San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
Otoya, Costa Rica
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.
City Food and Culture Tour in San José, Costa Rica
This guided tour in San José suits travelers interested in local markets, traditional food, and Costa Rican culture.
Highlights
- Discover herbal remedies at Borbón and San José Central Market
- Savor Costa Rica's organic coffee with a specialty tasting
- Explore parts of San José known mainly to locals
- Cook your own plantain empanada, café chorreado, and enjoy a Costa Rican tamal
- Use luggage storage to experience the tour hands-free
Description
Experience Costa Rican daily life through food, history, and traditional herbal medicine. This guided tour includes hands-on lessons about exotic plants, fruits, and vegetables, plus several local food samples.
Start at the Borbón Market, where you will witness the daily wheelbarrow race and explore abundant agricultural products. Next, visit the vibrant San José Central Market to taste fresh local fruits. Enjoy artisanal ice cream at Lolo Mora, the city's oldest ice cream parlor since 1901.
Walk through key city landmarks including the Cathedral, the National Theater lobby, and the Central and Morazán Parks, gaining insight into Costa Rica’s history and culture. The tour concludes at Mr. Sloth Coffee, where you will learn about specialty coffee, taste chocolates, and participate in making coffee, tamales, green plantain picadillo, and sweet plantain empanadas.
Includes
- Local fruit samples at Borbón Market
- Artisanal ice cream at the Central Market
- Walks through Central and Morazán Parks
- Visit to the National Theater lobby
- Visit to the Cathedral of San José
- Make your own sweet plantain empanadas with cheese
- Taste Agua de Sapo (sugar cane, ginger, and lemon drink)
- Taste green banana caldosa corn chips
- Coffee tasting experience
Excludes
- Additional food and drinks not listed
- Tips
Important Information
- The tour operates rain or shine
- Meeting Point: Monumento los Presentes, in front of the Central Bank in San José
- Recommended parking is one block from the meeting point on Calle 4 (Parqueo Alfa). Search 'Parqueo Alfa Calle 4, Paso de la Vaca' on Google Maps
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and prepare for all weather conditions. Morning tours provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
