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.
Location
Los Presentes
Calle 4
Between Avenue one and Central Avenue on street 4, we have the Central Bank of Costa Rica, in front of the main entrance we have a Monument with several small green people, this monument is known as the Monument de los Presentes, there is where the we will be waiting to start the tour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1005 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Amanda_b
Apr 23, 2024
Greater than I expected - Had the best experience ! Tried lots of new fruits I had never eaten before. The tour guide was great and the coffee shop at the end was amazing !
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_d
Apr 22, 2024
Yummy Bites and Supreme Coffee - Food sampling at market, coffee education , making tamales. Seeing important sites in the center. Meeting other tourist is always helpful when traveling.
Review provided by Viator
Mickayla_l
Apr 21, 2024
BOOK THE TOUR - Angel was amazing! This tour provided so much knowledge and great food! I love to get to experience the everyday locals.
Review provided by Viator
Erik_m
Apr 21, 2024
Try everything and explore - The tour is a great value to learn not only about the city but your way around the downtown area. I thought our guide was engaging and definitely brought forth encouragement to try new things and lean about this wonderful country.
Review provided by Viator
Deepak_d
Apr 21, 2024
Must do your, great value for money and a nice experience - It was an amazing experience. For the first time visitor in Costa Rica, and being a tropical person, I thoroughly enjoyed the informative tour, fruits and local food items. Our guide was fantastic and in nearly 3-3.5 hours we walked a lot and ate a lot :)
Review provided by Viator
Mike_a
Apr 20, 2024
Highly recommend - Great way to explore abit of San José. Lots of fruits for breakfast. The small coconuts were delicious. Our guide, Oscar, was great.
Review provided by Viator
U1309drsabrinam
Apr 18, 2024
Awesome foodie walking tour. Great value. - Great value and a very fun walking tour. Included many tasty samples in the Central Market and Farmers Market. Very informative and even included some cultural stops at various monuments and buildings. Ended with a homemade tamale and a platano empanada making lesson with coffee. Delicious!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura
Apr 18, 2024
Quick City Experience. - Wonderful way to experience the market. Guide was just perfect. Knowledgeable and fun. Fun making our own empanadas in MR Sloth.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brooke_r
Apr 14, 2024
Wonderful City Experience - John Pierre was amazing as a guide!!! Definitely recommend!!! Absolutely loved making empanadas and trying local fruits!!
Review provided by Viator
Ryan_s
Apr 13, 2024
Must see - Wonderful experience. Great way to experience the local culture. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the food but also provided a great history lesson about Costa Rica. The walking taco was amazing. We enjoyed the authentic tamales and making our own empanadas. To finish it off the trip we enjoyed a nice history lesson about Costa Rican coffee and savored a few cups.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today