San Jose: Pura Vida Experience Tour: Tapas, Traditional Masks and Escazu Visit
4 h
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Setting off from the beautiful National Theatre Building, you’ll instantly fall in love with San Jose’s beauty. Fortunately, this city has so much more to offer, so you still have loads to look forward to! Together we’ll stroll the ‘route of the churches’ passing historical churches like the Cathedral and La Merced and your guide will fill you in on the history behind the graffiti that you’ll see along the way, giving you a taste of contemporary Costa Rican life.
After our walk through the historical center of San Jose, we’ll board public transport and make our way to one of the oldest cities in Costa Rica, Escazu, known for its spooky witch-related folklore. On our way to the city of the witches, you’ll spot La Sabana Metropolitan Park, which used to be the San Jose international airport.
Full of knowledge, secrets, and inspiration, we’ll shift gears to delicious, authentic Costa Rican cuisine. We’ll venture to a 100-year-old restaurant that’s known for its traditional fare, and where you’ll get a real taste of Costa Rica, with a choice of over 20 different Costa Rican tapas! After lunch we’ll taste chicha, a traditional local drink that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. Our beverage will also prepare us for one of the coolest local traditions: Costa Rican masks and masquerade, and we’re taking you straight to the legends. We’ll pay a visit to a legendary local master’s house, where three generations of the same family have been making some of the country’s most beautiful masks for celebrations and special holidays. Here we’ll be privy to his creative genius, and he’ll let us in on the family’s secrets for making Costa Rica’s most famous masks.
By the end of this San Jose tour, you’ll feel so much like a local, we bet you’ll be speaking Costa Rican Spanish and everything!
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After our walk through the historical center of San Jose, we’ll board public transport and make our way to one of the oldest cities in Costa Rica, Escazu, known for its spooky witch-related folklore. On our way to the city of the witches, you’ll spot La Sabana Metropolitan Park, which used to be the San Jose international airport.
Full of knowledge, secrets, and inspiration, we’ll shift gears to delicious, authentic Costa Rican cuisine. We’ll venture to a 100-year-old restaurant that’s known for its traditional fare, and where you’ll get a real taste of Costa Rica, with a choice of over 20 different Costa Rican tapas! After lunch we’ll taste chicha, a traditional local drink that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. Our beverage will also prepare us for one of the coolest local traditions: Costa Rican masks and masquerade, and we’re taking you straight to the legends. We’ll pay a visit to a legendary local master’s house, where three generations of the same family have been making some of the country’s most beautiful masks for celebrations and special holidays. Here we’ll be privy to his creative genius, and he’ll let us in on the family’s secrets for making Costa Rica’s most famous masks.
By the end of this San Jose tour, you’ll feel so much like a local, we bet you’ll be speaking Costa Rican Spanish and everything!
Included
- Local English speaking guides
- Traditional Costa Rican Tapas
- Local Transportation
- Masquerade Show
- Chicha drink
- Cup of organic coffee
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Beverages
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please wear comfortable, casual clothing for walking
- This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
- The temperature drops in the late afternoon, so please bring light jackets and/or long sleeved shirts.
- For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
- Porras Bakery is closed on Sundays
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
80%
Food
25%
Reviews
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This was a terrible experience, our tour guide was not very informed. The fact that we started in San Jose at the national Theater and ended up in Escazu and had to pay for an Uber back was not very professional. I would not recommend this tour to anyone.
My wife and I had the most intimate and enjoyable time with our Guide Catalina. Her English was very good and was pleasant to talk to! We learned a lot about the culture and ate some amazing local food! Would love to come back someday!
I was the only person on this tour, but that did not diminish the excitement that Claris had. I did not have any concerns about being the only one and in fact felt privileged that I was able to take this tour. Claris was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Our guide, Eric, was experienced, educated, and kind. A great day! Highly recommended.
The central market was a highlight for us because we love souvenirs shopping and this place is the place to go for that ! They have everything!!! From clothing to food to little trinkets. The lunch included was delicious and filling! Highly recommend!!
Our guide Eric was very careful in his detailed explanations. Highly recommended!