Discover some of San Jose's freshest food on a walking tour with food tastings. Visit Escazu to explore one of Costa Rica's oldest settlements. Enjoy a tapas lunch at an old inn. Feast on authentic local cuisine and visit a masquerade mask maker's home.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4 hours
- Starting time 11:30 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Discover a tale of two cities, exploring the real Costa Rica in San Jose and Escazu, the “City of Witches"
- Walk the spiritual route of churches and learn the rich local history of Catholicism
- Experience the lively atmosphere of the Central Market, and ride like a local about public transport
- Visit a legendary masquerade family, renowned for their traditional Costa Rican masks
- Feast on authentic local cuisine in a 100-year-old restaurant
- Enjoy a sample of traditional chicha as well as a coffee tasting
Full description
Experience the best travel stories for yourself! Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this Lonely Planet Experience.
Setting off from the beautiful National Theatre building, you'll pass the many of the local historical buildings such as the Cathedral and Le Merced along what is known as 'Route of the Churces'. See graffiti that gives you a taste of the city's contemporary life.
Go to Central Market to discover the typical food of Costa Rica. The century-old market is the perfect place to learn about local traditions such as herbal medicines. Grab a cup of freshly roasted coffee. Visit small shops and artisan stalls and experience the energy of the market.
Then, board transportation and make your way to Escazu - known as the "City of the Witches" - to discover one of Costa Rica's oldest settlements. On the way you'll see La Sabana Metropolitan Park. This used to be San Jose International Airport, where John F. Kennedy paid a visit in 1963.
Next, experience the authentic cuisine of Costa Rica at an 80-year-old inn known for its traditional fare. Choose from a menu of over 20 different tapas at lunch.
Continue your culinary adventure after lunch and taste some chicha (a traditional drink) before experiencing one of the coolest local traditions at a Costa Rican masks and masquerade show. Visit the home of a legendary local master, where 3 generations of the same family have made some of the country’s most beautiful masks for celebrations and special holidays.
Includes
- Local, English-speaking guide
- Local transportation
- Masquerade show
- Traditional Costa Rican tapas
- Chicha drink
- A cup of organic coffee
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Food and drink (other than specified above)
- Souvenirs and items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for the guide
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Main entrance of the National Theatre (Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica), at 2nd Avenue and 3rd Street, San José.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Please note that the temperature drops in the late afternoon, so please bring a light jacket and/or long sleeved shirt
- Please wear comfortable, casual clothing for walking, a hat and sunscreen
- Maximum group size is 12 people
