Learn to Cook Like a Caribbean in Puerto Viejo
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Caribbean flavors with Darshan, a local chef with deep roots in Puerto Viejo.
Their culinary knowledge has been handed down for generations since their ancestors came to this land, turning each recipe into a journey through time and Afro-Caribbean culture. In this practical class, you will learn how to prepare authentic dishes with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques that you can apply in your home.
Rather than a cooking class, it is a cultural experience:
✔️ You will cook alongside the chef in a warm and familiar atmosphere
✔️ You will know the history and origin of each dish
✔️ You will live a direct connection to local identity through flavors
Ideal for those looking for authentic experiences, human contact and real gastronomic learning. It's not just cooking, it's Caribbean soul in every bite!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
What To Expect
We have a menu with authentic Caribbean recipes. You can choose which dish to cook and live the whole process, from fresh ingredients to the final touch. Enjoy a unique culinary experience in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica. Learn to cook traditional dishes like Rondón, our famous Rice and beans, the way our grandparents did, local cuisine. An authentic experience with a Caribbean chef.
Sample Menu
main
Round
Typical Caribbean stew with fresh seafood, banana, cassava and coconut milk. Slow cooked.
main
Rice and beans + Protein
Rice and beans accompanied by choice: Caribbean chicken Fish in coconut milk Shrimp in sauce
main
Seafood
Seafood in coconut milk Also with local day fishing. Lobster book in advance.
Options
Learn to Cook Like a Caribbean in Puerto Viejo
What‘s Included
Snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful and Authentic experience
J3628DGvictorias,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best and most authentic part of my time in Puerto Viejo! Darshan and Camilla made me feel so welcome in their home. Besides cooking, they shared good conversation and also plenty of other recommendations for the area. The food was delicious and the experiences was very fun! I definitely want to come again and also book other experiences with them!
A must do!
Paula L,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cooking with Darshawn was a great experience. He taught me how to cook the most delicious meal I had while in Costa Rica. I highly recommend!
Amazing experience
yungsweetri,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My boyfriend and I had such a great time. We cooked authentic Caribbean coconut soup and were treated like family. The husband/wife duo took great care of us and made sure we had the best experience. 10/10 recommend and would absolutely do it again!!!!!!
Delightful and delicious
daniellh2019,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a beautiful evening learning to cook with Darshan and his wife Camila!! Incredible food, wonderful company- words simply can't capture how special the experience was. We can't wait to make Rondon for our friends back home :)
Delicious Cooking Experience, Highly Recommend
X6259YCer,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Authentic cooking, fresh ingredients, relaxing experience and delicious food. Learned a ton and thoroughly enjoyed this cooking experience with Darshan!
Beautiful culinary experience!!
933orenn,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience hanging out, learning about Carribean/Jamaican cuisine and having a beautiful night with Friends, Darshan, Camila and Pepper... One of the best food experiences throughout our 2 week trip was having a drink and enjoying the Run-Down! Truly amazing dish and it's history is beautiful as well. A Dish to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones.
Amazing experience!
L7118JChannahk,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so wonderful meeting and cooking with Darshan and his wife Camila! We cooked in their home as our accommodation didn’t have a kitchen. They were very kind, funny, and hospitable! We made Rondon and it was delicious. We learned not just how to cook but about their lives and Costa Rican culture. They were also super helpful in arranging transportation to get us to and from the cooking class. This was our favorite activity we did in Costa Rica!
A Taste of Costa Rica
Sara F,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My partner and I had the pleasure of cooking with Darshan and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We made delicious mackerel alongside plantains, and the whole evening felt less like a class and more like cooking in a friend’s kitchen. Darshan was incredibly knowledgeable - not only about the food, but about the area as well. He immediately made us feel at home and comfortable. We’d recommend this experience to anyone looking to get a true taste of Costa Rica!
Wonderful authentic experience
Lavonne W,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Darshan arranged transportation for us from our Airbnb to his home. He and his wife greeted us warmly and showed us around the yard, where some of the ingredients for our meal were harvested earlier in the day. They then presented the freshly caught seafood that would be the basis of our feast. The cooking process was fun and fully explained as we went along, and the wonderful meal was accompanied by interesting and laughter-filled conversation.
Amazing food and great experience with lovely hosts
Svalgerdur,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time cooking like a local with the very lovely and welcoming Darshan and his wife Camilia in their home in Cocles. We cooked mouthwateringly delicious coconut beans and rice as well as beautiful freshly caught mackrel in a flavorsome coconut broth with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, chillies etc. and last but not least patacones. The food was in short first class full of flavor and the local Caribbean vibe. This was not just an excellent food experience but also an opporfunity to learn about the local culture, food and life here. As well as some of Argentinian food and culture Camilia is originally from Argentina. Darshan and Camilia were absolutely wonderful and this experience was a highlight of our stay here in Costa Rica. We highly recommend visitors to dive into this amazing experience. P.s. we also loved the white coconut rum, was yummm!
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