- The International Kitchen
- Costa Rica
Our Costa Rica Cooking Vacations
There’s a reason our culinary tours in Costa Rica are so popular
The Wonders of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a great destination to enjoy culture, natural wonders, and beaches. Our programs offer a variety of excursions and exclusive gastronomic experiences unique to each destination!
Find yourself transported to a tropical paradise as you venture through Costa Rica’s most breathtaking regions. You will visit coffee and sugarcane plantations and learn about the origins of their regional production while observing the process for yourself. You will explore national parks and beaches, allowing you to observe Costa Rica’s fascinating wildlife. It’s the ideal place to vacation, with days full of rest, relaxation and sun.
Cooking on Our Costa Rica Food Tours
What can you expect of the cooking classes on our Costa Rica food tours?
The gastronomy of Costa Rica blends modern innovation with traditional ingredients for a truly unique cuisine. The local cuisine is based on simple, easily sourced ingredients such as rice, beans, corn, and yucca. You will have the opportunity to cook with locals in their homes as well as under the guidance of professional chefs. During these classes you will enjoy a thorough introduction to traditional and contemporary Costa Rican dishes.
Read More about Costa Rican Food and Travel Tips
Costa Rica is a destination that lends itself to adventure and discovery. The country is home to over 25 national parks locations, and is known for its preservation efforts. Protected territories and national parks actually comprise around 26 percent of the entire country, leaving vast areas of the small country untouched by human development. Lush forest permeates even the densest cities and the wildlife is able to thrive in their natural habitat. The volcanic hot springs of the Arenal Volcano National Park as well as the majesty of the volcano are also not to be overlooked as you are exploring Costa Rica’s awe-inspiring natural world.
Costa Rican culinary traditions are based on indigenous recipes and local ingredients, but modern Costa Rican gastronomy is largely influenced by globalization. For instance, traditional Costa Rican cuisine is often slow-cooked in a method called “tapado,” but modern inventions like pressure cookers and rice cookers allow for faster cooking times without compromising flavor. Thanks to Costa Rica’s sustainable small farming practices, the country is able to rely almost exclusively on produce cultivated locally. Plantains are a staple in Costa Rican gastronomy, while other fruits and vegetables such as pineapple and squash vary by region.
About Our Costa Rica Wine Tours and Cooking Vacations
Costa Rica is a vibrant destination with a culture rich in diversity and gastronomic traditions. The colorful architecture and vibrant natural world couple to create a landscape that is almost fantastical in appearance and splendor. The capital city of San Jose is considered one of the safest cities to visit in Central America, with bountiful opportunities to visit museums or try classic street food such as empanadas or tamales. Outside of the bustling metropolitan centers, the country is an idyllic combination of unspoilt jungle and picturesque beaches. There are few places more uniquely paradisiacal than Costa Rica.
We also offer custom culinary tours of Costa Rica, designing cultural and foodie tours to suit any traveler.
FAQ about Costa Rica Food Tours
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What is the foodie capital of Costa Rica?
San José, the nation’s capital, stands as Costa Rica’s culinary hub, where traditional sodas (local restaurants) meet innovative farm-to-table establishments. The city’s Mercado Central and surrounding neighborhoods offer the country’s most diverse food scene, from traditional gallo pinto breakfasts to contemporary fusion cuisine. However, each region brings its own specialties — coastal Puntarenas excels in seafood, while the Arenal area showcases farm-fresh ingredients and indigenous cooking methods.
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What is the number one tourist area in Costa Rica?
The Arenal Volcano region consistently ranks as Costa Rica’s most visited destination, combining natural wonders with rich culinary traditions. Here, visitors can experience local cooking against the backdrop of an active volcano, explore coffee plantations, and discover how volcanic soil influences local agriculture. The area perfectly represents Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable tourism and farm-to-table dining, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients from nearby farms.
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What is the most eaten food in Costa Rica?
Gallo pinto, a hearty mixture of rice and beans seasoned with local spices, forms the cornerstone of Costa Rican cuisine. This dish, typically served at breakfast but enjoyed throughout the day, reflects the country’s emphasis on simple, sustainable ingredients. It’s often accompanied by locally grown plantains, fresh cheese, and corn tortillas. While each family may have their secret recipe, the basic combination represents Costa Rica’s commitment to nutritious, locally-sourced food that connects people to their agricultural heritage.
Recipes
