Costa Rica: Farm to Table Cooking Class with Outdoor Fire

Summary

Pick, cook & eat on a real Costa Rican farm with locals

You’ll walk through a real Costa Rican farm picking fresh ingredients with locals, learn traditional cooking over an open wood fire, and share a home-cooked lunch or dinner outdoors. Expect laughter, new flavors, and stories you’ll want to tell later—plus maybe some dirt on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my shoes to get muddy so fast — that’s how our farm to table cooking class near San José started. There was this earthy smell everywhere, even before we reached the garden rows. Our host, Marta, handed me a basket and pointed out some cilantro I’d never seen growing before (it’s different here, sharper somehow). She laughed when I tried to pronounce “culantro” like a local — I probably butchered it. The sun kept slipping in and out of the clouds, and you could hear chickens somewhere behind the trees. It felt like being let in on a family secret.

We picked what was in season — Marta said it changes every week — and then carried everything back to their outdoor kitchen. The wood-fire stove was already burning low, sending up this smoky-sweet smell that clung to my shirt for hours after. She showed us how to grind corn by hand for tortillas (my arms still remember), and explained why her grandmother always used banana leaves instead of plates. There were pauses while we waited for things to cook, just listening to the birds or asking questions about old Costa Rican recipes. It wasn’t rushed at all; nobody seemed in a hurry except maybe me when I got hungry.

Sitting down together at the long wooden table felt like the best part — everyone passing bowls around, eating with fingers sometimes because it tasted better that way. The food was simple but I swear I haven’t had rice and beans like that since. Maybe it was the fresh herbs or just the feeling of having picked them myself? Hard to say. Anyway, if you’re looking for a day trip from San José that’s more than just watching someone cook, this is it. Still think about those smoky tortillas sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Farm to table cooking experience

• Walk in organic farm to collect ingredients
• Prepare food in outdoor wood-fire kitchen
• Learn about plants and Costa Rican culture
• Enjoy the cooked meal together

Top questions

Is pickup included for this farm to table cooking class?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included but public transportation options are available nearby.

Do I need any cooking experience?

No experience needed—the guide explains every step and answers questions as you go.

What meals are provided during the class?

You’ll enjoy either lunch or dinner at the end of your cooking session.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed at the farm during your visit.

How long does the day trip from San José take?

The exact timing depends on your location but plan for several hours including walking and cooking time.

Will we pick our own ingredients from the farm?

Yes, you’ll collect seasonal ingredients from the organic farm before cooking.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Your hosts speak English and explain Costa Rican culture and techniques throughout.

What’s included

Your experience includes a hands-on ingredient harvest from the organic farm, step-by-step instruction with a local host in an open-air wood-fire kitchen, plus a full lunch or dinner shared at the table before heading home—public transport is nearby and service animals are welcome too.