Cooking classes in Costa Rica
A cooking class is one of the best ways to take Costa Rica home with you. Classes run all year, so the weather matters more for the rest of your day: Costa Rica is warmest in April at about 97°F (36°C).
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top cooking classes in Costa Rica
Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa RicaFrom $80View 
Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa RicaFrom $85View
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What to eat and drink in Costa Rica
Classes here usually build the menu around local dishes. Ones to look for:
- Gallo pinto
- Rice and black beans fried together with onion and coriander, eaten at breakfast.
- Casado
- Costa Rica's everyday lunch plate: rice, beans, salad, plantain and a choice of meat or fish.
How to pick a good cooking class
- Check whether you cook every dish yourself or watch a demonstration. Hands-on classes usually cap groups at 10 to 12.
- Morning classes often start with a market walk to buy ingredients; afternoon ones go straight to the kitchen.
- Tell the host about allergies or a vegetarian diet when you book, not on the day.
- Look for a class that sends the recipes home with you, so you can cook them again.
Costa Rica month by month
Averages for Liberia, Costa Rica.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 92 (33) | 94 (34) | 96 (35) | 97 (36) | 93 (34) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 88 (31) | 88 (31) | 89 (32) | 91 (33) |
| Low °F (°C) | 69 (21) | 70 (21) | 71 (22) | 73 (23) | 74 (23) | 74 (23) | 73 (23) | 73 (23) | 72 (22) | 72 (22) | 71 (22) | 70 (21) |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 17 | 16 | 6 | 2 |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:34 pm | 5:45 pm | 5:47 pm | 5:47 pm | 5:50 pm | 5:58 pm | 6:02 pm | 5:54 pm | 5:37 pm | 5:20 pm | 5:11 pm | 5:18 pm |
Questions
What food is Costa Rica known for?
Gallo pinto: rice and black beans fried together with onion and coriander, eaten at breakfast. Casado: costa Rica's everyday lunch plate: rice, beans, salad, plantain and a choice of meat or fish.
How long does a cooking class take?
Most classes run three to four hours including the meal; ones that start with a market visit take closer to five.
Where can I book cooking classes in Costa Rica?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
