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.
- Duration:
- 3 hrs
- Available Days:
- Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
- Schedule:
- 11:30 AM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
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.
What to Bring
Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and money for personal expenses.
What's included
Guided tour, samples, and coffee.
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
It was funny because our guide took us to the same places we went the day before so at first, we were skeptical. But he did such a great job of explaining things in the market that seemed "odd" and brought us to tiny places for unique bites to eat, and taught us about a LOT of different, tasty fruits. He did this whole tour with a fun, Interesting historical perspective. WE TOTALLY recommend this tour as a nice intro to San Jose.
Excellent tour-our guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable
Gladys did a great job introducing us to all San Jose had to offer. We tasted coffee, chocolate and many new foods. She was also a wealth of information about history and culture. Great Tour!
Similar things to do
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.
This 2-hour walking tour takes you to spots around some of San José’s lesser-known attractions. Sign up to get a good look at San José culture.
Visit the highest active volcano in Costa Rica, enjoy the beauty of tropical orchids at the Lankaster Botanical Gardens, and learn Costa Rican history in the colonial town of Orosi- all during this combo day tour.
