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Pura Vida Cooking Classes for Traditional Costa Rican Meals

Arenal ・ Arenal Zone 2 ・ Arenal Zone 3

Your experience

Good to Know

Embark on an immersive farm-to-table culinary journey with the Pura Vida Cooking Class at "La Finquita" sustainable farm in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Under expert guidance, you will master traditional dishes like handmade corn tortillas, crispy patacones, and yucca chips. Depending on your tour's timing, craft either the iconic Gallo Pinto or savory Annatto Chicken. This flavorful adventure includes round-trip transportation, all premium ingredients, and the satisfaction of savoring your own delicious creations with dessert and beverages.


About the tour

Indulge in the Pura Vida Cooking Class in La Fortuna, Costa Rica! As per the guide to being a fantastic tourist, rule #6 states: "Delve into local cuisine." For a deeper understanding of a new country's customs and traditions, delve into its culinary world. It's true, we are what we eat, so the best way to truly connect with Costa Ricans is by joining our traditional cooking classes.

Beginning with a hotel pickup, we'll whisk you away to "La Finquita," aptly named after the small, self-sustaining farms that dot the region. You'll witness the incredible journey of our food from field to table during a leisurely farm walk. Together, we'll gather in-season produce, creating an array of recipes that will open up a world of flavors and creativity.

The day's recipe will vary based on your tour's timing, aligning perfectly with specific meal moments. Morning tours may introduce you to crafting the delightful "Gallo Pinto," our iconic breakfast dish that fuses rice, beans, flavorful sauces, garlic, onions, and diced sweet peppers. And there's more – you'll also get hands-on with crafting handmade corn tortillas and turnovers brimming with delectable fillings like plantains, cheese, beans, or succulent beef.

If you opt for a lunchtime adventure, we'll teach you how to master "Annatto Chicken", a dish your loved ones will cherish. As the sun dips later in the afternoon, you could find yourself creating a medley of diced fresh veggies, paired with "secret" ingredients to complement your coffee, or crafting crispy "Patacones" (deep-fried green plantains) and yucca chips with sides like refried beans or zesty pico de gallo. Once the recipe is selected, let the culinary journey commence!

Join us to uncover the treasures of Costa Rican cuisine. Experience pure joy on this enthralling excursion that will leave you with new recipes to dazzle your family and friends back home. And, of course, no culinary adventure is complete without indulging in a special dessert or beverage. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience – bon appetit!

What's in the Package? The adventure includes transportation, top-notch ingredients, kitchen essentials, a skilled instructor, and the delightful tasting of the recipes you've mastered.

What to Bring

Light comfortable clothing, sandals or tennis shoes, camera, and a big appetite

Includes

Bilingual naturalist guide, transportation in an A/C bus, cooked lunch, or dinner (vegetarian food available upon request), and beverages.

Restrictions

08:50, 14:50

Location and Availability

Available in: Arenal, Arenal Zone 2, Arenal Zone 3

Tour space is generally available when requested more than two days in advance and remains subject to confirmation.

Tour Times

08:50, 14:50

Tour Type

  • Learning/Family
  • Culture
Explore the location on the map

Location

Latitude: N 10° 27' 14.28" (10.453968)
Longitude: W 84° 38' 45.28" (-84.645912)

Recent Reviews

Overall
98%
Expectations
97%
Experience
98%
Guides
100%
Logistics
96%
Value
98%

Samantha H.

Amazing! The best thing we did on this trip.

Andi C.

A great experience. The guide was knowledgeable; the cook was great. Everyone involved was friendly, engaging, and informative. We had a wonderful time.

Alyson T.

A trip highlight! Alessia was amazing!

Before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pura Vida Cooking Class?

The Pura Vida Cooking Class offers an immersive farm-to-table experience at 'La Finquita' sustainable farm, guiding participants through local agriculture and the creation of authentic Costa Rican meals from scratch.


What traditional Costa Rican dishes will I learn to prepare?

Participants will learn to make handmade corn tortillas, crispy patacones, and yucca chips. Depending on the tour timing, the main course will be either the iconic Gallo Pinto for morning tours or savory Annatto Chicken for lunchtime adventures.


What does the Pura Vida Cooking Class package include?

The package includes round-trip transportation, all premium ingredients and kitchen equipment, guidance from a skilled instructor, and the delightful tasting of your mastered recipes, accompanied by dessert and beverages.


Where is the Pura Vida Cooking Class located and what are the start times?

The Pura Vida Cooking Class takes place at 'La Finquita' sustainable farm in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, within the Arenal zone. Tours are offered daily with start times at 08:50 and 14:50.


The people behind your vacation

Personal service from Pacific Trade Winds

Make this tour part of your Costa Rica vacation

Request a vacation package including Pura Vida Cooking Classes for Traditional Costa Rican Meals.