Tours and Activities > Arenal Volcano La Fortuna > Pure Vida Cooking Class
Experience farm-to-table magic in La Fortuna where you'll harvest local produce from the organic farm, learn traditional Costa Rican cooking methods and savor your own yummy creation amidst the tropical rain forest.
Duration
3 Hours
Transportation
Included
Certified
Tour Guide
Mytanfeet
Customer Service
Description
If you love food and culture, then this Pura Vida Cooking Class in La Fortuna is perfect for you! The tour offers a fully immersive culinary experience, beginning with a guided tour through a local family-owned organic farm. Follow your friendly bilingual Costa Rican guide through rows of tropical fruit, fragrant herbs, and fresh veggies to learn about local crops and see the sustainable farming practices first hand.
Then, you'll pick your own ingredients for the meal you'll make in the cooking class. The ingredients you harvest depends on what is in season to cook up the freshest Costa Rican dish.
Next is the most fun part - the cooking! For the next two hours, you will master traditional Costa Rican recipes like gallo pinto, homemade corn tortillas, picadillo, and much more as you learn how to cook like a local in their open-air, traditional kitchen.
The experience culminates in a feast of your creations, paired with freshly squeezed tropical juice and delicious local coffee. At the end of this educational and fun cooking experience, you will leave with a greater appreciation of food.
*Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free meals available upon request. We must be informed of any and all food allergies and dietary restrictions.*
Starting $88 USD
per adult
Pure Vida Cooking Class Highlights
- 3 hour tour
- Organic farm tour included where you will pick your own ingredients
- Learn about traditional Costa Rica farming techniques and local produce
- Eat your own meal!
- Little walking on the farm which is the only outdoor portion. The cooking portion is outdoors and under roof
See What the Pura Vida Cooking Class is Like Below
What is Included?
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be given upon tour booking.
- Tour must be prepaid in full to book.
- Children must be at least 3 years of age to participate.
- Morning and afternoon tours available.
- These are shared experiences.
- Minimum 2 adults to operate.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking clothes
- Rain jacket in rainy season
- Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent
- A good attitude and appetite!
Booking Form
We offer a 7% discount for adults and children for this tour. Our prices include all taxes and we never charge booking fees. What you see is exactly what you'll pay. While other websites might show lower initial prices, they often add taxes and fees at the end, Mytanfeet believes in transparent pricing from the start.
If you can't see the booking form below, please try refreshing the page or contact us for assistance.
Cancellation policy
Please take a moment to read our cancellation policies by clicking here
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this experience require a lot of walking or exercise?
No. You will walk a bit when you tour the farm. The farm trails may be muddy so please wear closed toed shoes. The farm tour lasts around 30 minutes.
The rest of the cooking class is outdoors, under roof. As you will be cooking, you will be standing for about 1.5 hours but there are chairs for you to sit whenever you would like.
You can read about the tour in our blog post: La Fortuna Cooking Class.
Do you offer vegetarian/vegan meals?
Yes. We can include vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten free or any other type of diet but it has to be requested in advance on the booking form. If specific diets are not requested in advance, the standard meal plan will be prepared.
If you have any food allergies, you must write that in the comments for the guide to adjust the menu.
What is the normal menu?
The normal menu is a traditional Costa Rican casado for lunch or dinner.
It will be marinated achiote chicken, picadillo (chopped vegetable hash), yucca or plantain chips and other side dishes that are in season.
How hands on is the cooking class?
100%! The idea is for you to be completely immersed in this experience. It's a fully hands-on experience from start to finish.
You will walk to the garden, pick your ingredients from the farm and prepare them in the kitchen. Activities include picking plantains, pulling up yucca, harvesting herbs, gathering fruit, squeezing juice, chopping vegetables and shaping tortillas."
There will be a local cook with you to show you how to peel, dice, chop and prepare all the ingredients. If you need assistance, please ask them or your guide and they'll be delighted to help you.
Is this a good tour for kids?
Absolutely! Children who are at least 3 years of age can participate and they will have a blast seeing bananas growing on a tree, learning what fresh herbs look like and molding their own tortillas. Not only is this excursion educational and informative, it is very fun and entertaining for all ages.
Can I drive to the farm?
Yes. The farm is located just 2.3 km (1.4 miles) from downtown La Fortuna, about a 5 minute drive. If you have a car and do not need transportation, you can drive directly to the farm and meet the guide there. There is a free secure parking lot. 4x4 not required but a high clearance car recommended in rainy season.
Can I eat what I cook?
Yes! That's the ultimate reward after harvesting and preparing your own meal, you get to taste your own creation.
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