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San Jose Historic Tour: Central Market Visit & Authentic Costa Rican Dinner
4.8
322 Ratings
San José
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of San Jose on this historic tour. Visit the Central Market, learn about local cuisine, explore architectural gems, and enjoy an authentic Costa Rican dinner in a charming private home dining experience.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Los Presentes - Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city. Starting with the Central Market, which is the only way to learn about the city’s food. Stroll the market with your local guide and get to know the secret uses of the roots, herbs, fruit common in local cuisines, including ingredients that will play a role in your authentic Costa Rican dinner later. We’ll make our way down Central Avenue, learning about the city’s history and anecdotes, as well as visiting one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings, the National Theatre. From there, our appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture continues, walk through Morazan Park and we will visit Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop to make and taste delicious cocktails. We’ll continue with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House and charm Barrio Amon we continue to the National Museum and the blue castle house, one the oldest historical houses. We’ll be spending the rest of the evening at a favorite dinner at a farm to table private home dinning. This cozy establishment offers the best prehispanic food menu , a unique space that offers art, culture, history as well as fine dining.
What's Included
- Special Sangria and Craft beers with unique flavors like Honey Basil Ale, Ginger, Vanilla, Watermelon, Blackberry, etc.
- Exploration of the Historical Center and picturesque neighborhoods such as Otoya and Amon.
- Interactive Tarrazu Coffee and Ochuwa Cocktails Classes with Tasting sessions.
- Exclusive 4-course Tasting Menu featuring a Farm to Table concept in a private home dining setting.
- Shopping break included in the midst of the walking tour.
- Visits to Central Market, the iconic Metallic Building, and Spain Park for stunning views of the Yellow House.
- Enjoy gluten-free pre-Hispanic food and ingredients throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
- Also not included are additional food and drink beyond what is specified.
Additional Information
Delve into the city’s vibrant culture and storied past. Your journey begins in the Central Market, an unparalleled venue to deepen your understanding of the city’s gastronomy. Stroll through the market under the guidance of a local expert, familiarizing yourself with the origins, usage, and significance of the locally-sourced roots, herbs, and fruits that are staples in the region’s dishes. A delectable Costa Rican dinner awaits you, featuring many of these ingredients. Beyond the market, you will delve into the city’s history and intriguing stories, with a stop at the architecturally magnificent National Theatre and a leisurely promenade through Morazán Park. Afterwards, we’ll stop by Mr Sloth Coffee Shop to concoct el Morenito, a delightful coffee cocktail. Your exploration continues in the enchanting Barrio Amon, one of the city’s oldest districts. The rest of the evening will be spent in a charming private home dining setting, where you’ll enjoy a menu specializing in pre-Hispanic Caribbean cuisine. Revel in the Costa Rican gastronomic best that this intimate venue has to offer, a unique spot combining art, culture, history and gastronomy.
- Children under 12 years of age are not allowed on the tour
- Dress code: casual
- Safety Tips, San Jose is a big city like any other, it is a preventive measure to dont wear flashy jewelry
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
4.8
(322 Ratings)
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Linda_e
Jun 5, 2024
Introduction to San Jose - We enjoyed our first Viator tour in San Jose with Oscar and a group of people who became friends by the end of a delightful evening! The walk, the food and coffee were all special and we learned some of the history of the area. A great introduction to our first time in the city!
Review provided by Viator
Linda_m
Jun 5, 2024
First Tour San Jose - This was my first time in San Jose Costa Rica. The guide, Oscar was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The walking tour was a very easy and durable walk. We made several stops along the way. The people within my group were also very friendly as well. The food was very delicious and very tasty. This tour is definitely worth it. My only suggestion is try to find the meeting point earlier. Overall, a great tour for my first outing in San Jose!!!
Review provided by Viator
Jermaine_n
May 31, 2024
A very memorable experience. - Daniel, our tour guide was very hospitable and knowledgeable. The food was excellent and we met some awesome people in our group.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_h
May 24, 2024
Don’t Miss this Great San Josè Opportunity! - Daniel, our guide, was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The tour was interesting and great fun. Daniel made it interactive and assured no one was left out. The dinner was excellent and courses were perfectly spaced and sized. A great evening!
Review provided by Viator
Tina_c
May 14, 2024
Walking Tour - Great time, even with the rain, we enjoyed it.Nice easy excursion. Great way to spend a few hours walking the Avenida Central.
Review provided by Viator
Brianne_g
May 14, 2024
Food, drinks, and fun! - Very fun evening! Great introduction to the city. Really enjoyed the farm to table dinner and drinks! Daniel was a knowledgeable and awesome good!! Fun to get to know other tourists from all over the world.
Review provided by Viator
Vstore1
May 11, 2024
Great time - It was wonderful learning more about San Jose. It was informative. Good samples. The dinner was delicious. We had a wonderful group of friendly tourists.
Review provided by Viator
Sarah_p
May 11, 2024
I highly recommend this tour! - Daniel’s knowledge of the Central Market and local history was excellent. The meal at then was exceptional.
Review provided by Viator
Yanoletty73
May 9, 2024
Tour of downtown San José - Recommended tour to see the main points of the center of San José.
Thanks to Andrea (our guide), who made the experience very enjoyable and then ended with a delicious dinner.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenna_j
May 20, 2024
Great Tour - Very nice tour of the city and of Central Market, with a few local samples included. Quaint home setting for dinner with the opportunity to meet other travelers. Good quality food, just very small portions. We needed to eat a second dinner after, but still enjoyed the tour and would still recommend to others.
Review provided by Viator
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