Bites and Sights: Local Tastes of the San Jose Barrio
San Jose, Costa Rica
From USD 74.00
Office phone number: +506 4000 5730
Bites and Sights: Local Tastes of the San Jose Barrio
San Jose, Costa Rica
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Join this epic San Jose food tour for four hours of indulgent power eating, Costa Rican style! Get away from the touristy spots and discover the local neighbourhoods (barrios) where the city’s best street food can be found. Get involved in the vibrant nightlife and party with the locals. Pura vida!
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Highlights
- Discover the secrets and wonders of one of the world’s favourite foods – chocolate!
- Indulge in rich chocolate and aromatic coffee tastings
- Sample some of Costa Rica’s best liqueurs
- Get off the beaten track with a local and explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of San Jose
- Spot some of the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Blue Castle and the House of the 7 Hangings
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
In front of the National Museum
View on Google maps
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 5.00 PM
- Ending point:
Barrio Amon by the taxi station
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, all food mentioned in the itinerary and two drinks.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Throughout this awesome San Jose tour, your local guide will give you insights into local gastronomic specialties and share the best anecdotes of the city's history and local everyday life. You are sure to meet some of the local characters in the barrio and perhaps even get drawn into a conversation. You just never know what the night has in store!
Your guide will lead you towards Barrio Amon and Aranjuez, the pictures home to some of Costa Rica’s most historic buildings. Our first stop will be at a cosy little chocolate makers, where they just happen to dabble in excellent Caribbean cuisine on the side. We will try a selection of traditional Caribbean dishes alongside some fine Costa Rican chocolate — heavenly!
Our stroll will continue through the National Park and past the charming Atlantic Rail Road Station until we reach Barrio Amon. It is here that we’ll begin our foodie adventure, at a cosy little chocolate maker’s, who just happens to dabble in excellent Caribbean cuisine on the side. We will try a selection of traditional Caribbean dishes alongside some fine Costa Rican chocolate — heavenly!
We’ll then navigate our way through a labyrinth of pretty backstreets that still retain their old-world ambience. Our next stop is a hamburger restaurant where you’ll try a Costa Rican-style hamburger made with a delicious homemade tomato and achiote bread. Costa Rican burgers taste even better washed down with a fruity sangria, so we’ll go and pick up one of those too!
We’ll then enter the Barrio Otoya, the multicultural heart of the neighbourhood, to admire its street art. We’ll also spot the creepy House of the 7 Hangings and find out why it has such a macabre moniker.
Our next culinary pit stop is a typical cafeteria, where we’ll indulge in a coffee tasting that will definitely leave you feeling energised! Costa Rican coffee beans are some of the best in the world and your taste buds will find out why on this tour.
Next up is La Fabrica Nacional de Licores where you’ll learn about the popular pastime of producing homemade alcohol and why it used to be penalised. The locals’ favourite illegal tipple, guaro, which is made from sugar cane, used to be made in secret locales before being traded on the black market. We’ll pull up a chair here and try a few shots of our favourite local liqueurs.
Our walking tour will continue (possibly with wobbly legs!) past historical parks and iconic local buildings, along a walkway known by locals as the ‘Lady Path,’ where you’ll see more graffiti and find out the meaning behind it.
Then, because we think the best way to get to know San Jose is to eat like a local, we’ll do just that, with a visit to one of our (and the city’s) favourite contemporary restaurants, mixing the charm of a lively neighbourhood joint with delicious local food and a pinch of sophistication.
Your tour ends here but the night is young! Don’t hesitate to ask your local guide where to go next on your San Jose night out. Don’t forget either to ask for hints and tips on what else there is to see and do in the city during your stay.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, all food mentioned in the itinerary and two drinks.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Comfortable shoes are recommended
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children under 12 years old are not allowed on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +506 4000 5730
Email address: info@sanjoseurbanadventures.com
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