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San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour visit Markets

4.9
San José, CR
4.9
San José, CR
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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.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • Enjoy local ice cream at the central market from a shop over 100 years old.
  • Savor costa rican-style tamales, wrapped in banana leaves, crafted by local families
  • Indulge the traditional caldosa corn chips, green banana or pejibaye
  • Try fresh, seasonal fruits at the borbón market.
  • Learn to prepare café chorreado with award-winning bandola coffee, and agua de sapo infused .
  • Plantain empanadas classes with artisanal chocolate are delicious and unique treat
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation: if you need to quote transportation service, write to us.

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.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

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.

Correos de Costa Rica

This is the best to understand, why is hard to find an address on here.

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.

Central Market (Mercado Central)

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.

Metropolitan Church (Catedral Metropolitana)

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.

Teatro Nacional Costa Rica

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.

Parque Espana

With this walking tour we can also enjoy of the beauty of the nature when we visit the Spain park.

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

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.

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.

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2025-01-05 02:26

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