In the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, visitors can enjoy a culinary and botanical adventure. The Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden offers a unique opportunity to prepare an authentic Casado dish while exploring the on-site garden filled with local herbs and their cultural significance. Participants will receive personalized attention in small groups, learning about the vibrant flavors of Costa Rican cuisine and the rich heritage behind the ingredients. As they savor the meal they’ve created, accompanied by coffee or tea, they’ll uncover a deeper connection to the natural world and the traditions that shape this remarkable destination.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Cooking Classes In Quepos.
Key Points
- Hands-on cooking class focusing on authentic Costa Rican cuisine, including preparation of a traditional Casado dish.
- Guided tour of the on-site medicinal plant garden, exploring local herbs and their traditional uses.
- Personalized attention in small groups during both the cooking class and medicinal plant garden tour.
- Convenient transportation provided from Quepos/Manuel Antonio area to the class location.
- Inclusive design of the facility and activities, accommodating participants with various accessibility needs.
Cooking Class Overview
The hands-on cooking class offers participants an intimate, personalized experience to learn the art of authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
Small groups ensure individualized attention as attendees prepare a traditional Casado dish, which includes rice, beans, salad, vegetables, and a choice of chicken or fish in flavorful sauces.
The class also features a tour of the on-site medicinal plant garden, where participants can sample local herbs and learn about their uses.
Conveniently located near Manuel Antonio, the class provides transportation from the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area and includes a tasty lunch as the culmination of the culinary adventure.
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Medicinal Plant Garden Tour
A guided tour of the on-site medicinal plant garden allows participants to explore and learn about the diverse array of local herbs and their traditional uses.
The instructor shares their expertise, providing insights into the cultural significance and therapeutic properties of each plant. Visitors have the opportunity to touch, smell, and even taste some of the medicinal flora.
This hands-on experience offers a deeper appreciation for the rich botanical heritage of Costa Rica and the important role these plants play in the country’s culinary and healing traditions.
The tour complements the cooking class, giving participants a holistic understanding of the ingredients and their origins.
Costa Rican Meal Preparation
After the medicinal plant garden tour, participants transition to the cooking site to begin preparing an authentic Costa Rican meal. Under the guidance of the instructor, the group works together to create the traditional Casado dish, which includes rice, beans, salad, vegetables, and a choice of chicken or fish in a flavorful sauce. Vegetarian options are also available. Throughout the process, the instructor shares insights into the cultural significance and preparation techniques of each component. The completed meal is then enjoyed together, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee or tea, providing a truly immersive culinary experience.
Main Dish | Beverages |
---|---|
Casado (rice, beans, salad, vegetables) | Coffee and/or tea |
Chicken in tomato & cilantro sauce | |
Fish in coconut sauce | |
Vegetarian option |
Class Format and Menu
Small-group cooking classes provide personalized attention, allowing participants to fully enjoy the experience.
The menu features an authentic Costa Rican casado, which includes:
- Rice, beans, salad, and vegetables
- Choice of chicken in tomato and cilantro sauce or fish in coconut sauce (with a vegetarian option)
- Coffee or tea
Lunch is included, and the cooking takes place at a site near the medicinal plant garden.
This hands-on experience provides a well-rounded introduction to Costa Rican cuisine and traditional ingredients.
Transportation and Pickup
The cooking class and medicinal plant garden experience includes hotel transfers from the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area, with participants being picked up within 15 minutes depending on traffic. This convenient transportation option ensures a seamless start to the day’s activities.
Location | Pickup Time |
---|---|
Quepos | 10:45 AM |
Hotel in Manuel Antonio | 10:50 AM |
Arenas del Mar | 11:00 AM |
Parador Resort | 11:05 AM |
Tulemar Resort | 11:10 AM |
The class begins promptly at 11:00 AM, allowing ample time for participants to arrive and settle in before the hands-on cooking experience and medicinal plant garden tour commence.
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Accessibility and Facilities
The facility is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly, with infant seats available to accommodate families. This ensures that the cooking class and medicinal plant garden experience is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of visitors.
The accessible facilities cater to the needs of all participants, enabling them to fully engage with the hands-on activities and explore the garden:
- The cooking station and dining area are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Strollers are welcome, and infant seats are provided for families with young children.
- The medicinal plant garden features wide, level paths that are navigable for visitors with limited mobility.
Booking and Confirmation
Customers receive their booking confirmation within 48 hours of making their reservation, subject to availability. The confirmation provides all the necessary details about the cooking class and medicinal plants garden experience. Participants should carefully review the confirmation to ensure they understand the cancellation policy, which is non-refundable. No refunds are issued for cancellations.
Booking Confirmation | Details |
---|---|
Timeframe | Within 48 hours |
Availability | Subject to availability |
Cancellation Policy | Non-refundable |
Refunds | No refunds for cancellations |
The cooking class and medicinal plants garden experience in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offers a unique opportunity to learn about traditional cuisine and local flora. The personalized, small-group format ensures an engaging and informative experience for all participants.
Cancellation Policy and Pricing
Participants should note the non-refundable cancellation policy for this experience.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations. This policy is in place to ensure the provider can effectively manage class sizes and expenses.
The pricing for this Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden experience starts from:
- $77.00 per person
- Pricing may vary depending on group size or additional options
- Booking confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability
This hands-on cooking class and garden tour provides an authentic Costa Rican culinary adventure at an accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Have Prior Cooking Experience?
No, prior cooking experience is not necessary for this hands-on cooking class. The small-group format provides personalized attention, allowing participants to learn Costa Rican cuisine from scratch regardless of their skill level.
Can I Bring My Own Medicinal Plants to the Garden?
Guests can’t bring their own medicinal plants to the garden. The class focuses on learning about the garden’s plants and preparing a traditional Costa Rican meal. Participants should come ready to engage in the hands-on cooking experience.
Is It Possible to Take the Class in a Different Language?
The class can accommodate different languages. Participants should inquire about language options when booking, and the staff will do their best to accommodate requests for different languages, such as Spanish or English, depending on availability.
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Accommodation?
Yes, you can request specific dietary accommodations. The class offers a vegetarian option, and they’re likely able to accommodate other dietary needs with advance notice when booking the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Class Duration?
Yes, guests can request to extend the class duration. However, this may incur additional fees and is subject to availability. Participants should inquire about extended class options when booking the experience.
Recap
Enjoy Costa Rican cuisine and culture at the Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden in Manuel Antonio. Learn to prepare an authentic Casado dish while exploring the on-site medicinal plant garden. Enjoy personalized attention in small groups and savor the delicious shared meal with coffee or tea, creating a unique culinary adventure.
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