Local Flavors Cooking Class, Manuel Antonio

5.0 (4 reviews)
Shop for ingredients and learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican cuisine with a local chef

Overview

Learn how to prepare a traditional Costa Rican meal on this gourmet excursion! After a stop at the local farmers’ market in Quepos, where you'll browse the stands and choose ingredients, you'll travel with your guide to a private ranch in the village of Londres. Source additional produce from the property's organic garden. Next, join a local chef in the preparation of a traditional lunch. You'll learn how to make corn tortillas by hand, then help prepare ceviche and a classic chicken recipe. Enjoy the meal, then take some time to explore the ranch and its peaceful surroundings. If the weather cooperates, you can even go for a dip in the Naranjo River.

Highlights

  • Visit a farmer's market to shop for seasonal ingredients
  • Take a cooking class with a local chef at a private ranch
  • Prepare traditional recipes and enjoy a leisurely lunch
  • Relax outdoors and go swimming in a river

Know before you go

Duration
3.5 hours
Recommended for
4 years old & up
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Lunch Included

What you'll do

The day begins with a pick-up at your accommodations in Manuel Antonio. With your guide, you'll discuss possible menus for the day's meal. Then head to a farmer's market in Quepos, where you'll explore the stands' offerings and pick out seasonal ingredients for lunch.

Next, transfer to the village of Londres, home to a private ranch where you'll attend a cooking class with a local chef. You'll have the chance to walk around the ranch's organic garden, choosing fresh herbs and produce. Next, the lunch preparation begins. Depending on the selected menu, you'll learn how to make corn tortillas, ceviche with plantains, chicken in tomato sauce, and more. The chef will offer pointers about how to recreate these recipes at home.

Sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal. You'll have some time at the end of the excursion to walk around the ranch. It's possible to go for a swim in the Naranjo River before heading back to Manuel Antonio.

Start times

  • Daily
    9:00 am

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Bilingual guides
  • Beverages
  • Lunch

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Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 4 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Food
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.7
N
Nicole L.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

This was really fun.
Our guide, Karla, from Toucanes tours was so funny and friendly!
The food we helped cook was delicious and I am inspired to try making the dish at home.
My son enjoyed cooking as well.
It was just my son and I so we got all the attention.

L
Lanny C.
Waterville, NY | Reviewed on Jan 20, 2024
Maria and Stephanie Were absolutely the best!! What a time we had. Read more

Maria and Stephanie Were absolutely the best!! What a time we had.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A
Aaron B.
West Albany, NY | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023
Our guide and the ranch were both awesome. It was fun to pick our own produce and make our own dinner from the goods. Read more

Our guide and the ranch were both awesome. It was fun to pick our own produce and make our own dinner from the goods.

Tips for future travelers

Plan to spend some time interacting, relaxing and having fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Joseph
Joseph M.
Grand Lake, CO | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023
A fantastic way to learn more about Costa Rican life outside the tourist towns. Fifst we stopped by the Mercado in Quepos to see where everyone shops. Then Toucanes Tours took us to their rancho located outside of town. They had several different animals on the ranch, we hand picked some herbs and vegetables. Then we cooked! It was just my wife and I - we had a great time learning to make plantain ceviche (delicioso!), rice, chicken and handmade corn tortillas! What a great meal to share with... Read more

A fantastic way to learn more about Costa Rican life outside the tourist towns. Fifst we stopped by the Mercado in Quepos to see where everyone shops. Then Toucanes Tours took us to their rancho located outside of town. They had several different animals on the ranch, we hand picked some herbs and vegetables. Then we cooked! It was just my wife and I - we had a great time learning to make plantain ceviche (delicioso!), rice, chicken and handmade corn tortillas! What a great meal to share with great new friends!

Tips for future travelers

Be prepared for long ride out to ranch on dirt road - makes you question where you are going, but worth the ride!

Quality of Experience
Authentic local experience away from the tourist areas. Learned how to make ceviche and the secret ingredient!
Food
Nothing better than homemade food that you participated in
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Maria, our chef Stephanie and driver Asdrubal were all fantastic - we felt like we met and ate a meal with family! What a personal experience!
Transport
Timely, clean, safe, air conditioned

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

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Itineraries with Local Flavors Cooking Class