A Costa Rican cooking class is a hands-on way to learn about the country’s culture through food. Classes usually take place in a traditional kitchen or on a local farm, where you’ll begin by getting familiar with regional crops and fresh ingredients. Some hosts include a short garden or farm walk to show how staples like plantains, yucca, and herbs are grown.

The dishes depend on the season and time of day. Morning sessions often feature Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s well-known rice and bean breakfast, served with eggs and fresh tortillas. Midday classes may include Annatto Chicken or vegetable picadillos, while afternoon lessons often focus on snacks such as patacones (fried plantains), yucca chips, or turnovers with bean, cheese, or beef fillings. Every class ends with a dessert or drink prepared in the Costa Rican style.

You’ll be guided step by step through each recipe, learning techniques such as tortilla pressing, seasoning, and traditional cooking methods. Along the way, you’ll also hear stories about the role these foods play in Costa Rican homes. At the end, the group sits down together to enjoy the meal they’ve prepared.

Cooking classes are open to all skill levels and make for a practical, family-friendly activity where you’ll learn recipes to take home and share.

Common questions about this activity: