Bites and Sights - Walking Food Tour in San Jose
Get your cameras ready because you don’t want to miss a single moment of this colorful local experience. If you want to get to know San Jose as a local and taste its flavors, nothing could get you closer to authentic San Jose than walking through the streets and the markets with a local as they show you the anecdotes and outs of daily life.
On this experience you’ll get up close and personal with Costa Rican life, through local food, history, culture and even the herbal remedies of folk medicine. Enjoy a hands-on lesson on exotic plants, fruits, vegetables, and more in the Borbon Market. From here, we’ll take a stroll through the vibrant Central Market, tasting empanada and continuing along local roads towards the the Cathedral, National Theater, and the beautiful parks Morazan, will help you get to know the country and its rich history and from this experience, you’ll have another sense , taste to get more in tune with San Jose.
For the end visit Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop a store where you will find gourmet coffees and chocolates produced by women, in this special place tasting and learn to prepare coffee, enjoy a tamal , cooked by local families and wrapped in a banana leaf, learn how to make plantain empanadas with cheese, and try our famous Agua de Sapo, make with sugar cañe and lemon.
Banco Central, Monumento de los presentes
Welcome to the beginning of our walking food tour! Our journey starts at the Monumento de los Presentes, an iconic historical landmark in the heart of the city. Erected in 1983, this monument commemorates the courage and resilience of the local community during the tumultuous years of political unrest in the late 20th century. The striking sculpture, featuring intertwined human figures, symbolizes unity and the enduring spirit of the people. As we embark on this culinary adventure, let the monument's message of togetherness inspire us to explore the rich and diverse flavors that define our vibrant culture.
Borbon Markets
We will visit the Borbón Market, also known as the Market of the Carretas, where for four generations, local families have proudly served fresh fruits and vegetables. This bustling market is a cornerstone of the community, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the vendors who have passed down their knowledge and traditions through the years. As we explore, you'll experience the vibrant colors, smells, and flavors of the market, while learning about its deep-rooted history and the essential role it plays in providing fresh produce to the people of the city.
Visit to Central Market
We will visit the Central Market, established in 1880, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the foundations of Costa Rican agriculture and daily culture. This historic market is a vibrant hub of local life, offering a glimpse into the traditions and practices that have shaped Costa Rican cuisine for generations. As we explore the market, you'll discover the essential ingredients, meet local vendors, and gain insight into the agricultural practices that sustain the region. It's a perfect introduction to the rich cultural tapestry that makes Costa Rica unique.
Enjoy Central Avenue la Chola
We will continue walking along San José's Central Avenue, where we’ll take time to explain the various historic sites, houses, and monuments that line the way. One of the highlights is the **Monumento a la Chola**, which represents the Guanacastecan woman. This statue is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and cultural identity of the women from the province of Guanacaste. As we explore the avenue, you'll learn about the rich stories behind each landmark, connecting the city’s history to its present-day culture.
Central Park of San José
We will visit San José's Central Park, a site rich with history and a witness to many key political events in Costa Rica’s past. It was the first park created in the city and originally served as the location of the old Central Market. As we walk through the park, you'll learn about its transformation over the years, from being a bustling market hub to becoming a central gathering place for both locals and visitors. This park holds great significance in the development of the city and reflects the political and social changes that have shaped Costa Rica.
Enjoy of the Cathedral of San Jose
We will visit the historic Cathedral of San José, whose origins date back to 1788. This cathedral was part of a grand design involving the construction of five churches arranged to form a cross, a symbol of deep religious significance. The cathedral, built in Romanesque style, features beautiful architectural details and a serene atmosphere. Beneath its foundation lie catacombs, adding a layer of mystery and history to this sacred space. As we explore, you'll learn about the church's importance in Costa Rica's religious and cultural development, as well as the stories embedded within its walls.
Exploring four avenue on the way to National Theatre.
This area has a rich history deeply connected to the Polish Jewish community, who once settled here and contributed significantly to its development. Their influence shaped the neighborhood, adding to its cultural diversity and historical significance. Today, this vibrant area has evolved into a bustling commercial zone, where the past meets the present. As we walk through, you'll notice how the legacy of the Jewish community continues to influence the architecture and atmosphere, while modern commerce thrives, creating an intriguing blend of history and contemporary life.
San José National Theatre
We will have the opportunity to visit the National Theatre, a stunning architectural masterpiece built in 1890. This historic building is not just a symbol of artistic and cultural achievement, but also a reflection of the powerful oligarchies of the time that played a significant role in shaping modern Costa Rica. As we explore the theatre, you'll learn about its rich history, the influential figures behind its construction, and how it has become a cornerstone of Costa Rican identity. This visit offers a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that have contributed to the nation's development.
Morazan Park
After visiting the National Theatre, we’ll walk through the Parque de la Cultura, taking in its vibrant energy before heading to explore the secrets of Morazán Park. This serene space, filled with history and beauty, offers a quiet escape in the heart of the city. After our exploration, we’ll visit a must-see spot—Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop. Here, you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy some of the finest specialty coffees Costa Rica has to offer, sourced from the country’s top plantations. It’s the perfect stop to recharge and savor a unique coffee experience.
Enjoy of Mr Sloth Coffee Shop
We will visit Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop and head up to the second floor, where you'll enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring tamales made from ancient colonial recipes, lovingly prepared by a local family. You'll also have the chance to taste unique dishes such as banana ceviche, Guanacastecan ceviche, or pejibaye ceviche—authentic pre-Hispanic foods. The experience continues with a hands-on cooking class, where you'll learn how to make artisanal chocolate empanadas, all while enjoying specialty coffee brewed in traditional vandolas.
