Cultural Experiences to Have in Costa Rica
Aerial view of Grecia, Alajuela
Costa Rica isn’t just rainforest hikes and sun-kissed beaches (though we love those too). It’s also a country where multiculturalism is alive, and different everywhere you visit. Here are some recommendations on how to soak up the best of it.
1. Visit a Coffee Farm in the Highlands
Coffee here isn’t just a drink—it’s history, family, and pride. Head to the slopes of Alajuela or Dota to see how beans are picked, dried, roasted—and yes, tasted. A great scenic option can be Hacienda Alsacia by Starbucks, with its beautiful landscape. However, if possible, try visiting a farm that still works the processes by hand.
2. Experience a Town Festival (Fiestas Patronales)
Every small town has its moment, and they’re distributed throughout the year. These local festivals mix parades, music, bull-riding (yep), and lots of street food. It’s the kind of chaos you’ll remember fondly. Look out for February fiestas in Palmares or the classic “topes” (horse parades).
3. Take a Cooking Class (and Learn Gallo Pinto Secrets)
You think you know rice and beans—until you try gallo pinto the way Costa Ricans do it. Learn to make tortillas, picadillo, and the holy grail: Lizano sauce pairings. Turrialba and San José have great family-run classes.
4. Explore Indigenous Culture in Southern Costa Rica
The Boruca people of southern Costa Rica are known for their vibrant, hand-carved masks and annual “Fiesta de los Diablitos,” a celebration that blends history, resistance, and tradition. Visit a Boruca village to learn directly from the artists.
5. Stay at a Local Farm or Eco-Project
Wanting to experience the real Costa Rica? Stay on a farm. Help out with planting, milk a cow, learn how to make cuajada (fresh cheese), process freshly picked coffee, and ferment cacao, the options are endless. You’ll eat like royalty and learn a lot—no filters needed.
Calé de Guayabo Micro-lot COffee Plantation
Final Thoughts
If you’re only checking off beaches, you’re missing half the story. Costa Rica’s culture is layered, local, and best experienced up close. The good news? OneTwoTrail can help you find those moments—and map them out with ease.
📲 Download the app and start planning something unforgettable.