San Jose Bites and Sights

This culinary tour introduces visitors to Costa Rican food and coffee. During this tour you’ll focus on the offerings at popular local markets, and pass by scenic parks.

Your tour begins with a stop at Borbón Market for a cup of coffee. One of the vendors will offer a demonstration on the Costa Rican chorreado (or “drip” in English) brewing method. While you’re at Borbón Market your guide will fill you in on the importance of coffee in Costa Rican culture.

At the following market stalls you’ll learn about folk medicine and which herbs are used to cure common ailments (hangovers, broken hearts, etc.)

Next the tour will continue to San José Central Market, which is located inside a 120-year-old building. You’ll browse the stalls and try local delicacies. At this market you’ll get your second cup of smooth, rich Costa Rican coffee.

There’s a wide variety of produce at both Borbón and Central Market, and your group will sample more than 30 types of local fruits and vegetables. Visit a fruit vendor to try a recipe for a smoothie made from local fruits. At the Central Market you can browse handicrafts as well as herbal medicine.

Visiting these markets is a delicious way to learn about Costa Rican culture. Your guide can also introduce you to some of the local lingo.