Costa Rica Jungle Culinary Experience

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a representative will meet you and escort you to your transport for transfer to your hotel in San José. This evening is yours to relax and settle in at your accommodation or take a gentle stroll around the neighbourhood to get a first impression of Costa Rica’s bustling capital. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at Silvestre Restaurant, set in a charming 1930s house within one of San José’s most distinguished historic districts. The menu offers contemporary dishes crafted from traditional Costa Rican ingredients, served in an elegant colonial setting enhanced by fine art and live music. Overnight in San José.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your morning with a coffee at the Borbón Market. Take time to explore the market, discover the region’s agricultural heritage, and visit a local folk medicine stall where remedies are said to address everything from hangovers to heartache. Next, head to the Central Market, housed in a building over 120 years old, where you can sample authentic local dishes, learn about traditional medicinal herbs, or enjoy a second rich, smooth coffee. In the afternoon, we visit a coffee farm in Barva de Heredia for a guided tour through the entire coffee production process—from nursery to harvest. Surrounded by the distinctive aroma of coffee, you will see how the beans are roasted and packed to ensure quality from plantation to cup. Learn the expert technique of ‘cupping’ to taste and evaluate coffee, identifying the qualities that make it gourmet. After the tour, we return to your hotel in San José for the evening.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a chocolate tasting experience led by chocolatier Alex. Discover the history of cacao and explore the plantation, sampling fresh cacao fruits while learning about the chocolate-making process. Your tour concludes with a lunch featuring dishes infused with cacao oil and garnished with cocoa nibs, followed by a cacao-based dessert and a spiced chocolate drink flavoured with ingredients such as chilli, vanilla, anise, achiote and pepper. Later, visit the Hernandez family to learn about their project reviving traditional Costa Rican recipes that have faded over time. Share in their warm hospitality as you sample a variety of unique dishes made from unfamiliar local ingredients. You will also have the chance to explore their botanical garden, home to over 500 species of organically grown orchids. Overnight in San José.

After breakfast, we check out and begin our journey to Arenal Volcano National Park. En route, we stop at Sarapiquí to visit Finca Sura, an organic farm where crops grow in harmony with nature. Here, wildlife such as birds and foxes are welcomed rather than deterred, reflecting a balanced ecosystem. Unlike conventional pineapple farms that speed up ripening with gases, Finca Sura allows pineapples to mature naturally, resulting in some of the sweetest and juiciest fruit you’ll ever taste. In the afternoon, we relax at the Eco Termales Hot Springs, where pools range from 32°C to 41°C, offering a tranquil setting at the foot of Arenal Volcano. The day concludes with a buffet dinner before transferring to your hotel in Arenal for overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, located near the Nicaraguan border in a marshy, flood-prone jungle area. This remote refuge is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Caño Negro is also a vital migratory route for over 200 species of birds. We will explore the slow-moving Río Frío, which winds through canyons before reaching Caño Negro Lake. As we glide along the river by boat, you can expect to see a range of wildlife including howler, spider and white-faced monkeys, three-toed sloths, caimans, turtles, and the remarkable ‘Jesus Christ Lizard’ that runs on water. There is even the chance to spot the fin of a freshwater shark cutting through the surface. Lunch is included at the end of the excursion. You will then have the afternoon free to relax and enjoy Arenal at your own pace. Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a hands-on cooking experience at La Casa Rústica, located at the base of Arenal Volcano. Led by chef Scott Alan and local experts, this tropical masterclass offers a lively introduction to local ingredients, grilling techniques and cocktail preparation using freshly picked fruits. Whether you choose to actively cook alongside the chefs or simply observe and take notes, the stunning backdrop of Arenal Volcano combined with good food and company creates an authentic Costa Rican atmosphere. Once the class concludes, we will continue to Tamarindo Beach on the North Pacific Coast. After checking into your hotel, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax and explore this vibrant coastal town.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before spending the day at your own pace in Tamarindo. The beach’s turquoise waters and golden sands provide an ideal setting to relax, read, or simply watch the surfers in action. Refresh yourself with fresh coconut water or take a swim in the Pacific. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of optional activities available, including guided snorkelling tours, ATV excursions, and sunset catamaran cruises. In the evening, return to the beach to witness a stunning sunset over the water. You may choose to enjoy this moment from the sand or from one of the many beach bars and restaurants offering al fresco dining. Overnight in Tamarindo.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the journey back to San José. This marks the final day of your tour and the time to bid farewell to Costa Rica. You will be transferred to Juan Santamaría International Airport in good time for your onward flight. We recommend booking a departure after 13:00 to avoid an early start. Breakfast is included.