San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets
San José, CR
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Enjoy local ice cream at Central Market
- Savor Costa Rican-style tamales
- Indulge in traditional Caldosa corn chips
- Try fresh, seasonal fruits at Borbon Market
- Learn to prepare Caf Chorreado and Agua de Sapo
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Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
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Local ice cream tasting included
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Hands-on cooking class
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Vegetarian options available
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Bilingual guide: English/Spanish
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Small groups: max 12 people
Experience the rich flavors and vibrant culture of San Jose on this walking food tour. Immerse yourself in the local food scene as you sample traditional dishes like empanadas with cheese and beans and a tamal cooked by local families. Explore the bustling Central Market and the aromatic Mercado Borbón, where you can learn about exotic plants and fruits. Get a taste of Costa Rican history with visits to the Metropolitan Church and the National Theater, both architectural gems in the heart of the city. Along the way, indulge in the famous Agua de Sapo and savor gourmet coffees and chocolates at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering you a true taste of San Jose's culinary delights and cultural treasures.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours 30 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Spanish; Castilian
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Self-guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the vibrant culture of San Jose through a delightful walking food tour, sampling local delicacies and learning about Costa Rican traditions.
Included
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Enjoy local ice cream at the Central Market from a shop over 100 years old. -
Try fresh, seasonal fruits at the Borbón Market.
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The tour is capped at 12 people for a personalized small-group experience.
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Savor Costa Rican-style tamales, wrapped in banana leaves, crafted by local families
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Learn to prepare Café Chorreado with award-winning vandola coffee, and Agua de Sapo infused .
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Indulge the traditional Caldosa corn chips, Green banana or pejibaye
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Plantain empanadas classes with artisanal chocolate are delicious and unique treat
Excluded
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Transportation: if you need to quote transportation service, write to us. -
Alcoholic beverages
Meeting Point
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.
C. 4, San José, Paso De La Vaca , Costa Rica
End Point
The tour ends at Mr Sloth Coffee Shop, a very special cafeteria of fine coffees and chocolates, where we will taste coffee food and cook dessert.
Urban Tours, C. 5, San José, El Carmen, 10101 , Costa Rica
What to expect
Los Presentes
We begin at the Monumento de los Presentes, where we'll introduce the tour by discussing how the city and its culture have endured through many changes. The monument itself personifies the typical inhabitants of the city, who are at risk of disappearing due to modernization. These figures stand firm, serious, and represent a silent rebellion against the sweeping changes around them, symbolizing resilience and the preservation of identity in the face of transformation.
10 minutes
Correos de Costa Rica
This is the best to understand, why is hard to find an address on here.
10 minutes
Mercado Borbón
--- We will visit the Borbón Market, also known as the Market of the Carretas, where local families have proudly sold fresh fruits and vegetables for over four generations. This bustling market is a cornerstone of the community, offering a window into the daily lives of vendors who have passed down their knowledge and traditions through 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 essential role in sustaining the city with fresh, local produce. This market serves as both a cultural and agricultural hub, connecting the people of the city with the region’s bountiful harvests.
45 minutes
We will visit the Central Market, established in 1880, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the foundations of Costa Rican agriculture and daily culture. This historic market is a vibrant 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 the 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.
60 minutes
We will visit 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.
10 minutes
Is include a visit to the entrance hall of Costa Rica’s National Theater. 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, and is known for its exquisite interior decorated with lavish furnishings and beautiful murals.
10 minutes
With this walking tour we can also enjoy of the beauty of the nature when we visit the Spain park.
5 minutes
Templo de la Música
La Laguna Plaza was initially called in 1887 because it was erected over a small lake in which the inhabitants of San José of the nineteenth century obtained the mud necessary to make the adobes with which they built their houses. There the New Year holidays were celebrated. The lake, of artificial origin and known as the Villanueva well, was known at least since 1790. In 1808, the then Spanish governor of the Province of Costa Rica, Tomás de Acosta, had urged the authorities to dry out the place. Around it, there was a ditch, called Las Arias, so some families had begun 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 came to consolidate the housing presence in the area
15 minutes
Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop
We will visit Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop and head up to the second floor, where you'll 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.
45 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Dont eat before the tour. -
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Safety Tips, San Jose is a big city like any other, it is a preventive measure to dont wear flashy jewelry.
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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The groups are 12 people with a guide.
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We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.
What our experts say
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Don't eat before the tour for max tasting. -
Visit nearby Teatro Nacional after.
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Try local juices at Borbón Market.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Carry cash for local market purchases.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on the Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant capital city through local food, history, culture, and even herbal remedies. Get up close and personal with exotic plants, fruits, and vegetables at the Borbon Market. Explore the bustling Central Market and sample delicious empanadas with cheese and beans. As you stroll through the city, you'll also visit iconic landmarks like the Cathedral, National Theater, and the beautiful Morazan parks, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's rich history. But the real highlight of the tour awaits at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop, where gourmet coffees and chocolates produced by women are waiting to be discovered. From tasting and learning to prepare Cafe Chorreado to trying traditional Costa Rican delicacies like tamal and plantain empanadas with cheese, this tour is a sensory delight that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for San Jose's culinary scene.What to expect?
The Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose promises an immersive experience filled with mouthwatering flavors, intriguing history, and a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Costa Rica. During the tour, you can expect to spend approximately 210 minutes exploring the city and indulging in a variety of culinary delights. Your journey will begin at the Central Bank of Costa Rica, where you'll meet your knowledgeable guide. From there, you'll embark on a culinary adventure that will take you to the heart of Costa Rican cuisine. Along the way, you'll visit local markets, taste traditional dishes, and discover the secrets behind Costa Rica's famous coffee and chocolate. Not only will you satisfy your taste buds, but you'll also learn about the country's history and cultural heritage through its food. Be prepared to walk, eat, and make lasting memories on this unforgettable tour.Who is this for?
The Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose is tailored for curious travelers who are eager to explore a destination through its local cuisine. This tour is suitable for anyone with a passion for discovering new flavors and immersing themselves in different cultures. Whether you're a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or a traveler seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, this tour is perfect for you. It caters to individuals or small groups who prefer a hands-on approach to learning about a destination. The tour is inclusive and welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds. So, whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple, or a group of friends or family, join this tour and get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through San Jose.Why book this?
The Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose is an exceptional opportunity to delve into the heart and soul of Costa Rican culture. Unlike traditional city tours, this experience gives you an insider's perspective into the local food scene, history, and way of life. By joining this tour, you'll be supporting local businesses, women producers, and families who are passionate about their culinary heritage. Sample the best empanadas, taste the finest coffees and chocolates, and learn the art of Costa Rican cuisine firsthand. With the guidance of experienced and enthusiastic local guides, you'll gain a wealth of knowledge about the city, its landmarks, and the stories behind its culinary treasures. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of San Jose's markets and parks, and let the flavors of Costa Rica stimulate your senses. This tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a newfound love for both the city and its culinary delights.Good to know
As you embark on the Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, there are a few things to keep in mind. The total duration of the tour is approximately 210 minutes, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The meeting point is between Avenue one and Central Avenue, right in front of the Monument de los Presentes at the Central Bank of Costa Rica. From there, your expert guide will lead you through the bustling streets of San Jose, taking you to the most delicious foodie spots and iconic landmarks. Throughout the tour, you'll have the opportunity to try traditional Costa Rican dishes such as tamal, empanadas, and Agua de Sapo. Additionally, you'll visit the Borbon Market, where you'll discover fascinating information about exotic plants, fruits, and vegetables. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the vibrant colors and mouthwatering dishes you'll encounter along the way. Be prepared for an extraordinary culinary adventure that will leave you with a new appreciation for the flavors of San Jose.Reviews
Travelers who have participated in the Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose have raved about their experience. Many praised the knowledgeable guides who provided valuable insights into the city's history and culinary traditions. The tour was described as a true sensory adventure, with each stop offering a new and exciting taste of Costa Rica. Travelers enjoyed the immersive nature of the tour, which allowed them to interact with local vendors and producers. The visits to the Central Market and Borbon Market were particularly memorable, with an abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables, and spices to discover. The tamal, empanadas, and Cafe Chorreado received high praise for their authenticity and delicious flavors. The tour was not only a culinary delight but also a fantastic way to explore San Jose's landmarks and immerse oneself in the vibrant culture of the city. Overall, travelers highly recommended the Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose for its unique blend of culinary exploration, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
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