San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

4.8 (1,934 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

1,934 reviews

4.8

bananas in the Borbon Market — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

"Vibrant hues and fresh flavors converge at the bustling Borbon Fruit Market, where nature's bounty awaits to tantalize the senses. #MarketMoments #FreshFinds" — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour. You'll get up close and personal, through local food, history, culture even the herbal remedies of folk medicine. Enjoy exotic, fruits, in the Borbon Market. We’ll take a stroll through the vibrant Central Market, tasting local ice cream, Lolo Mora is over 100 years old. Seeing diverse sites the Cathedral, National Theater, the beautiful Central and Morazan parks 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 where you will find gourmet coffees and chocolates, in this special place tasting and learn to prepare Cafe Chorreado, enjoy coffee tasting, picadill, tamal cooked by local families and wrapped in a banana leaf, make your own plantain empanadas with cheese, try our famous Agua de Sapo make with ginger, sugar cane and lemon.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Street Food Tours Excellent Quality Best Conversion Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–20
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: San Jose Urban Tours

Ages: Children (5–9 years) · Adults (10–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Indulge the traditional picadillo, Green banana or pejibaye
Included: Enjoy local ice cream at the Central Market from a shop over 100 years old.
Included: Plantain empanadas classes with sugar cane and cheese are delicious and unique treat
Included: Savor Costa Rican-style tamales, wrapped in banana leaves, crafted by local families
Included: Try fresh, seasonal fruits at the Borbón Market.
Included: The tour is capped at 12 people for a personalized small-group experience.
Included: Learn to prepare Café Chorreado with award-winning vandola coffee, and Agua de Sapo infused .

Not included

Not included: Transportation: if you need to quote transportation service, write to us.
Not included: Alcoholic Beverages

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

We begin at the Monumento de los Presentes, where we'll introduce the tour by discussing how the city and its culture have endured through many changes. The monument itself personifies the typical inhabitants of the city, who are at risk of disappearing due to modernization. These figures stand firm, serious, and represent a silent rebellion against the sweeping changes around them, symbolizing resilience and the preservation of identity in the face of transformation.
Stop 2

45 min

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We will visit the Borbón Market, also known as the Market of the Carretas, where local families have proudly sold fresh fruits and vegetables for over four generations. This bustling market is a cornerstone of the community, offering a window into the daily lives of vendors who have passed down their knowledge and traditions through the years. As we explore, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant colors, scents, and flavors of the market while learning about its rich history and its essential role in sustaining the city with fresh, local produce. This market serves as both a cultural and agricultural hub, connecting the people of the city with the region’s bountiful harvests.
Central Market (Mercado Central)

one hour

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.
Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph of Costa Rica

10 min

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.
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica

10 min

Is include a visit to the entrance hall of Costa Rica’s National Theater. In the heart of San Jose, the National Theatre (Teatro Nacional) remains one of the capital city’s most popular tourist attractions.” The ornate Neo-Classical theatre is considered the finest historic building in San Jose, and is known for its exquisite interior decorated with lavish furnishings and beautiful murals.
Stop 6

45 min

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.
Morazan Park

10 min

In front of Mr. Sloth Coffee, you can find two beautiful parks: Morazán Park, which features El Templo de la Música, and Spain Park. Additionally, the Barrio Escalante area is just a 10-minute walk away.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Between Avenue one and Central Avenue on street 4, we have the Central Bank of Costa Rica, in front of the main entrance we have a Monument with several small green people, this monument is known as the Monument de los Presentes, there is where the we will be waiting to start the tour.

End point

The tour ends at Mr Sloth Coffee Shop, a very special cafeteria of fine coffees and chocolates, where we will taste coffee food and cook dessert.

Using your ticket

It is recommended to go early to the meeting point, since the roads are slow and their directions take time to understand.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Safety Tips, San Jose is a big city like any other, it is a preventive measure to dont wear flashy jewelry.
Dont eat before the tour.
The groups are 12 people with a guide.
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.