4h Cooking Class in San José with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Costa Rica during a small-group cooking class. Learn about the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques specific to Costa Rican cuisine from your instructor. Get your hands dirty as you prepare several authentic recipes — from crispy Carimañolas to buttery cassava dishes — all while sipping on a refreshing Guaro Sour. Enjoy a true taste of Costa Rica beyond the restaurant scene.

- Learn more about Costa Rican cuisine than you would just eating out

- Small group size allows for a more personalized and experience

- Ideal for foodies, adventurous travelers, or anyone who loves to create in the kitchen

- Enjoy unlimited drinks while you cook, and share stories with fellow travelers

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Small group for a personalized experience

All ingredients, utensils, and apron provided - nothing to bring

Recipe booklet in digital format to recreate dishes at home

5-Star Experience Guarantee - or your money back

Full meal (appetizer, main dish, dessert) + unlimited drinks

Hands-on cooking experience guided by a bilingual local chef

What To Expect

Begin your experience inside a true Costa Rican home kitchen, where authentic flavors and hands-on cooking come together. Meet your instructor and a small group to begin your culinary adventure. No experience is necessary, and you're bound to learn something new about Costa Rican cooking and culture, whether you're a novice or an expert chef. Your group will create several traditional dishes such as ceviche and patacones, plus appetizers and the classic guaro sour. As you cook, you’ll pick up techniques you can easily repeat at home, and your host will capture a few candid photos so you can remember the experience long after it ends. Follow the step-by-step guidance, taking notes if you like. Most ingredients are easy to find worldwide, making it simple to recreate everything later. You’ll also receive our digital recipe book and a curated San José Food Guide to keep exploring local flavors. When the meal is ready, sit together to enjoy the dishes you created and toast with a homemade guaro sour served in your complimentary wine glass. You leave with recipes, practical skills, meaningful moments, keepsakes - and the peace of mind of our 5-star money-back guarantee.

Sample Menu

starter

Shot: Miguelito or Chiliguaro

- Spicy or Sweet?

starter

Guaro Sour

Made with Costa Rica’s traditional Cacique liquor - OR Non-Alcoholic Drink: Agua de Sapo ( Ginger, lemon & sugar have never tasted this good)

starter

Guacamole

Everyone has a secret recipe, this is ours

starter

Ceviche

A crudo of fresh fish, veggies and lime

starter

Patacones

fried green plantain, that you can top with anything picó de gallo, mashed beans, pork ground beef, steak, guacamole

main

Caribbean Chicken

Slow cooked chicken with coconut, curry and spices

main

Gallo pinto

Rice & Beans: Heard of gallo pinto? This is the caribbean take on it

main

Ensalada rusa /Russian Salad

beet, boiled egg, onion and mayonnaise

dessert

Arroz con leche

Lovely, creamy sugary rice pudding

Options

4h Cooking Class in San José with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

Reviews

5.00

5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Interactive dining experience.
Izzy S,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The class was held at Elsa’s home, with a beautiful view of the valley. The class was very intimate, sharing with travelers from different parts of the world. Everyone shared in the cooking experience with no pressure. Pura Vida!
Cookery class
annabG5185IG,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was such a lovely evening, the cooking was fun and the food delicious! Our cookery class hosts were super friendly and we’d recommend!
Best Cooking Experience Evah!
rosalindm614,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an extraordinary experience. We had the chance to cook in a Costa Rican home and have a family style meal. Highly recommend.
Incredible food and sharing expérience ! Thanks Flore, Elsa and Nanni !
L2173SDmarcm,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Flore, Elsa and Nanni are great, they are so kind, they love to share their expériences and culture ! It was really fun to share with other visitors as well, and the food is so good ! I recommend !
Great experience
886marilua,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great time! Learnt to male stuffed bell peppers, very unique and authentic recipe. MJ the instructor asnwered all the questions and shared costarrican traditions and priceless information.