Bites and Sights: Cultural Exploration through a Walking Food Tour in San Jose
4.9
1,050 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
(1050 Ratings)
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Fitformhawaii
Jun 22, 2024
Well worth the money and time - This was an excellent tour with excellent good and interesting​sights. Our guide Dinora was so friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elisam
Jun 21, 2024
3rd time is a charm! - This is my 3rd time doing the tour! It gets better every time! My favorite part is the end where we get to try the empanadas!
Review provided by Viator
Catherine_w
Jun 18, 2024
Food and culture! - Daniel was a fantastic guide! The insights and food were not to be missed. Would highly recommend, especially for the price.
Review provided by Viator
Paola_t
Jun 17, 2024
Bites and Sights SJO - We enjoyed walking through San Jose, definitely a lot of history to learn about. Our guide Andrea was very informative, kind and very attentive to everyone. We tried some local fruits and ice cream which was delicious. Later on we made it to Mr. Sloth coffee shop where we learned to make empanadas, got to eat tamales and agua de sapo. Highly recommend this tour if you’ll like to learn more about Costa Rica and its culture.
Review provided by Viator
Deborah_n
Jun 16, 2024
Fun tour w/ a great guide! - We really enjoyed touring San Jose with Daniel. He was so personable and knowledgeable and shared his love for Costa Rica with enthusiasm! The tour includes great walks through several markets, main areas of downtown, and of course included the last stop where we made corn empanadas at Mr. Sloth Coffee. Thanks Daniel for a great day and orientation to Costa Rica and San Jose!
Review provided by Viator
Harley_g
Jun 15, 2024
Great tour! - This was a great tour, I enjoyed trying the native fruits, and lunch was an excellent taste of local cuisine. Our guide Oscar did a great job taking us around the markets as well as pointing out some landmarks. My only complaint is that he didn’t always use his mike and it was hard to hear him.
Review provided by Viator
Judith_b
Jun 15, 2024
Juicy, fruity with a twist of history! - Oscar was a wonderful guide for our tour. Local culture, food and juices - all fresh and delicious. Enjoyed the final feast at Sloth Coffee. Active participation in the preparation of the empanadas gave everyone the chance to make their own! Lots of interesting facts along the way! Thank you Oscar
Review provided by Viator
Margaret_g
Jun 15, 2024
Eating through San Jose - It was a great tour with a lot of fruit and food! Andrea was a good guide; looked out for the kids we had in the group.
Review provided by Viator
Travelbudgetwithkay
Jun 15, 2024
Oscar was AMAZING! - Oscar was AMAZING! Great tour of the city. Loved trying so many fruits, ceviche and tamal! Vegan options were given and accommodated! Thank you, Oscar! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karolina_r
Jun 13, 2024
Well worth your money - Well worth the money! The day was filled with lots of learning about the culture. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made us all feel very comfortable. The tour consists of sightseeing around San Jose while also trying different fruits in the market. We ended the tour with coffee tasting and empanada making at a nearby coffee shop. Everything was delicious from start to finish. Be sure to bring an umbrella and wear comfy sneakers.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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