San Jose Food Tour: Markets, Coffee Workshop & Tastings

Summary

San Jose’s flavors from markets to coffee rituals in one walk

You’ll wander San Jose’s lively markets tasting fresh fruits, century-old ice cream, and homemade tamales before learning Costa Rican coffee rituals with locals. Expect laughter over new flavors and stories you’ll carry home long after the last sip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to get lost so quickly — not literally, but in the way you do when the city just sweeps you up. Our guide, Andrea, met us by the Monumento de los Presentes (she called it “the silent rebellion” — I liked that) and right away explained why addresses in San Jose make no sense. It felt like she was letting us in on a local joke. There was this morning buzz everywhere: vendors setting up, buses rumbling past, the air thick with fruit and fried dough smells.

The Borbón Market was first. I’ve never seen so many colors crammed into such tight aisles — mangoes stacked next to giant green bananas, and some fruit I still can’t pronounce. Andrea handed me something called pejibaye; she told me to eat it with mayonnaise (I did, it’s… different). The vendors seemed to know her, nodding or waving as we passed. Someone was slicing pineapple and the juice hit my hand. I wiped it on my jeans without thinking.

Central Market felt older somehow — tiled floors worn smooth, old men playing cards at a counter. We tried ice cream at a shop that’s been there over 100 years; it tasted faintly of cinnamon and something floral I couldn’t place. At one point Andrea stopped to chat with an herbalist about folk remedies for stomach aches (I only caught half of it — my Spanish is terrible), but she translated enough for us to laugh together about “agua de sapo” which is actually ginger lemonade, not frog water like I guessed.

The walking part took us past the cathedral (quiet inside except for footsteps echoing) and then the National Theater — just the entrance hall, but even that felt grand. By then my feet hurt a little but I didn’t care because we ended up at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop upstairs where a family served tamales wrapped in banana leaves and showed us how to brew café chorreado using what looked like a sock on a stick (it works!). We made plantain empanadas too; mine fell apart but nobody minded. The coffee smelled deep and earthy — that’s what stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore San Jose markets and landmarks

• Start at Monumento de los Presentes
• Discuss city culture and resilience
• Explain difficulty finding addresses
• Visit Borbón Market for fresh fruits
• Explore Central Market and local vendors
• Visit historic Cathedral of San José
• Tour entrance hall of National Theater
• Walk through Spain Park
• Learn history at La Laguna Plaza
• Enjoy meal and cooking class at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop

Top questions

How long does this San Jose food tour last?

The walking food tour typically lasts around 4 hours from start to finish.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

Yes, vegetarians and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated if notified in advance.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at a central location in San Jose.

What foods are sampled during the tour?

You’ll try local fruits at Borbón Market, traditional tamales, plantain empanadas, ice cream from Central Market, caldosa corn chips, and specialty coffee.

How many people are in each group?

The groups are capped at 12 people for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, all ages are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during any seated portions.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No Spanish is required; your local guide will translate as needed throughout the day trip.

Does the tour include entry fees or extra costs?

Tastings and experiences described are included; there are no additional entry fees during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all market tastings—fresh fruits at Borbón Market, century-old ice cream at Central Market—and hands-on cooking of tamales and plantain empanadas at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop. You’ll also enjoy specialty Costa Rican coffee brewed traditionally plus Agua de Sapo lemonade along the way before finishing back in central San Jose with your small group guide leading throughout.