The 4 Best Food & Drink Experiences in Costa Rica

1.Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $105Our pick

Travel from San José into Costa Rica’s highlands for a guided Poás Volcano visit, Doka Estate coffee tour with tasting, and a short La Paz Waterfall stop. Expect an early pickup, mountain roads, a group of up to 20, and a full day shaped by weather and traffic. Guides such as Marcela, Nela, Victor, and Percy have earned strong praise.

“the guide was very helpful and had great knowledge, explained lots of things about the volcano. The coffee tour was pleasant too. The waterfall is beautiful but it's just in the middle of a road. The activity itself was very easy. Just spend a lot of time in the van. It was a very nice trip, especially to see some activity of Poas.”

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2.Chocolate Making and Tasting at a Local Factory in San José

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57Best value

At Tapir Chocolates in San José’s Barrio Escalante, Mauricio and his team guide you through cacao’s journey from fresh fruit to finished chocolate. You’ll taste beans, nibs, cocoa butter, drinks, and several cocoa strengths, then make personalized bars with local fillings and toppings. Package your creations in eco-friendly materials and take them home.

“Excellent session to learn on the processes of growing cacao, readying the fruit for chocolate making and then making wonderful bars. Mauricio was excellent host, very knowledgeable, and the chocolate was divine.”

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3.Night Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 107 reviews · 4 hours · from $79

Start at Morazán Park with an English-speaking local guide, then walk past San José landmarks and into Barrio Escalante. Along the way, enjoy a local drink before settling in for dinner at Agüizotes Gastro Pub, with Costa Rican dishes and two drinks included. Groups are limited to 12, and private tours are available.

“Enjoyed local guide’s insights and food at restaurant excellent.”

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4.Costa Rica Central Valley Wine, Beer, and Mead Tour and Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend two hours with Michael and Alejandra at El Arca Botanical Garden and Costa Rica Meadery. Walk through orchards, sample exotic fruit, see the plants used in the drinks, and taste a range of meads and craft beers. Morning and afternoon departures make this a handy stop near San José or the airport.

“This is an amazing oasis in Costa Rica! The owners/operators are very impressive. Alejandra took us on a tour of the grounds that feature all of the fruits, trees and plants that they use in the mead and beer. The tasting was intimate, informative and very tasty. The ingredients are fresh and perfectly balanced. An awesome way to spend a few hours in Costa Rica. Go see Michael and Alejandra! It’s so worth it!”

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