San José: Dinner & Folk Dance Show with City View

Summary

Folk dances at sunset city views wine and laughter in san josé hills

You’ll ride up into San José’s hills for dinner in a historic home with city views, sip a welcome cocktail, taste Costa Rican dishes with wine or beer, then watch (and maybe join) a lively folk dance show—all with pickup included. It’s one of those evenings where you end up feeling part of something local and real.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s laughing as the van winds up into the hills above San José—turns out it’s our guide, Maribel, teasing us about the way locals pronounce “casado.” I’m still clutching my little welcome cocktail when we step onto the old wooden porch of this 19th-century house. The air smells like wet earth and something floral (maybe from the gardens?) and there’s this soft hum from the city lights below. I didn’t expect to feel so instantly at home, but Maribel just waves us inside like she’s inviting friends for dinner.

We wander through rooms lined with old photos and antiques—she points out a faded portrait of her great-aunt who apparently danced here too. Dinner is slow and warm: gallo pinto that tastes smoky, a glass of wine (or beer if you want), and even veggie options for my friend who’s always worried about that stuff. The view keeps pulling your eyes back out the window; you can see all of San José flickering as the sun drops behind the mountains. At one point I just sat there holding my fork, kind of forgetting to eat.

Then music starts up—sharp drumbeats, bright costumes swirling past our table. The folk dance show feels less like a performance and more like a family party you’ve lucked into. Maribel claps along and nudges us to try a few steps (I’m hopeless but nobody minds). There’s this moment when everyone is laughing together, locals and visitors mixed up in it all. I still think about that night sometimes—the way it felt both special and totally relaxed, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dinner and dance show in San José

• Pick up at 5:00 p.m.
• Travel 25 minutes to mountain restaurant
• Enjoy welcome cocktail and city views
• Tour 19th century Costa Rican house
• Explore museums, gardens, and viewpoints
• Have Costa Rican dinner with drinks
• Watch one-hour folk dance show

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this San José dinner tour?

Yes, pickup is included from central locations in San José at 5:00 p.m.

What kind of food is served during the Costa Rican dinner?

The dinner features typical Costa Rican dishes with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Does this tour include drinks?

You get one alcoholic beverage per person (wine or beer), plus non-alcoholic choices.

How long does it take to reach the restaurant from San José?

The drive takes about 25 minutes from downtown San José to the restaurant in the hills.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join this folk dance dinner experience?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will there be a guide during the evening?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the evening to share stories and help translate if needed.

Are there gardens or viewpoints for photos?

Yes, there are gardens and several viewpoints around the historic house for taking photos.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip pickup from San José hotels or meeting points, entry to a 19th-century hilltop restaurant with panoramic city views, a welcome cocktail on arrival, full Costa Rican dinner with your choice of wine or beer (plus non-alcoholic options), vegetarian or vegan meals if needed, access to on-site museums and gardens for photos—and an hour-long folk dance show before heading back down to town.