La Fortuna Authentic Hands On Cooking Class with local host

Step into a local home in La Fortuna for an immersive 3-hour cooking class exploring the rich culinary heritage of the Arenal region. Upon arrival, your host welcomes you with a traditional beverage—enjoy a refreshing fresco de piña y jengibre, served virgin or spiked with local Cacique Guaro sugarcane spirit. Discover San Carlos’s signature produce, including locally made cheeses, tropical fruits, native corn, and Costa Rican cacao. In a hands-on session, prepare starters, mains, and dessert from scratch. Learn the art of mixing corn masa to hand-press fresh tortillas, cook a savory picadillo de chayote, and assemble a traditional Casado plate featuring Carne en Salsa (tender braised beef in sauce). As you cook, your local instructor shares the cultural context and history behind each food item, explaining how these regional staples fit into everyday life in northern Costa Rica. With lengthy base preps handled beforehand by your host, the class stays engaging and perfectly paced. Finally, gather with fellow participants around the family dining table to share and enjoy the complete multi-course meal you prepared, finished with a traditional dessert with local cacao.