San Jose City Tour Culture & History + Costa Rican Specialty Coffee Workshop
A small group guided journey through history, gastronomy and Costa Rica’s coffee legacy & Costa Rican Specialty Coffee.
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
Coffee is more than a beverage in Costa Rica — it is part of the country’s identity.
From the early 19th century onward, coffee shaped Costa Rica’s economy, social structure, architecture and democratic development. It financed iconic landmarks such as the National Theatre, connected rural communities to global markets, and positioned Costa Rica as one of the world’s most respected origins for high-quality specialty coffee.
This experience invites you to discover San Jose through the lens of coffee, culture and food, combining a guided city walking tour with an immersive specialty coffee workshop and tasting led by a professional barista.
Designed for curious travelers, coffee lovers and culture seekers, this tour offers a meaningful connection to Costa Rica — one story, one street and one cup at a time.
Experience Overview
• Total duration: Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
• Available start times:
10:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM
• Experience type: Walking city tour + specialty coffee workshop
• Group size: Small groups for a personalized experience
Part I — San Jose City Tour (1 hour 45 minutes)
Begin your journey in the heart of San Jose downtown, where coffee, history and daily life intersect.
Accompanied by an expert local guide, you will walk through historic streets, plazas and cultural landmarks while learning how coffee influenced:
• The development of San Jose as a capital city
• Costa Rica’s economic and social transformation
• Architecture, public spaces and urban life
• Cultural traditions connected to food and trade
This portion of the tour sets the historical and cultural foundation, helping you understand why coffee matters so deeply in Costa Rica, beyond what ends up in the cup.
Part II — Specialty Coffee Workshop & Tastings (1 hour)
The experience continues at a renowned specialty coffee shop, known for offering an exceptional selection of some of the finest coffees produced in Costa Rica.
Led by a professional barista, this interactive workshop includes:
• An introduction to Costa Rican specialty coffee
• Coffee origins, varieties and processing methods
• Brewing techniques and tasting fundamentals
• Guided tastings of different coffee profiles and origins
• Insights into what makes Costa Rica a global benchmark for quality coffee
The itinerary might switch, 1st the coffee workshop and then the city tour. (Depends on Coffee shop availability) We have 3 locations for the experience within San Jose.
This is where history meets flavor — and where your understanding of coffee truly deepens.
What’s Included
Guided walking tour of San Jose downtown
Professional bilingual local guide (English / Spanish)
Specialty coffee workshop led by an expert barista
Local boca (typical snack) during the coffee workshop
Multiple coffee tastings
Cultural and historical storytelling
Small-group, personalized experience
Why You’ll Love This Experience
• A perfect balance of history, culture and gastronomy
• Learn not just what Costa Ricans drink — but why
• Walk, taste and connect at a relaxed, engaging pace
• Ideal for travelers seeking authentic, meaningful experiences
• Coffee will never taste the same again
Meeting Point
San Jose Downtown or Escalante Neighborhood
Exact details are provided after booking. (we work with 3 specialty coffee shops located at different places in San Jose) The meeting point will be provided depending where we have booked the coffee workshop.
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What to Bring
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light clothing suitable for warm weather
• Hat or cap
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Curiosity and an open palate
Important Information
• Moderate walking involved on flat, urban terrain
• Tour operates rain or shine
• Coffee tastings include caffeinated beverages
• Not recommended for travelers with extreme caffeine sensitivity
Not Included
• Transportation to or from the meeting point
• Additional food or drinks not specified
• Gratuities (optional)
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Optional Transportation (Round Trip)
Transportation is available from outside the San Jose downtown area, for up to 4 people.
Areas located 5 km to 15 km (approximately 3–9 miles) from the meeting point are considered outside downtown.
For longer distances or groups larger than 4 people, please contact us directly to arrange transportation.
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Cancellation Policy
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the experience
• Cancellations within 48 hours or no-shows are non-refundable
• Changes in date or time are subject to availability
This policy allows us to work responsibly with our local partners and baristas.
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Sustainability & Local Impact
By joining this experience, you are actively supporting:
• Costa Rican specialty coffee producers
• Local coffee shops and small businesses
• Responsible, small-scale tourism
• Cultural preservation through gastronomy
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Who Is This Tour For?
• First-time visitors to Costa Rica
• Coffee lovers and food enthusiasts
• Culture and history travelers
• Couples, solo travelers and small groups
• Anyone looking to experience Costa Rica beyond the surface
