• Los Presentes - The tour begins at the Monumento de los Presentes, where the city’s enduring culture amidst change is highlighted. This monument embodies the typical city dwellers, who face the threat of disappearing due to modernization. These figures stand resolute and serious, symbolizing a quiet resistance to the sweeping changes, representing resilience and the preservation of identity amidst transformation.
• Correos de Costa Rica - This location offers insight into why finding an address here can be challenging.
• Mercado Borbón - —

The Borbón Market, also known as the Market of the Carretas, is our next stop. Here, local families have proudly sold fresh fruits and vegetables for over four generations. This lively market is a community cornerstone, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of vendors who have passed down their knowledge and traditions over the years. As we explore, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant colors, scents, and flavors of the market while learning about its rich history and its vital role in supplying the city with fresh, local produce. This market serves as both a cultural and agricultural hub, connecting the city’s people with the region’s abundant harvests.

• Central Market (Mercado Central) - The tour includes a visit to the Central Market, established in 1880, where you’ll have the chance to learn about the foundations of Costa Rican agriculture and daily culture. This historic market is a lively hub of local life, offering a glimpse into the traditions and practices that have shaped Costa Rican cuisine for generations. As we explore the market, you’ll discover essential ingredients, meet local vendors, and gain insight into the agricultural practices that sustain the region. It’s a perfect introduction to the rich cultural tapestry that makes Costa Rica unique.
• Metropolitan Church (Catedral Metropolitana) - The tour includes a visit to the historic Cathedral of San José, whose origins date back to 1788. This cathedral was part of a grand design involving the construction of five churches arranged to form a cross, a symbol of deep religious significance. The cathedral, built in Romanesque style, features beautiful architectural details and a serene atmosphere. Beneath its foundation lie catacombs, adding a layer of mystery and history to this sacred space. As we explore, you’ll learn about the church’s importance in Costa Rica’s religious and cultural development, as well as the stories embedded within its walls.
• Teatro Nacional Costa Rica - The tour includes a visit to the entrance hall of Costa Rica’s National Theater. Located in the heart of San Jose, the National Theatre (Teatro Nacional) remains one of the capital city’s most popular tourist attractions. The ornate Neo-Classical theatre is considered the finest historic building in San Jose, known for its exquisite interior decorated with lavish furnishings and beautiful murals.
• Parque Espana - This walking tour also allows us to enjoy the beauty of nature when visiting Spain Park.
• Templo de la Música - Initially called La Laguna Plaza in 1887, it was erected over a small lake where the inhabitants of 19th-century San José obtained the mud necessary to make the adobes for their houses. New Year celebrations were held here. The lake, of artificial origin and known as the Villanueva well, was known at least since 1790. In 1808, the Spanish governor of the Province of Costa Rica, Tomás de Acosta, urged the authorities to dry out the place. Around it, there was a ditch, called Las Arias, so some families began to settle, forming a neighborhood called La Laguna. Between 1853 and 1856, President Juan Rafael Mora Porras ordered the construction of the National Liquor Factory in the neighborhood, which consolidated the housing presence in the area.
• Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop - The tour includes a visit to Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop, where you’ll head up to the second floor to enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring tamales made from ancient colonial recipes, lovingly prepared by a local family. You’ll also have the chance to taste unique dishes such as banana ceviche, Guanacastecan ceviche, or pejibaye ceviche—authentic pre-Hispanic foods. The experience continues with a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make artisanal chocolate empanadas, all while enjoying specialty coffee brewed in traditional vandolas.

• Enjoy local ice cream at the Central Market from a shop over 100 years old.
• Savor Costa Rican-style tamales, wrapped in banana leaves, crafted by local families.
• Indulge in traditional Caldosa corn chips, Green banana or pejibaye.
• Try fresh, seasonal fruits at the Borbón Market.
• The tour is capped at 12 people for a personalized small-group experience.
• Plantain empanadas classes with artisanal chocolate are a delicious and unique treat.
• Learn to prepare Café Chorreado with award-winning vandola coffee, and Agua de Sapo infused.

• Transportation: if you need to quote transportation service, write to us.
• Alcoholic beverages

Discover the charm and culture of modern Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour. Experience the local cuisine, history, culture, and even the herbal remedies of traditional medicine. Delight in exotic fruits at the Borbon Market. Wander through the lively Central Market, sampling local ice cream from a shop that’s been around for over a century. Explore diverse landmarks such as the Cathedral, National Theater, and the picturesque Central and Morazan parks, gaining insight into the country’s rich history. Conclude the tour at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop, where you can savor gourmet coffees and chocolates. Learn to prepare Cafe Chorreado, enjoy a coffee tasting, and try traditional caldosa and tamal, cooked by local families and wrapped in banana leaves. Create your own plantain empanadas with cheese and taste the famous Agua de Sapo, made with ginger, 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.

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