Top Central Valley Dining Experiences

Experience an authentic night in the heart of Costa Rica. Enjoy a vibrant show that will take you through the traditions and culture tica, accompanied by live music, typical dances and a festive atmosphere. Immerse yourself in an experience where the color, joy and flavor of our land come together to offer you an unforgettable night. Ideal for those who want to feel the soul of Costa Rica and discover the essence of its people.

Leave behind the urban bustle of San Jose for the clear, aquamarine waters and unspoiled beauty of Tortuga Island on this full-day sailing adventure. Cruise on a yacht or catamaran through the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga and the surrounding archipelago, where protected forests, white-sand beaches, and pollution-free waters house an amazing array of plant and animal species. Enjoy a fresh lunch on board, sip tropical cocktails, and sway to live music as you sail through this picturesque island paradise.

Step into one of San Jose’s most vibrant restaurants for a private dining experience that captures the essence of Costa Rican gastronomy in every bite. Here, each dish is crafted to highlight a unique facet of Costa Rican cuisine—from cherished, traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative, contemporary interpretations that bring new life to local flavors. You’ll delve into the stories and ingredients behind each plate, gaining insight into Costa Rica’s rich culinary traditions, sustainable practices, and dedication to slow food. Skip the guesswork and indulge in an expertly curated menu that celebrates Costa Rican food—100% local, responsibly sourced, and bursting with authenticity. This is more than a meal; it’s a taste of Costa Rican culture and a moment to savor every flavor.

Sample a wide variety of Costa Rican flavors while learning about the country's cultural heritage on this San Jose walking tour. You'll shop for fruits and veggies at the Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón, visit the National Theater and Morazan Park, and try local treats including traditional picadill, a hands-on cooking class with artisanal chocolate empanadas, and specialty coffee at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop.

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

Heading deep into Arenal's rainforest typically means renting a car and navigating unfamiliar roads. This small-group tour lets you skip the self-drive stress and takes you to directly to the area's highlights. Walk across the rainforest over a hanging bridge, wander along trails through lava fields for excellent views of Arenal Volcano, and, finally, rejuvenate in a natural hot spring.

The experience is a gastronomic tour in the center of San José, the tour takes you through the three different pedestrian promenades of the center of San Jose, each one very different from the other, during the tour you will learn about our street food culture while your guide tells you peculiarities and myths of our great little city

Ideal for travelers interested in adventure sports, this experience offers a full-day outing to the Pure Trek Canyon and Club Rio, an adventure activity center in a luxury hotel. Meet at the club or request pickup, and start your day by rappelling down a waterfall. After a Costa Rican lunch, you’re free to choose two more activities from horseback riding, river tubing, visiting an animal sanctuary visit, or rock climbing—and soaking in the club’s hot tubs.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where you'll learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, gain an appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose.  Finish the night with a tasty traditional meal (and wine or beer) at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

Discover the essence of San Jose on this immersive food walking tour, where a dedicated guide leads you through the city's vibrant street markets and architectural treasures. Begin at Mercado Central, a bustling hub of local commerce, where you can sample traditional Costa Rican snacks and engage with friendly vendors. Next, explore Mercado Borbón, another lively market teeming with unique flavors and cultural experiences. Along the way, your guide shares insights into Costa Rica's rich history and cultural heritage, offering context to the vibrant street scenes. As you navigate San Jose's bustling streets, take in architectural gems like the National Theater and Catedral Metropolitana, which stand as testaments to the city's historical significance. The tour provides a sensory journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere while tasting delicious dishes and learning about the heart of San Jose.

With 4 years in this paradise and 20+ years in his culinary career, our Executive Chef has discovered delightful foods in markets, squares, and streets. Join him for an authentic gastronomic adventure, featuring memorable dishes and honoring tradition. Explore Costa Rica’s multicultural essence and vibrant “Pura Vida” lifestyle from north to south and east to west!

This is not a cooking class or a typical food tour, it’s a delicious, eye-opening journey through Costa rica’s extraordinary biodiversity, guided by a local fruit lover. If you opt for the full experience, your day begins at one of San Jose’s bustling markets, where your host will select and open fruits you’ve probably never seen before. Want to skip the walk? No problem — the tasting alone is just as immersive. As you taste, you’ll discover: Nutritional properties and healing uses Indigenous and colonial histories Seasonal patterns and farming traditions Culinary secrets from Central America From tangy to creamy, sweet to earthy, this tasting experience invites you to rediscover fruit the Costa Rican way.

A chocolate tasting flight is included on this chocolate tour in La Fortuna. Sample artisanal chocolates fresh from the source as your guide shares information about the chocolate-marking process from bean to bar—one of Costa Rica’s biggest businesses. Plus, try special treats like caramelized cocoa seed that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Barbecue at sunset is an experience where you will learn about the fascinating world of stingless bees and taste their honey, participate in a barbecue with charcoal, firewood, and volcanic stones, and then enjoy three different dishes that will delight your palate accompanied by a house sangria.

Designed for coffee lovers, this San Jose tasting workshop showcases the best Costa Rican coffee. Learn about the country’s various coffee-growing regions and bean varieties, and get a lesson in preparing the perfect cup like a real barista. Sample several organic beans and blends, served with locally made snacks. Then, fueled up on caffeine, take an introductory walking tour through San Jose to see the highlights with a local guide.

Step into the heart of Costa Rica’s lush jungle with our Private Rainforest Falls Tour – a thrilling yet serene experience designed just for you and your group. Nestled in the mountains 37 kilometers southeast of La Fortuna, Rainforest Falls offers an exclusive adventure combining the beauty of untouched nature with adrenaline-pumping activitie. Unlike larger group tours, this private adventure offers a flexible and personalized itinerary. Whether you’re looking for maximum thrills or prefer to take it easy, we’ll tailor the experience to your group’s preferences.

Experience authentic Costa Rica from the ground up on our family owned certified organic farm with views of the Arenal Volcano. Harvest tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices while learning about sustainable farming and local traditions. Along the way, sample fresh seasonal produce, sip tropical drinks and keep an eye out for the sloths that reside in our farm. You'll also meet our friendly cows and dogs that join on every tour. This family friendly experience also teaches you how to harvest and cook in our open air kitchen guided by local chefs. This isn't just a cooking class - it's an immersive farm to table experience that connects you with Costa Rica's food, culture, nature and warm hospitality.

Experience two of Costa Rica’s best features, coffee and cloud forests, during this trip to Santa Ana from San Jose. Get ready for a day of adventure, going from your hotel in San Jose directly to the cloud forest with your guide. Zipline through lush forest, keeping an eye out for local wildlife. Take a relaxed hike through trails to view waterfalls then visit a coffee plantation where you learn about the coffee making process and enjoy a local lunch.

Escape the crowds and discover one of La Fortuna's best-kept secrets. Jungle Yoga is a small-group wellness experience set in a private rainforest lovingly protected by a local Costa Rican family committed to preserving its natural beauty and wildlife. Far from the busy tourist attractions, you'll enjoy a peaceful environment where nature remains the true host. Your journey includes a mindful walk through the rainforest, a yoga session on a private deck beside a waterfall, sound healing, a guided reflection with the Jungle Intuition Oracle—created by your host and transpersonal therapist, Karla Corrales—time to relax in natural swimming pools, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch cooked over a wood-fired stove with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. More than a yoga class, this is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience Costa Rica in a meaningful and authentic way.

Enter The Tico Grill at La Jaranita and immerse yourself in a unique gastronomic adventure. With personal mini grills at every table, you can barbecue your own custom selection of veggies, proteins, and more, crafting delectable “gallitos” - Costa Rica’s famed soft corn tortilla mini-tacos. Explore artisan Guaro Cacique infusions and classic cocktails like the Jaguar You and Margarazo for an unforgettable dining journey.

Twilight rainforest experience visiting a Costarrican family kitchen, joining a Tortilla or Patacones class, and ending with a frog watching.

Learn more about Costa Rica through its cuisine during a fun private cooking class using tropical ingredients. Start with a tour of the restaurant’s organic garden, discovering local ingredients. Then, put on your apron and get busy in the kitchen, preparing dishes such as salad from the garden, honey mustard chicken (or a vegetarian alternative), and homemade ice-cream.