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People at a food stall with a menu board and a soda machine in the background. 1
A person in a red apron with a coffee logo preparing food on a table. 2
A person cutting a pineapple at a market stall. 3
Teatro Nacional with ornate sculptures and columns. 4
A market with people and green bananas. 5
By San José Urban Tours

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp533.507 per adult

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

    • Explore Borbón & Central Markets and sample exotic tropical fruits.b
    • Taste 100-year-old ice cream recipes at iconic Lolo Mora
    • Discover the National Theatre and historic landmarks with a local guide
    • Make sweet plantain empanadas and taste local family-made tamales

Activity location

    • San Jose
    • San Jose, San José, Costa Rica

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Av. central y 1, calles 2 y 4, C. 4, Paso De La Vaca, San José, Costa Rica | Meet at the Los Presentes Monument in front of the Central Bank of San Jose, between Avenue 1 and Avenue Central.
    • San José, San José, Costa Rica

Check availability

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English
Price details
Rp533.507 x 1 AdultRp533.507
Total
Price is Rp533.507
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What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Local fruit samples at the Borbon Market
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Artisanal Ice Cream in the Central Market
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Walk through beautiful parks like National and Morazan Park
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Visit to the lobby of the National Theatre
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Visit The Cathedral of San Jose
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Make your own sweet plantain empanadas with cheese
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Taste Agua de Sapo (sugar cane, ginger and lemon)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Taste green banana caldosa corn chips
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Coffee tasting
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Any other food and drinks
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Tips

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: Luggage or large bags
  • Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments, Pregnant women

What you can expect

Get an up-close look at everyday Costa Rican life through its vibrant food, rich history, and deep-rooted agricultural traditions. On this immersive guided walking tour, you'll stroll the lively streets alongside an expert local guide who will show you the true pulse of San José. Our journey begins at the iconic Mercado Borbón, a sensory overload of tropical sights, colours, and aromas. Here, you'll witness the unique daily bustle of local vendors, learn about exotic native plants, tropical fruits, and traditional culinary spices, while sampling an array of fresh, seasonal produce straight from local farms.

Next, we’ll head to the San José Central Market, the city’s largest and oldest market, founded in 1880. As we navigate its fascinating mazes, you'll soak in over a century of tradition and treat your tastebuds to a delicious scoop at Lolo Mora, a legendary ice cream parlour serving secret family recipes since 1901. Along the way, we’ll connect the dots between food and history. You'll stroll past San José’s most iconic architectural landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the majestic National Theatre, and the historic Central and Morazán Parks, discovering the stories that shaped modern Costa Rica.

Next to the Morazan Park we’ll visit Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop, a hidden gem dedicated to speciality coffee and artisanal chocolates. Here, you'll learn the traditional art of brewing Café Chorreado, savour authentic local dishes like green plantain picadillo and family-made tamales wrapped in banana leaves, makes sweet plantain empanadas before concluding your adventure in the city of Pura Vida, learning about history, culture, and the daily lives of the local people.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • San Jose
    • San Jose, San José, Costa Rica

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Av. central y 1, calles 2 y 4, C. 4, Paso De La Vaca, San José, Costa Rica | Meet at the Los Presentes Monument in front of the Central Bank of San Jose, between Avenue 1 and Avenue Central.
    • San José, San José, Costa Rica