La Fortuna: Historic Farmhouse, Traditional Meal & Dance
San Carlos, Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Step inside a 130-year-old family farmhouse at the foot of Arenal. Walk traditional crops, share a Costa Rican meal at the family's table, and enjoy live folk dance — the La Fortuna tourists miss.
Highlights
- Visit the former home of Costa Rican ex-president Rafael Iglesias
- Explore a 130-year-old working family farmhouse in La Fortuna
- Share a traditional Casado meal at the host family's table
- Watch a live Costa Rican folk dance performance
- Spot resident sloths, tropical birds, and butterflies on-site
Description
Step into a piece of Costa Rican history. This 130-year-old farmhouse in La Fortuna was once owned by Rafael Iglesias, former president of Costa Rica, and today it's still a living family home where you're welcomed as a guest, not a tourist.
Long before La Fortuna became the country's adventure capital, it was a quiet farming village at the foot of Arenal Volcano. On this tour, the host family opens the Casona and shares the real story of the Zona Norte: its traditions, its religion, its customs, and what life looked like here before tourism arrived.
You'll walk the family's traditional crops with a bilingual local guide, tour the organic garden and animal farm, and spot resident two-toed sloths, tropical birds, and butterflies. On clear days, the fields open onto panoramic views of Arenal Volcano.
The heart of the experience happens at the family table. Sit down to a traditional Costa Rican Casado, your choice of chicken, pork, fish, or vegan/vegetarian, served as lunch or dinner depending on your departure. Over the meal, you'll hear the kind of stories no guidebook tells.
To close, enjoy a live performance of traditional Costa Rican folk dance. Evening guests also get live music with local artists.
Round-trip transportation from Tabacón included. Small shared groups. 100% real, local, and family-run.
Itinerary
- Pickup in Tabacón, Round-trip transfer to the Casona
- Welcome at the historic farmhouse, Meet the host family at the 130-year-old former residence of ex-president Rafael Iglesias
- Guided tour of the Casona grounds, History of the house, the Iglesias legacy, and the Zona Norte's farming roots
- Walk through traditional crops, Regional agriculture explained by a bilingual local guide
- Organic garden & animal farm, Meet farm animals and spot resident wildlife (sloths, birds, butterflies)
- Traditional Casado meal at the family table, Choice of chicken, pork, fish, or vegan/vegetarian
- Folk dance performance, Live traditional Costa Rican dance
- Evening slot only: Live music with local artists
- Return transfer to Tabacón
Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Tabacón
- Bilingual local guide (Spanish/English)
- Historical and cultural tour of the Casona
- Walk through traditional crops, organic garden, and animal farm
- Traditional Costa Rican Casado (lunch or dinner, based on time slot)
- Choice of protein: chicken, pork, fish, or vegan/vegetarian
- Live folk dance performance
- Live music with local artists (evening slot only)
- Drinking water
Excludes
- Gratuities (optional)
- Additional alcoholic drinks beyond water
Important Information
- Pickup from Tabacón only, guests staying elsewhere should confirm transfer logistics in advance
- Volcano views are weather-dependent
- Please notify the operator of your meal choice and any dietary restrictions in advance
- Easy difficulty, suitable for most fitness levels
- Infants (0–4) travel free; children (5–10) reduced rate
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Good For:
- Culture & history lovers
- Families (child & infant pricing available)
- Couples
- Food & culinary travelers
- Slow-travel / authentic experience seekers
- History buffs interested in Costa Rican heritage
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
