Savor the taste of the tropics with this culinary adventure through the exotic wilds of Costa Rica. A fusion of wildlife tours, sparkling beaches & gastronomic encounters, you will taste your way through San Jose, Turrialba, Arenal & Manuel Antonio. Stimulate your senses with tours of historic coffee, sugar cane, vanilla & macadamia nut plantations. Discover the secrets behind Costa Rican Tico cuisine during a cooking courses. Visit the home of a renowned chef & cook with her in the traditional colonial style kitchen. Tour an open air market, go on a spice tour, dine on delicious gourmet meals& taste local liquors. Featuring tons of animals, volcano hike, hot springs, private airport transfers & some of Kensington’s favorite Costa Rican hotels.

San José was founded in 1737 and is a pleasant mixture of traditional and modern Spanish architecture. Places of interest include the Teatro Nacional, the Legislative Assembly building, and the Parque Central, east of which is the Cathedral. The National Museum and the Museum of Gold are also worth a visit.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, and professional driver. The transfer is approximately 30 mins (22km/14mi).

Grano de Oro is the hotel of choice for those who visit San Jose, with a reputation for hospitality and fine quality. The 35 rooms are magical and full of allure, with each possessing a carefully chosen color scheme and theme. Pleasant features such as a fountain or balcony add to the appeal of each room. Grano de Oro's restaurant is recognized for its culinary success, surpassing the expectations of even the most critical guest. Set under a high ceiling, or in the romance of the outdoors, each dish is prepared with local and international influences. The subtle ambiance of the restaurant is what makes visitors return. Spend time lounging on the lawn beds of the rooftop garden terrace. Otherwise, sink into relaxation in the Jacuzzi.

Overnight at Grano de Oro.

With some stunning views of Costa Rica’s rural countryside, Turrialba is a charming little town in the lush and beautiful Central Valley in Cartago province. Famous for being a white water rafting hotspot and base camp, this town lies 53 km east of the capital city San Jose and is an excellent place to tour the pre-Columbian ruins at Guayabo, or the rarely visited but lovely Parque Nacional Volcan Turrialba.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Turrialba.

You will be picked up at your hotel at 5:00 PM. Enjoy a scenic drive out to the plantation with a bilingual guide. Upon arrival to the plantation begin walking along a trail that has been set up with adequate lighting to provide a safe passage for all visitors. After a brief visit to the coffee plantation guests will then proceed to learn about the processing of coffee at the coffee mill. This tour concludes with an interactive coffee cupping session after which visitors will taste various types of coffees, chocolates and liqueurs at the Golden Bean Factory Store. Upon completion of the visit to the coffee mill, visitors will be transported to the Turrialtico Lodge, where they will enjoy an unforgettable dinner with a beautiful view of the lights of the town of Turrialba. Dinner includes an appetizer, premium casado with choice of beef, chicken, pork or vegetarian, coffee accented desert followed by your choice of coffee (espresso, American, cappuccino, mokaccino, or similar)

Casa Turire is a haven of gracious charm set in the verdant, agricultural region of Turrialba, and it is an ideal base for exploring Costa Rica. From Casa Turire, you may easily explore many aspects of Costa Rica: its rich interior, from the Braulio Carrillo to the Pacuare River. Casa Turire possesses twelve rooms and four suites, all of grand prestige. These spacious rooms—with strong, beautiful wood floors, high ceilings, and private balconies—offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Each one is uniquely designed with elaborate furniture of locally cultivated wood. The headboards in the rooms are of fine timber, and they compliment perfectly the florally patterned, stucco walls. Each room welcomes you with direct dial telephones, satellite TV, hair dryers, and toiletries in the bathrooms.

Overnight at Hotel Casa Turire.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the most spectacular valley of Costa Rica. You will learn about its ancient traditions and taste its tropical flavors: coffee, sugar cane and macadamia nuts. This unique tour demonstrates Costa Rica’s history and culture, which comes to life and gives visitors a profound experience. Enjoy it all at ease: The lovely colonial log house, the beautiful 19th century church has been perfectly reconstructed with its wonderfully lit windows, the dream gardens, the exquisite orchids, the aromatic herb garden, the capricious stone labyrinth, the pond and the unexplainable pre-Colombian round stones.

Your visit will change your concept of a typical day in the working fields, by immersing you in the agricultural aspects of the coffee, macadamia nuts and sugar cane plantations. You will learn about the macadamia nuts’ process and you will taste delicious macadamia nuts with different flavors. This tour of ancient Costa Rica will give you a step by step, hands on experience with the brown sugar that is organically grown. You will taste the juicy sugar cane and see how the famous “tapa de dulce” is made. You will also observe the way in which farmers collect coffee in a plantation, as well as the drying and peeling processes. You will enjoy the delicious aroma of the toasted coffee grains. The philosophy of protecting the traditions and architectural legacy of Hacienda Tayutic allows guests to admire structures that are over a century old. During the delicious Costa Rican lunch, you will enjoy gourmet coffee, delicious macadamia nuts and the excellent organic sugar, all of them produced by Hacienda Tayutic. Tayutic’s beauty and elegance make this place unforgettable.

We have designed this Tropical Tico one class cooking program especially for you! You will learn unique techniques and exciting traditional recipes that have been passed on from mother to daughter from generation to generation. You will also learn new Costa Rican recipes and secrets on how to deal with the tropical ingredients, fruits and vegetables that are part of the Costa Rican Tropical Cuisine!

Choose from the following traditional Costa Rican Dishes and Nouvelle Cuisine Tropicale:

Starters:

Sopa Negra (black bean soup, quite unique)

Fish Ceviche (wonderful white marlin marinated in lemon and more)

Plantain and cheese fritters (delicious and easy to make back home)

Main dishes:

Christmas Tamales (Porc Tamales in banana leaves. A treat for Ticos)

Arroz con pollo (the main chicken and rice dish that cannot be missed at parties and family gatherings

Sea bass Tamarindine (A sea bass with a Tropical taste. Very good, for those that enjoy fish)

Desserts:

Tres leches (traditional very sweet ‘three milks’ dessert)

Avocado and Chocolate semifreido (a MUST from our Tropical Fruit Program)

Tamal Asado (a tradicional Tico Highland goodie, based on corn flower)

Overnight at Hotel Casa Turire.

Arenal contains an active volcano, and also the only dwarf cloudforest inCosta Rica. The crater of the volcano is 1.5km (1mi.) wide and contains a hot-water lake that changes color from turquoise to green to gray. It is also a whitewater rafting center with routes on the Rio Toro and Rio Sarapiqui.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Arenal.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the rainforest close to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a leisurely hike for 1.5 hours through the rainforest while your private guide offers the history of the Arenal Volcano. This park is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano and is filled with wildlife including monkeys, toucans, coati and a large variety of bird species. Conclude the tour at the Springs Resort - soak in the hot mineral baths and enjoy! After a soothing soak in the hot springs, enjoy a lovely dinner at The Springs Resort, prepared in a colonial style rustic kitchen. Enjoy the local cuisine - a true authentic experience. Return to your hotel in the evening after a delicious dinner (included in the tour cost).

Located in Arenal, Costa Rica, with a glowing and clear view of the Arenal Volcano, the Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa sits surrounded by pools and bathed in relaxation. The 54 room property uses the latest architectural touches in its design; with windows showcasing the region’s mightiness and the Arenal’s blazing orange highlights. Considerate and sincere hospitality lead the way for the two restaurants, which satisfy all palates via Costa Rican concoctions and international fusions. The swimming pool and spa at the hotel will hit the spot, but so will the never ending spree of adventure and activity in the area, such as cave trips, horseback rides, and floats.

Overnight at Royal Corin Hotel & Spa.

Nature lovers will enjoy a 2 hour safari style float trip down the lower Peñas Blancas River. The pace allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest soaking in all the sights and sounds of this tropical setting.

Your expert bilingual guides will provide you with descriptions and information of local plant and animal species while en route. Be sure to keep an eye out for monkeys, youcans, Jesus Christ Lizards, caimans, iguanas and a wide assortment of bird species. After the safari enjoy an educational and fun visit to Doña Mara's Home and learn how to make tortillas! Doña Mara and her husband will welcome you with a tropical drink (pineapple, orange, coconut water) at her “rancho” (like a gazebo) where she will prepare a delicious traditional lunch meal on her rustic wood-fired stove. While lunch is cooking, travelers are offered to try their hand at making tortillas out of the fresh ground corn masa (dough). Doña Mara shows her guests how to flatten the masa into perfect circles ready for cooking. The tortillas are served with lunch to top off the afternoon. You will have the opportunity to practice Spanish, and learn about the Costa Rican Culture while enjoying your lunch!

Overnight at Royal Corin Hotel & Spa.

Well-kept and well-guarded,ManuelAntonioNational Parkfeatures 5 kinds of forest, some with characteristic rain forest vegetation. Orchids and ferns, jaguars, ocelots and the Baird tapir may be seen here. There are trails through the park and many lookouts. Horseback riding and white-water activities are also available.

Enjoy an airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver. The total transfer time is approximately 30 minutes (30km/19mi).

Enjoy your flight from Arenal to Quepos. The flight duration is approximately 40 minutes.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with professional driver. Total transfer time is approximately 30 minutes (30km/19mi).

Enjoy time at leisure in Manuel Antonio. There are many optional activities you can choose to add to your itinerary during your stay here. please let us know if you wish to add any of the following optional activities (not included in tour price): white water rafting, zip canopy tour, Nauyaca Waterfalls by horseback, catamaran sunset sail, ATV rentals and more!

Thinking of the French Riviera, one envisions seaside resorts, sunshine, a passion for the finer things in life, and of course, exquisite bistro cuisine. The Jacques Cousteau Restaurant at La Mansion Inn captures—while reinventing—that essence in the tropical beach town community of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Tales of Costa Rica’s intense biodiversity are brought to life every week at the local Farmers’ Market in downtown Quepos, where many newcomers to the area swear they discover a new fruit or food every week. This is where the chefs of La Mansion Inn take advantage of “God’s kitchen,” selecting the finest and freshest ingredients for the hotel’s tables, rich in life and vivid with color. All the items listed on its menu are designed and skillfully prepared with an eye to preserving this vitality and natural richness, while also enhancing and complimenting foods to achieve the best culinary experience. With the completion of a new kitchen plus a renowned team of international chefs and an American-French trained restaurant consultant on board, visitors are given the peace of mind that the Jacques Cousteau Restaurant delivers products they can trust. Costa Rica recognizes international trade standards for U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages. Likewise, the fish purchased from the Quepos Harbor is of international export quality.

Dinner Includes: 1 Starter, 1 Main Dish & 1 Dessert (all per person) -Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Peering over the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park, La Mansion Inn is near an abundance of sand and water to facilitate a relaxing, nature-filled experience. The 25 rooms and suites are equipped with ocean views and all feature sliding doors and outdoor sitting areas for those who like to absorb the surroundings in private. All rooms are air-conditioned and have bathrooms, a dresser, television, in-room telephone system, outside sitting area and desks. Dining is a mix of environment and cuisine, which combined are very satisfying, from luscious desserts to tasteful, filling breakfasts. One may sit by the pool and make use of the hotel’s happy hour deals or hang out at the Bat Cave, the hotel's dark carved bar. Otherwise, try out rafting or surfing in the area.

Overnight at La Mansion.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour start point. Vanilla Spice Tour: Located in the small pueblo of Villanueva (about a 35-minute drive from Quepos), Villa Vanilla is a spice farm and tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture. Vanilla, cacao, black pepper and cinnamon are cultivated on the 150 acre farm. Visitors can also stock up on organic vanilla beans, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and hot chocolate – all grown on the farm. Morning/Afternoon Departures; Duration 3 Hours (approximately)

Thinking of the French Riviera, one envisions seaside resorts, sunshine, a passion for the finer things in life, and of course, exquisite bistro cuisine. The Jacques Cousteau Restaurant at La Mansion Inn captures—while reinventing—that essence in the tropical beach town community of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Tales of Costa Rica’s intense biodiversity are brought to life every week at the local Farmers’ Market in downtown Quepos, where many newcomers to the area swear they discover a new fruit or food every week. This is where the chefs of La Mansion Inn take advantage of “God’s kitchen,” selecting the finest and freshest ingredients for the hotel’s tables, rich in life and vivid with color. All the items listed on its menu are designed and skillfully prepared with an eye to preserving this vitality and natural richness, while also enhancing and complimenting foods to achieve the best culinary experience. With the completion of a new kitchen plus a renowned team of international chefs and an American-French trained restaurant consultant on board, visitors are given the peace of mind that the Jacques Cousteau Restaurant delivers products they can trust. Costa Rica recognizes international trade standards for U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages. Likewise, the fish purchased from the Quepos Harbor is of international export quality.

Dinner Includes: 1 Starter, 1 Main Dish & 1 Dessert (all per person) -Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Overnight at La Mansion.

Enjoy time at leisure in Manuel Antonio. There are many optional activities you can choose to add to your itinerary during your stay here. please let us know if you wish to add any of the following optional activities (not included in tour price): white water rafting, zip canopy tour, Nauyaca Waterfalls by horseback, catamaran sunset sail, ATV rentals and more!

Thinking of the French Riviera, one envisions seaside resorts, sunshine, a passion for the finer things in life, and of course, exquisite bistro cuisine. The Jacques Cousteau Restaurant at La Mansion Inn captures—while reinventing—that essence in the tropical beach town community of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Tales of Costa Rica’s intense biodiversity are brought to life every week at the local Farmers’ Market in downtown Quepos, where many newcomers to the area swear they discover a new fruit or food every week. This is where the chefs of La Mansion Inn take advantage of “God’s kitchen,” selecting the finest and freshest ingredients for the hotel’s tables, rich in life and vivid with color. All the items listed on its menu are designed and skillfully prepared with an eye to preserving this vitality and natural richness, while also enhancing and complimenting foods to achieve the best culinary experience. With the completion of a new kitchen plus a renowned team of international chefs and an American-French trained restaurant consultant on board, visitors are given the peace of mind that the Jacques Cousteau Restaurant delivers products they can trust. Costa Rica recognizes international trade standards for U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages. Likewise, the fish purchased from the Quepos Harbor is of international export quality.

Dinner Includes: 1 Starter, 1 Main Dish & 1 Dessert (all per person) -Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Overnight at La Mansion.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to San José.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) .