Experience the Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine in La Fortuna
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Flavors of Costa Rica
Experience hands-on cooking at Arenal Puesta del Sol, nestled in the lush landscapes of La Fortuna. This culinary adventure is designed to connect you with the essence of local culture, blending traditional techniques with the freshest ingredients straight from the garden.
A Meal to Remember
Once your dish is ready, gather with other participants to enjoy your creations while taking in the stunning views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Savor the fresh flavors, celebrate your efforts, and take home recipes to recreate these beloved dishes in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a curious beginner, this class promises a delightful blend of learning, culture, and flavor. With options for both meat lovers and vegans, it’s a feast for every palate. Let the vibrant cuisine and warm hospitality of Arenal Puesta del Sol inspire your taste buds and soul.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
What To Expect
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica with a hands-on cooking class at Arenal Puesta del Sol, set in the lush landscapes of La Fortuna. This unique culinary experience starts with a tour of the organic garden, where you’ll handpick fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, tropical fruits, and spices. Guided by a local chef, you’ll learn traditional techniques and prepare iconic Costa Rican dishes tailored to the time of day. In the morning, create Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s signature breakfast, accompanied by handmade tortillas, tropical smoothies, and eggs or vegan tofu. For lunch, craft a hearty Casado, pairing grilled chicken, fish, or vegan jackfruit with rice, beans, and plantains. Evening sessions focus on stews or roasted vegetable dishes, paired with yucca chips, avocado salad, and sweet desserts like caramelized plantains. Savor your creation while enjoying stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Perfect for all skill levels, with vegan and non-vegan options available!
Sample Menu
main
Orange Chicken
Marinated chicken fillet, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, handmade tortilla, fruit juice, sangria, and dessert.
main
Fish in passion fruit sauce
Fish fillet in passion fruit sauce, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, handmade tortilla, fruit juice, sangria, and dessert.
Options
Experience the Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine in La Fortuna
What‘s Included
Tortilla Making Experience
Starter, Main Dish, and Dessert
Local Shot (Chiliguaro), Sangria & Natural Juice
Garden Tour & Sugar Cane Experience
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
Vegan, Vege, or gluten-free options are available
Cooking Class
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
So happy to have learned beautiful Costa Rican recipes!
Heather N,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ivannia and Greivin are such warm hosts that welcomed us with gorgeous and delicious drinks. You'll first tour their stingless beehives and sample different honeys, make cane sugar juice, and wander through their dreamy organic garden where they pick different things for you to sample. Next we cut and prepped our ingredients and cooked outside on a fire stove. We made a traditional costa rican casada with chicken, pico de gallo, vegetable medley, and plantains. Ivannia accommodated my son's sweet tooth with a honey plantain receipe that he loved. We enjoyed our delicious and very filling meal in their beautiful outdoor restaurant. My kids and I loved the experience, food, and warm company which included 2 of the sweetest dogs. The recipes are so easy to follow that I plan on replicating them when we get back home. Thank you for letting us bring some of Costa Rica back with us!
Must have dinner experience!
Rhiannon B,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing! We learned about the different bees and honey they produce on their farm. We picked the herbs from their garden. And made an amazing dinner.
THE BEST
madisonhQ6712ST,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Food was amazing and guided were the best. They aided us in cooking along with showing us their garden and local animals. As well as providing many great beverages. I had a great time.
Amazing
Janae R,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazinggggg. The employees are amazing and so kind. They walked us through everything thoroughly. I highly recommend doing it for sure. They are all so kind
We had a wonderful time...
Gerald B,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time at this cooking class. The two women leading the instruction were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing their culture and cuisine. We especially enjoyed learning about the different types of honey produced by different bees and tasting the fresh herbs and spices grown in their garden. The experience was hands-on, informative, and a lot of fun. What stood out most was their kindness. My wife accidentally left her glasses behind, and one of the women personally drove them back to our hotel. That level of care was truly appreciated. We highly recommend this class to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience.
Cooking experience
Pam J,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super relaxing, informative, accommodates children extremely well. We are a family of 13 with 7 being children all under age of 11. Meal was delicious and VERY filling. We loved the host. Well worth the money.
An authentic experience that exceeded my expectations.
Debbie S,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our group of 8 family members and friends,came to this cooking class expecting to learn a few recipes, but we left with so much more. Definitely a deeper appreciation for Costa Rican culture, and unforgettable memories. By the end of class Yvanya and her team felt more Iike family than hosts. Yvanya welcomed us with genuine warmth and hospitality from the moment we arrived. We loved learning about stingless bees, Costa Rica’s unique honeys, and the medicinal and culinary uses of plants and herbs from her beautiful garden. What stood out most was how much they care about their guests. When one member of our group had a strong reaction to a spice, Yvanya quickly prepared tea and fresh herbs from her garden which immediately helped soothe the burning sensation. Her kindness and knowledge was truly remarkable. We shared lots of laughter while preparing a delicious meal with fresh ingredients. If you're looking for an authentic, hands-on Costa Rican experience, this is it. We left with full hearts, full stomachs, and memories we'll cherish for years to come. Highly recommended!
The family was wonderful....
Amanda E,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The family was wonderful. It was an experience we will remember. Walking through the garden, seeing the different bees, trying different honeys, opening the sugar cane, and cooking lunch. We all were happy we found this one it was fun afternoon!
An Unforgettable Farm-to-Table Costa Rican Adventure
Ladd,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was one of the highlights of our trip to La Fortuna! Ivannia was an incredible host—warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing Costa Rican culture. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the most adorable and friendly Chihuahuas, which immediately made us feel at home. The experience was so much more than a cooking class. We learned about Costa Rica’s fascinating stingless bees and sampled several unique and delicious varieties of honey. We even prepared fresh sugar cane juice before heading into the beautiful organic garden to harvest ingredients for our meal. Ivannia guided our group through every step of the cooking process, teaching us about local ingredients and traditions while helping us create an authentic, healthy, and absolutely delicious Costa Rican meal. The atmosphere was relaxed, fun, and engaging, and everyone had a great time. If you’re visiting La Fortuna and want an authentic cultural experience, I highly recommend this class. You’ll learn, laugh, eat amazing food, and leave with wonderful memories of Costa Rica!
Mother and daughter cooking class
Cadin N,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My mother and I had such a great time learning about the bees and their honey, walking through the garden and cooking our lunch! Eviana was great at teaching us about all of the different bees and directing our cooking experience. Everything was so delicious. We had a great time, highly recommend!
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