Costa Rica Pura Vida Experience
This tour takes visitors to some of San José’s most interesting cultural highlights. To get from one destination to the next you’ll walk and take local transportation.
- Duration:
- 6 hrs
- Available Days:
- Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
- Schedule:
- 9:00 AM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
Your tour group will meet at España Park. Then you’ll set off for the National Museum, which has one of the best collections of any museum in Costa Rica. At the museum you’ll learn about the country’s geology, see archaeological artifacts, and admire colonial artwork.
As you walk the streets of San José you’ll see graffiti and lots of small churches. Your guide will take you on local transportation to get to the Central Market. While you’re here you can see displays of traditional herbal medicines and Costa Rican crafts, and sip Costa Rican coffee made with freshly roasted beans.
Next you’ll visit the Escazu, which is one of the oldest cities in Costa Rica. On the way there you’ll stop La Sabana Metropolitan Park — an area that used to be the location of the San Jose International Airport. In Escazu you’ll see an 80-year-old inn, where you’ll get to choose from a menu from 20 different tapas. After lunch you’ll try a traditional type of beer called chicha.
On your next stop you’ll visit an artist’s workshop to see his handmade masks. Three generations of artists in his family have made this style of mask, which locals wear during festivals.
For the last stop on the tour you’ll visit an 80-year-old bakery for an afternoon coffee and a sample of homemade bread. While you’re there the bakers will give a demonstration on how to make tortillas.
What to Bring
Hat, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and money for tips.
What's included
Guide, transportation, Costa Rican tapas, masquerade show, and snacks.
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Traveler Comments
I can't say enough good about this experience.It was fun, and different, and totally unexpected. We loved it.
The young guide met us in time, showed us the center of San Jose and told us the history of the city, showed us the historical buildings, took us to Escatsu where we had lunch and visited the Central square, the master of making masks, a small bakery. The guide spoke English very well and clearly, answered questions.
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