Jaco: Traditional Food Tour with Street Eats & Local Drinks

Summary

Traditional eats murals and local drinks along Jaco Beach

You’ll wander Jaco’s lively streets tasting fresh chorreadas hot off the griddle, dig into caldosa by the beach, sip cold Costa Rican beers and spicy chiliguaro shots with locals—and end on a sweet note with Churchill ice cream as sunset colors spill over murals. It’s messy, loud, delicious—and you’ll probably want seconds.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I saw the line at the first street vendor in Jaco. But then our guide, Diego, just grinned and said, “That’s how you know it’s good.” So we waited for these chorreadas — hot corn tortillas, kind of sweet, a little smoky from the griddle. There was this smell of warm masa in the air that reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen back home (even though she never made these). I tried to say “chorreada” right; Diego laughed and told me not to worry about my accent. That broke the ice for everyone.

Next up was caldosa — which is basically crunchy corn chips loaded with ceviche. We ate it standing by Jaco Beach, shoes off in the sand. The lime hit first, then the cilantro, then a crunch that echoed over the sound of waves and some reggaeton from a passing bike. I didn’t expect to like ceviche with chips but… yeah, I’d do it again tomorrow. On Thursdays there’s a stop at the farmers’ market — we caught it by chance and ended up sampling weird fruits I still can’t pronounce. One tasted like cucumber mixed with pineapple? No idea what it was called but everyone was laughing at my face trying it.

Somewhere between murals splashed across concrete walls and a quick chiliguaro shot (that stuff burns — but in a good way), I realized how much food here is about hanging out together. At one little beachfront spot they served us seafood straight from the morning catch; even the beer tasted colder after all that sun. Later, Diego brought us to his favorite bar for chifrijo — crispy pork on beans with salsa — and a Michelada that fixed whatever heat was left in my cheeks from before.

We finished with Churchill — not the guy, but this wild dessert piled high with shaved ice, condensed milk, syrupy fruit. The vendor winked when he handed mine over because I’d asked for extra leche condensada (I regret nothing). Walking back through Jaco as dusk settled felt like coming down from a sugar rush — voices mixing with ocean breeze and the last bit of sunlight catching on painted walls. Still think about that chifrijo sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jaco's traditional food and culture

• Taste chorreadas from street vendor
• Try caldosa with Costa Rican ceviche
• Stroll along Jaco Beach and see murals
• Visit local farmers’ market (Thursdays)
• Enjoy a chiliguaro shot from vendor
• Relax at beachfront restaurant with drinks and seafood
• Try a second chiliguaro variation
• Sip Michelada and eat chifrijo at local bar
• Have a Churchill ice cream dessert
• Learn about Jaco’s culture, art, and history

Top questions

What foods are included on this Jaco food tour?

The tour usually includes chorreadas (corn tortillas), caldosa (ceviche on chips), chifrijo (crispy pork and beans), seafood dishes, and Churchill dessert. Dishes may vary depending on day or season.

Is alcohol included in the food tour?

Yes, two Costa Rican beers (or non-alcoholic drinks) and one chiliguaro shot are included during the tour.

Does this food tour visit Jaco Beach?

Yes, several stops are along or near Jaco Beach—including tastings enjoyed right by the sand.

How long does the Jaco traditional food tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect an afternoon stroll with multiple stops for tastings and drinks.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

The description doesn’t mention vegetarian options specifically—some dishes contain meat or seafood.

Are all tastings included in the price?

Yes—all food tastings listed are included in your booking fee.

Who leads this food tour in Jaco?

A professional local guide leads each group—sharing stories about Jacó’s culture and food along the way.

Do you visit local markets during this tour?

If your tour falls on Thursday you’ll visit Jacó’s farmers’ market for fresh produce tastings.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all street food tastings—like chorreadas hot from a vendor grill, caldosa by Jaco Beach, chifrijo at a favorite bar—plus two Costa Rican beers or soft drinks and one chiliguaro shot. A professional guide leads every step; no extra fees or hidden costs along the way.