San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour



Explore the beautiful city of San Jose on a guided walking tour through busy streets. See the bustling Central and Borbon markets, and peaceful parks. Learn how to make plantain empanadas with locals.

Highlights

  • Discover the secrets of herbal remedies at Borbon and San Jose Central Market
  • Savor Costa Rica's famous organic coffee at a special coffee tasting
  • See a side of San Jose known only by locals and not found in guidebooks
  • Cook your own plantain empanada, cafe chorreado, and enjoy a Costa Rican tamal
  • Enjoy luggage storage so you can experience this tour hands-free

Description

Get an up-close look at Costa Rican life through local food, history, and even herbal remedies from folk medicine. Enjoy a hands-on lesson on exotic plants, fruits and vegetables, and enjoy several samples of local food on this guided tour. Stroll the streets with a local as he shows you the ins and outs of daily life. Our first stop at the Borbón Market is a true sensory experience of views, colors, and you will be able to see the daily wheelbarrow race between the workers. The focus is on agricultural products, although it sells a little of everything. Then, take a stroll through the vibrant Mercado Borbón and sample plenty of fresh local fruits. We will explore the largest and oldest market in the city of San José, founded in 1880 here we will enjoy a delicious ice cream at Lolo Mora, the oldest ice cream parlor since 1901. Visiting several sites in the City, the Cathedral, the National Theater and walking through The beautiful Central and Morazán parks will help you get to know the country and its rich history. Finally, we will visit a special place Mr Sloth Coffee where you will find specialty coffee and delicious chocolates. Learn to make coffee, enjoy a tamale, try a caldosa, and make sweet plantain empanadas before concluding your adventure in the city of Pura Vida, learning about history, culture, and the daily lives of the local people.

Includes

Local fruit samples at the Borbon Market Artisanal Ice Cream in the Central Market Walk through beautiful parks like National and Morazan Park Visit to the lobby of the National Theater Visit The Cathedral of San Jose Make your own sweet plantain empanadas with cheese Taste Agua de Sapo (sugar cane, ginger and lemon) Taste green banana caldosa corn chips Coffee tasting

Important Information

  • This tour will take place rain or shine Meeting Point: Monumento los Presentes, in front of the Central Bank. Parking: If you need a parking we recommend one block away from meeting point on street four on the left side the name is: Parqueo Alfa. Google Maps Parqueo Alfa Calle 4, Paso de la Vaca.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Available Dates

October 2026 19 dates
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November 2026 25 dates
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December 2026 24 dates
Tue 1st Dec Wed 2nd Dec Thu 3rd Dec Fri 4th Dec Sat 5th Dec Mon 7th Dec
January 2027 25 dates
Sat 2nd Jan Mon 4th Jan Tue 5th Jan Wed 6th Jan Thu 7th Jan Fri 8th Jan
February 2027 10 dates
Mon 1st Feb Tue 2nd Feb Wed 3rd Feb Thu 4th Feb Fri 5th Feb Sat 6th Feb

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