Top Costa Rica Cooking Classes

During this immersive experience, you'll not only indulge in the deliciousness of Costa Rican food but also gain insights into local agricultural products and other ingredients that define Costa Rica's cuisine.There’s no better place to experience local cuisine than the Central Market, a 120-year-old building full to the brim with typical Costa Rican food and drink. It’s here that we’ll also buy the ingredients for our cooking class. Learn to prepare classic Latin American dishes such as ceviche and empanadas, picadillos, all while sipping on mojitos, sodas, and tropical drinks. There’s no better way to experience the flavour of a country than by going from market to kitchen, and we hope by the end, you feel like an authentic Costa Rican foodie! After your class, head back to your hotel with a stomach full of food and a head full of memories for you and your family that will last a lifetime.

Authentic Costa Rican Cooking Class & Central Market

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Costa Rica during a small-group cooking class. Learn about the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques specific to Costa Rican cuisine from your instructor. Get your hands dirty as you prepare several authentic recipes — from crispy Carimañolas to buttery cassava dishes — all while sipping on a refreshing Guaro Sour. Enjoy a true taste of Costa Rica beyond the restaurant scene. - Learn more about Costa Rican cuisine than you would just eating out - Small group size allows for a more personalized and experience - Ideal for foodies, adventurous travelers, or anyone who loves to create in the kitchen - Enjoy unlimited drinks while you cook, and share stories with fellow travelers

3h Cooking Class in San José with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class

Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience

You will be able to participate in part of the preparation process. Also will learn the details of the traditional way of cooking caribbean meals, and to select fresh ingredients that are locally produced to elaborate this meals. We will be speaking about the history and culture of the town. If anyone has a dietary restrictions, please inform it in advance to accommodate everyone. Vegetarians and Vegans are welcome.

Private Native Caribbean Cooking in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara

Special Offer

Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Flavors of Costa Rica Experience hands-on cooking at Arenal Puesta del Sol, nestled in the lush landscapes of La Fortuna. This culinary adventure is designed to connect you with the essence of local culture, blending traditional techniques with the freshest ingredients straight from the garden. A Meal to Remember Once your dish is ready, gather with other participants to enjoy your creations while taking in the stunning views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Savor the fresh flavors, celebrate your efforts, and take home recipes to recreate these beloved dishes in your own kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a curious beginner, this class promises a delightful blend of learning, culture, and flavor. With options for both meat lovers and vegans, it’s a feast for every palate. Let the vibrant cuisine and warm hospitality of Arenal Puesta del Sol inspire your taste buds and soul.

Experience the Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine in La Fortuna

Price varies by group size

Our project aims to help you discover the secrets of this cuisine. To learn to cook alongside a passionate chef, who will take pleasure in explaining to you in English or Spanish, and to help you master the techniques and specialties of this dear country. Empanadas, plátanos, picadillo de gallo, frijoles molidos, tamales. Vegetarian or not, you are welcome for this new experience. It's a 3-hour course with the preparation of a dish and a juice that's a little out of the ordinary.

Guided Cooking Class with a Local in Samara

3 hoursFree Cancellation

3-Course Tropical Fusion Cooking Class

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo

2 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

We believe that a healthy and prosperous life starts with what we eat; also, gastronomy and family recipes connect us as human beings. Eleven years ago we decided to switch our farm from a "traditional" crops to organic ones to improve our own health. In this experience we'll walk through our organic farm with the last bits of sunlight looking for the fresh ingredients we'll need to prepare a delicious dinner and share our culture with you. We hope that, besides providing a delicious foodie experience, what we do inspires more people to care about the source of their food and protect our planet. We have veggie and vegan options. Please do let us know if you have any other allergy and/or dietary restriction.

Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna

Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna

Pura Vida Cooking Class in La Fortuna from Farm to Table

4 hoursFree Cancellation

We are sure that the most special thing about this activity is the authentic and personalized service. We highlight that the activity is done in our home which makes it even more special as we open the doors of our home to people we do not know, but who we want to feel comfortable as when we receive our best friends to cook together and have a wonderful time. We do our utmost to offer an interactive experience where you will discover the unique flavors of traditional tortillas and empanadas with delicious accompaniments of Costa Rican cuisine.

Traditional cooking class with local family

Discover the flavors of Costa Rica through a guided tasting session designed to go beyond surface-level tourism. This small-group experience introduces you to 33 local foods and drinks, explained in context by a knowledgeable local host. Instead of just eating, you’ll understand how, when, and why locals enjoy these foods in their daily lives. - Learn more about Costa Rican cuisine than by eating out alone - Small group for a personal, social experience - Ideal for food lovers, curious travelers, and culture seekers - All tastings and drinks included

Special Offer

3h Tasting Session in San Jose with 33 Local Foods & Drinks

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Hands-On Costa Rican Bread Making Workshop in Monteverde

Discover Caribbean flavors with Darshan, a local chef with deep roots in Puerto Viejo. Their culinary knowledge has been handed down for generations since their ancestors came to this land, turning each recipe into a journey through time and Afro-Caribbean culture. In this practical class, you will learn how to prepare authentic dishes with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques that you can apply in your home. Rather than a cooking class, it is a cultural experience: ✔️ You will cook alongside the chef in a warm and familiar atmosphere ✔️ You will know the history and origin of each dish ✔️ You will live a direct connection to local identity through flavors Ideal for those looking for authentic experiences, human contact and real gastronomic learning. It's not just cooking, it's Caribbean soul in every bite!

Learn to Cook Like a Caribbean in Puerto Viejo

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

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.

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Foodies and anyone with a sweet tooth will love this chocolate-themed activity. See cacao trees growing before touring the chocolate-making kitchen. Learn all about what it takes to turn cacao into a bar of chocolate, and even have a go at grinding the beans and separating the shells yourself. Make some chocolate to take home with you and share with your friends–if you don’t eat it all first.

Hands on chocolate making class. From bean to bar, Puerto Viejo

Authentic Coffee and Chocolate Tour at North Fields

Chocolate Making and Tasting at a Local Factory in San José

Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos

Palo Verde Boat Tours, Ortega

3 hours 10 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

This 3-hour experience takes place inside an authentic family home, highlighting Sarapiquí's role as Costa Rica's agricultural capital for fresh heart of palm (palmito) and cassava (yuca). Rather than watching a demonstration, you dive straight into hands-on regional cooking—shaping crispy enyucados, sautéing fresh palmito, and crafting traditional drinks. To maximize your active cooking time, your host handles lengthy foundation steps in advance, ensuring a seamless, engaging, and authentic culinary experience.

Sarapiquí Traditional Hands-On Cooking Class with a Local Host

Sarapiquí Traditional Hands-On Cooking Class with a Local Host

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5% savings

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$70$67

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Must-Dos in Costa Rica

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What are people saying about Costa Rica

Chocolate Making and Tasting at a Local Factory in San José

Ashley_O, Sep 2026

Exceeds Expectations

This was a phenomenal experience- we still talk about it almost a year later (I’m traveling for another trip and realized I didn’t finish my review). It was a small group (4) and an incredibly hands on experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat, we had so much fun.

Pura Vida Cooking Class in La Fortuna from Farm to Table

Joscilynn_K, Sep 2026

We had such a wonderful...

We had such a wonderful experience with this cooking class! From beginning to end, everything was organized, welcoming, and so much fun. Dionis was an amazing guide and made the experience enjoyable and informative. You could tell he genuinely cared about making sure everyone was having a great time and getting the most out of the experience. Alice, our chef who helped us throughout the cooking class, was absolutely wonderful! She was patient, helpful, and made cooking everything feel easy and enjoyable. We loved getting hands-on and actually learning how to prepare the food instead of just watching someone else do it. It was such a fun way to experience a little more of the Costa Rican culture and food. The entire experience was relaxed, fun, and something we will definitely remember from our trip to Costa Rica. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and the food was delicious! We truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I would absolutely recommend this cooking class to anyone visiting Costa Rica! If you have the opportunity to take this class, definitely do it. Dionis and Alice were both amazing, and they made an already great experience even better. 🇨🇷❤️

Farm to Table Cooking Class

Kaleigh_F, Aug 2026

Must do for food lovers!

Andres was our instructor and he was absolutely incredible. The activity starts with a tour of the farm (pet the baby goats!). Andres explained the different fruits and plants that are important to Costa Rica and how they are used or prepared. What follows is an absolutely incredible cooking experience. We made civeche, chicken fried rice, and empanadas. The food was absolutely delicious and we had so much fun with our instructor. 10/10!!!

Private Native Caribbean Cooking in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Janelle_G, Jul 2026

Second time taking the class!

This was my second time taking a group to the cooking class, and each time, it has been fantastic! It's such a personal way to learn about the region, the culture, and have some out-of-this-world food! Both groups I've taken have been high school-aged, and they are always raving about the experience afterward. If you're wondering if you should give it a try, don't think twice!

Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos

Amanda_D, Jun 2026

Must do activity !

We loved Los Suenos Adventure Park so much we came back another day to do their chocolate experience. This was an informational tour as well as interactive. Mary was our tour guide and she did a wonderful job with keeping this tour engaging with the information she provided. Mary was so impressive with the way she explained the necessary steps it takes to make chocolate from a cocoa bean. Once you get the plant/bean tour you get to step into the kitchen where they break down how to actually make the chocolate and this is where it gets interactive. Jordan, along with Mary, then assist with all the steps necessary to go from bean to chocolate. During this time you are eating and trying the different process of chocolate throughout. We were so blown a way with how fun this experience was and how memorable our time was! Definitely a must do experience.

Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcane Tour La Fortuna

Kimberly_P, Jun 2026

I ended up being solo on...

I ended up being solo on the tour, it didn't stop me and my tour guide Jason from having a good time. The tour was not rushed, very informative, and Jason was very knowledgeable on everything we spoke about. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants a laid back tour. Oh and you'll get full off drinking coffee, eating chocolate, cacao fruit, and drinking sugarcane juice.

Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class

Haley_M, Jun 2026

An Unforgettable Experience in Costa Rica!

This cooking class was hands down one of the highlights of our entire wedding week in Costa Rica! From the moment we arrived, we felt like family. We were greeted by the sweetest host, who immediately made us feel at home. Before we even started cooking, he took my wife and me to see a sloth living in one of their trees and introduced us to their wonderful rescue dogs. We were so touched to learn about the incredible work they do fostering and helping dogs find homes all over the world. The class itself was amazing. We learned how to make delicious tropical drinks, fresh ceviche, and authentic empanadas from scratch. Every step was explained in a way that was easy to follow, and you could truly feel the passion and love that went into teaching. The food was absolutely incredible and some of the best we had during our entire trip! What made this experience so special wasn’t just the food, though. It was the warmth, hospitality, and genuine care that our chef and hosts shared with us. It felt less like a cooking class and more like being welcomed into someone’s home and culture. I honestly can’t recommend this experience enough. It was fun, interactive, delicious, and filled with memories we’ll cherish forever. As two wives celebrating our wedding week in Costa Rica, this became one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip, and one we’ll never forget. Thank you for making us feel so welcome and creating such a special memory for us. ❤️🇨🇷 Pura Vida! 🌴🍹🥟🦥🐾

Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience

Kim_M, May 2026

My favorite activity from my trip

I loved this experience so much. Chela is an amazing woman who loves to share her knowledge and love of food with others. She is so engaging and passionate about what she does. And she is doing so many good things in her community. She was hands on and let us do most of the cooking. This is 100% worth doing.

Volcano, Waterfalls, Zipline, Hot Springs Full Day Tour

Andrea_A, Apr 2026

Literally Everything!

Fernando was an awesome guide. Thoughtful, informative and kind. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our excursion. We enjoyed great coffee, saw beautiful birds, iguanas and a sloth that showed out!!! It was moving soooo much lol. We’d definitely do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks, Fernando!

Hands-On Costa Rican Bread Making Workshop in Monteverde

Jennifer_A, Mar 2026

Amazing food made by a wonderful and funny family

We love doing local food tours but had never done a cooking class before today. My husband loves baking/cooking and we thought it was be amazing to not only eat local, but learn how to make it ourselves as well. Yolanda and Orlando were our teachers and they were fantastic throughout. We ended up with a private class which was also pretty cool. The empanadas were incredibly delicious, especially with sugar cane water and The bread was a perfect way to wrap it up. We even had extra that will make great snacks/breakfast tomorrow. The farm itself is beautiful, with stunning views. I can’t wait to get home and try to make these ourselves now. Thank you so much for this unique experience and for opening your homes to us!!

Hands on chocolate making class. From bean to bar, Puerto Viejo

Naomi_P, Feb 2026

Deep dive into chocolate!

Everyone in our group adored this experience! We all adore chocolate and it was wonderful to learn about the history of cacao and how our consumption of it has changed over hundreds of years. Ansel's love for the cacao tree and passion for chocolate is beautiful to witness and she has created the perfect experience for people who love to learn (and eat chocolate)!