San Jose Walking Tour: Culture and Cuisine

Embark on a walking food tour in San Jose to uncover the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life. Taste local delicacies, explore historical sites, and learn about traditional remedies and exotic plants. Get a true sense of San Jose through its flavors!

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Los Presentes - The tour begins at the Monumento de los Presentes, where the enduring spirit of the city and its culture amidst numerous changes is introduced. This monument embodies the typical city dwellers, who face the threat of disappearing due to modernization. These figures stand resolute and serious, symbolizing a quiet defiance against…
What's Included
  • 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 in traditional Caldosa corn chips, Green banana or pejibaye.
  • Try fresh, seasonal fruits at the Borbón Market.
  • The tour is capped at 12 people for a personalized small-group…
What's Not Included
  • Transportation: if you need to quote transportation service, write to us.
  • Alcoholic beverages
Additional Information

Discover the beauty and culture of modern Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour. Experience the local food, history, culture, and even the herbal remedies of folk medicine up close. Delight in exotic fruits at the Borbon Market. Take a leisurely walk through the lively Central Market, where you can taste local ice cream from a shop that has…

Location
Los Presentes
Calle 4
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1458 Ratings)
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Frieda_l
Jun 10, 2025
Bring bottle of water.... - Bring bottle of water. Our guide was great., informative and funny. She gave us some tips on travel in the city.
Review provided by Viator
Cathyc2857
Jun 7, 2025
Wonderful introduction to Costa Rica! - Our guide was energetic and enthusiastic about Costa Rican food, and culture! She put a lot of time and effort into planning and preparing a wonderful food experience for our group. This included an introduction to a range of topical fruits, making our own empanadas, tasting unique, Costa Rican sauces, and enjoying fresh tamales. There’s nothing like walking through a central market to get a great feel for a city. This was no exception. The market included everything from fresh fruits to clothing to herbal remedies and mystical concoctions. We asked who got a glimpse of the national Theatre and visited the cathedral of Saint Joseph. A lot packed into just three hours! So worth it highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaret_g
Jun 5, 2025
Great tour for overview of food and culture - Excellent overview of local fruits and dishes with local culture included. Guide was wonderful. Rain came and we just plugged on. Very worthwhile and per local parlance”recommend 100%”
Review provided by Viator
Mackenzie_d
Jun 5, 2025
A wonderful tour... - A wonderful tour downtown, our guide was upbeat and knowledgeable. We got to try a great variety of fruit at the market and the coffee, tamales, and empanadas were incredible.
Review provided by Viator
Kam_w
Jun 4, 2025
Great guided tour - Very cost effective tour. The guide was very nice and knowledgeable, was patient was happy to repeat herself as well as answer everyone's questions. Tour was easy going and progressed well didn't feel like 2 1/2 hour tour.
Review provided by Viator
Billy_j
Jun 4, 2025
Amazing introduction to Costa Rican culture! - Very enjoyable tour. Dinora, our guide, was very knowledgeable, patient and kind. We toured the central market which was an amazing place. The sampling of native fruits was refreshing and delicious. Our last stop on tour was at a small restaurant and coffee shop where we prepared handmade empanadas (very enjoyable) and was treated to a coffee presentation and tasting. I am now very much a fan of Costa Rican coffee. Thank you Dinora for a very enjoyable tour!
Review provided by Viator
Rodrigomy470mk
Jun 4, 2025
Brief and enjoyable tour - A simple tour that works wonderfully to fill some space in agends6and lets you know a little more about the center of San Jose and taste delicious fresh fruit what is produced in the country Oscar's a lot of fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stacey_a
Jun 2, 2025
Great tour - Oscar was a great tour guide only had a few hours and I was able to walk around San Jose and enjoy some local food.
Review provided by Viator
Arianeladd
May 31, 2025
Great tour - This tour had us try more types of food than I expected. And we got to make our own empanadas. We really enjoyed it!
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_f
May 31, 2025
Guide had lots of... - Guide had lots of information to share about the food and the 2 markets we visited. Mr Sloth visit with a short cooking lesson, food and coffee making was a highlight.
Review provided by Viator
From $34
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).