Mercado Central, San José

Lonely PlanetAug 18

8 of the best places to drink coffee in Costa Rica

If you like your coffee, you’re going to love Costa Rica. Here are the best places in the country to try it.

offers informative walking tours

16 things in this story

Mercado CentralMarketoffers informative walking tours
La ManchaCaféknown for special blend of cold-brewed coffee and cascara
EscalanteNeighborhoodtrendiest neighborhood, buzzing with youthful energy
Calle 33Neighborhoodline of classy coffee shops
Cafeoteca Coffee ShopRestaurantoffers tastings, tours, and coffee-making workshops
Chepecletas Coffee TourPlacewalking tour of city's history, culture, and architecture
Modo CaféRestaurantowned by a two-time national barista champion
Elsewhere
Café MonteverdeCaféMonteverde, Costa Ricasample top-notch coffee produced at its farm and roastery
Santuario EcológicoPlaceSanta Elena, Costa Ricaoffers sensual coffee rituals and lessons in mindfulness
Café ColibríRestaurantSanta Elena, Costa Ricatiny cafeteria with delicious coffee and visiting hummingbirds
Monteverde Cloud Forest ReserveSightSanta Elena, Costa Ricanearby hiking destination
La Casona del CafetalRestaurantCachí, Costa Ricarestaurant and hotel with outdoor seating and lake views
Lago de CachíSightCachí, Costa Ricalakeside setting perfect for a coffee break
Red Frog Coffee RoasterRestaurantLa Fortuna, Costa Ricaspecialist coffee shop with fresh-roasted coffee bean aroma
Finca Rosa BlancaHotelSanta Barbara de Heredía, Costa Ricaluxury inn in lush surrounds of coffee plantation
Feria del CaféFestivalFrailes, Costa Ricacountry's most important celebration of coffee

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Lonely PlanetAug 18

What to eat and drink in Costa Rica

From seafood to tropical fruit and everything in between – here

Gallo pinto served here.

25 things in this story

Mercado CentralMarketGallo pinto served here.
Soda TapiaRestaurantServing traditional dishes since 1965.
Maxi's By RickyRestaurantDoes a great rondón soup.
Alma de AmónCaféSells meat- and fish-free rondón vegano.
El Social SabanaRestaurantEnjoy quality chifrijo and a relaxed vibe.
Museo de InsectosMuseumServes mealworms and crickets.
Elsewhere
Plaza FeriasMarketAlajuela, Costa RicaFarmers market in a mango-growing area.
Tamarindo Farmer's MarketMarketTamarindo, Costa RicaBuy fresh guanabana here.
Soda El PattyRestaurantPuerto Limón, Costa RicaRustic restaurant famous for its patí.
Taylor's Dine & GrillRestaurantPuerto Limón, Costa RicaServes patí and other Caribbean dishes.
CocomanRestaurantTortuguero, Costa RicaGreat place to grab a beef patí.
Sheriff RusticRestaurantSámara, Costa RicaBeachside view for gallo pinto.
Soda KaweRestaurantCahuita, Costa RicaReasonably priced gallo pinto and casado.
Papaya RestaurantRestaurantPlaya Chuquita, Costa RicaOffers beautifully presented gallo pinto.
Santuario EcológicoPlaceMonteverde, Costa RicaOffers hands-on cooking classes.
Lizzie 1879RestaurantPuerto Limón, Costa RicaSample rondón on the Caribbean coast.
SelvinRestaurantPunta Uva, Costa RicaTop restaurant since 1982.
Café LiberiaCaféLiberia, Costa RicaEsteemed for its fresh ceviche.
Restaurante OrquideasRestaurantParaíso, Costa RicaServes excellent ceviche and shrimp.
SAGE @ Playa 506RestaurantPlaya Cocles, Costa RicaCoastal location for mahi-mahi ceviche.
Mr Maxi’s RestaurantRestaurantManzanillo, Costa RicaEnjoy ceviche with a Caribbean view.
La VentanitaRestaurantEl Castillo, Costa RicaSells the best chifrijo for miles.
Casona de LalyRestaurantEscazú, Costa RicaSan José favorite; order chifrijo.
Fiesta del MaízRestaurantCosta RicaFestival of Corn.
Feria Nacional de PejibayeFestivalCosta RicaNational Peach Palm Market.

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Lonely PlanetAug 15

4 Classic Itineraries for Costa Rica

These four itineraries tap into all of the big things tiny Costa Rica offers, from water sports to beachside yoga retreats to mountain adventures.

start any great day with a traditional breakfast

17 things in this story

Mercado CentralMarketstart any great day with a traditional breakfast
Teatro NacionalTheatrevisit after breakfast at Mercado Central
La ManchaCaféstop for a caffeine fix
Museo del JadeMuseumlearn about pre-Columbian history
Barrio EscalanteNeighborhoodstroll for dinner at a bistro and drinks
Elsewhere
Tortuguero National ParkSightTortuguero, Costa Ricacruise canals in search of sloths, crocs, caimans
Asociación de Guías de TortugueroPlaceTortuguero, Costa Ricaorganization of certified guides offering tours
Volcán ArenalSightLa Fortuna, Costa Ricahike, bike, or horseback ride on its slopes
El Salto waterfallSightTilarán, Costa Ricastop for lunch, stretch legs, and take a dip
Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso MonteverdeSightMonteverde, Costa Ricahome to 425 species of birds
Finca Modelo EcológicaSightMonteverde, Costa Ricaclimb a giant strangler fig
Café de MonteverdeRestaurantMonteverde, Costa Ricatour a sustainable coffee farm
Parque Nacional Manuel AntonioSightManuel Antonio, Costa Ricahike through rainforest to pristine beaches
Río PacuareTrailPacuare, Costa Ricawild river rafting trip with Class III-IV rapids
Pacuare LodgeHotelPacuare, Costa Ricafabulous place for an overnight stay
Parque Nacional CahuitaNature reserveCahuita, Costa Ricamarvel at the vast variety of life
Playa CoclesSightPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Ricabeach for hopping

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Mercado Central

In the coverage3 stories

8 of the best places to drink coffee in Costa Rica

What to eat and drink in Costa Rica

4 Classic Itineraries for Costa Rica