Farm to Table Cooking Class
Experience authentic Costa Rican cooking on an organic farm near La Fortuna, harvesting fresh seasonal ingredients from the fields, preparing traditional dishes in an outdoor wood-fire kitchen with expert chef guidance, learning about local culture and cuisine through hands-on cooking, and enjoying the delicious meal you created, all in an intimate small-group class limited to 10 participants with lunch or dinner included.
Overview
Harvest fresh produce straight from the organic fields where your cooking class unfolds, hands in the soil pulling seasonal veggies under Arenal's shadow. Your local host walks you through chopping and stirring in an open wood-fire kitchen, smoke curling as flavors build.
Ask anything about Costa Rican life while the meal simmers. At the end, sit down to eat what you've made, plates steaming with rice, beans, and whatever the farm gave that day. No fancy gadgets, just traditional methods that tie you to the land.
This 2-hour session fits up to 10, includes the meal as lunch or dinner.
Real talk: good weather matters, rain might cancel for a reschedule.
Spots require minimum bookings, secure yours quick.
What's Included
- Access to the organic farm for harvesting seasonal ingredients.
- Guided cooking class in an open wood-fire kitchen.
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch or dinner prepared during the class.
- Local host sharing cultural stories and techniques.
- Transportation to/from the meeting point.
- Gratuities for your host.
- Additional drinks or snacks beyond the meal.
- Personal expenses.
Itinerary
- Meet at Costa Rica Descents Adventure Company in La Fortuna.
- Start with a short walk through the organic farm to harvest seasonal produce like veggies or herbs.
- Return to the outdoor kitchen with your gathered ingredients.
- Learn step-by-step preparation and cooking on wood fire, asking questions about techniques and culture.
- Cook the full meal together, including staples like rice, beans, and farm-fresh additions.
- Plate and enjoy the lunch or dinner you've made at a shared table.
- Wrap up back at the meeting point.
What to Expect from the Tour
Here's practical advice to help your class go well, based on common experiences with harvesting, cooking, and weather. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
- Gear essentials. Comfortable closed shoes and clothes you can dirty aren't optional. Several guests said farm paths get dusty or muddy, and aprons help but spills happen over fire. One packed a hat that blocked sun during the walk.
- Harvesting fun. Hosts guide picks based on season. A group pulled fresh plantains in summer that starred in the meal. Small size lets everyone join without wait.
- Cooking hands-on. Wood fire adds smoky taste. Beginners loved learning tortilla flips, but note smoke if sensitive—stand back when needed.
- Meal sharing. The group eat-together builds chat. People raved about home flavors, but flag dietary tweaks early for easy changes.
- Group setup. Ten max keeps it cozy. Past guests said the limit meant personal stories from hosts without overload.
- Best time to visit. December to April fits dry weather and peak produce. Guests early 2025 said January classes stayed pleasant with abundant herbs. May to November brings rain but fresher greens, classes covered. Some liked the cozy indoor shift.
| Month/Season | Upsides | Downsides | Recommended Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Apr (Dry) | Abundant sun, easier harvest | Busier farm, warmer kitchen | Midday for lunch slot |
| May-Nov (Rainy) | Fresher produce, cooler air | Possible cancellations, muddy paths | Afternoon to dodge showers |
Common issues. Good weather required or reschedule offered. Guests found harvesting light but bending involved—skip if back concerns. Minimum travelers needed, but small groups rarely cancel. Cultural stories flow natural over fire.
FAQ
Do I need cooking experience?
No experience required. Hosts teach basics step-by-step on wood fire. Past beginners flipped tortillas easily after demo, saying the simple methods made it fun for all levels.
What if it rains?
Class cancels for poor weather with reschedule or full refund offered. Light drizzle might continue under cover. Guests who rescheduled loved drier days for better harvesting without mud.
Suitable for kids?
Yes for ages 0-70, but active children 5+ enjoy harvesting most. Infants can join but need supervision near fire. Families said kids got excited picking produce and tasting their work.
Vegetarian meal options?
Yes, the menu adapts easily with farm veggies and beans sans meat. Notify when booking. Vegetarians found it hearty and fresh, focusing on seasonal picks.
How fresh are the ingredients?
Direct from the on-site organic farm, harvested that day. One group pulled herbs minutes before chopping—season dictates, but always local and ripe.
Why this class over others?
Farm-to-fire focus with cultural stories sets it apart. Past guests said the small group and host chats felt like family time, more genuine than big kitchen demos.
Book it today with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours or simply following this link.