Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio worth booking?
Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio is a 3.5-hour experience in Quepos, Costa Rica, from $97 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 37 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (37)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $97 per person
We are a local family interacting and teaching about the local cuisine in Manuel Antonio from the local taste perspective. You will be learning directly from the locals how to best combine native ingredients with the best spices to get a tasty meal.
What you get
About this experience
We are a local family interacting and teaching about the local cuisine in Manuel Antonio from the local taste perspective. You will be learning directly from the locals how to best combine native ingredients with the best spices to get a tasty meal.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cooking Class Manuel Antonio
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 37 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
37 verified traveler reviews for Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great way to experience Costa Rica
Pura Vida! Such a cool way to experience a little piece of Costa Rican culture! We got to learn about local ingredients, traditional cooking, and the stories behind the food while actually getting involved and cooking ourselves. Everything felt super authentic, relaxed, and fun and of course, getting to sit down and enjoy what we made was the best part! Definitely a great experience if you want to do something beyond the typical tourist activities.
Response from the operator: ¡Pura Vida! Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed diving into Costa Rican culture through our traditional cooking and stories. Our main goal is to offer an authentic hands-on experience, and knowing that you had a relaxed and fun time cooking and tasting your own creations makes us very happy. Thank you for recommending us to travelers looking for something unique!
via Tripadvisor
Gorgeous setting and wonderful teacher!
We participated in the cooking class in late June. We were a party of 6 with two little girls and it was so much fun! Food was delicious, guide (Sergio) was EXCELLENT, kitchen and view were picturesque I would 10/10 recommend for anyone visiting the area to do this cooking class.
Response from the operator: We're delighted that you loved the food, the beautiful setting, and Sergio's guidance throughout the class. He truly enjoys sharing Costa Rican cuisine and culture with our guests, and your kind words will mean a lot to him.
via Tripadvisor
Book this class w/ Sergio and Ellie!
This was one of our favorite experiences in Costa Rica. Sergio and Ellie were wonderful hosts and made the entire class feel warm, welcoming, and personal from start to finish. Before we even started cooking, we were taken on a tour of the garden where we learned about the herbs and ingredients used in traditional Costa Rican cooking. We even spotted some wildlife along the way, which made the experience feel even more special. The class itself focused on making a traditional casado. (Of note, a pescatarian version was also prepared for my boyfriend, as he does not eat meat). Most of the preparation involved chopping vegetables, but what I found most interesting were the seasonings and techniques, which were quite different from what I’m used to. Everything was explained clearly, and we received a PDF of the recipes afterward so we can recreate the meal at home. The setting was incredible—an open-air kitchen that feels like it’s part of the jungle, with beautiful views all around. The group was small and intimate, which allowed for great conversation. We work in healthcare, and somehow the discussion naturally evolved into fascinating conversations about mental health and cultural differences between Costa Rica and the United States. And of course, Sergio deserves special mention. He is absolutely hilarious. His humor, storytelling, and energy made the class just as entertaining as it was educational. If you’re looking for an authentic, intimate experience that combines food, culture, nature, and great conversation, I can’t recommend this class enough. It felt less like a cooking class and more like spending an evening with friends while learning something new.
Response from the operator: Wow, what an incredible review! Thank you so much for capturing the exact spirit of what we try to create here. We love that you enjoyed the blend of nature, culture, and cooking—and that the pescatarian modifications worked out perfectly for your boyfriend! Connecting with guests over great food and deep conversation in our jungle kitchen is the best part of what we do. Sergio and Ellie send their warmest regards, and Sergio is already smiling knowing his storytelling and jokes kept you entertained. Thank you for the high recommendation, and we hope the flavors of Costa Rica stay with you both for a long time!
via Tripadvisor
Great cooking class
Overall great experience and would recommend! Food was quite good and the host was very personable. Only downside was that I made a note upon booking that I am pescatarian, and they only had chicken. Would like better accommodations for dietary restrictions. Great class!
Response from the operator: "Thank you so much for your feedback and for recommending our class! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and found our host personable. However, we sincerely apologize for the oversight regarding your pescatarian request. We value our guests' dietary needs and will use your feedback to improve our communication and ensure we have the right accommodations ready for everyone. We would love to have you back for an even better experience in the future! Pura Vida!"
via Viator
Learn by cooking
One of the best ways to learn about a country is to cook it's favorite food. Of course you need a great teacher and Sergio and his cooking assistant, Elizabeth, were all of that. In an attractive kitchen set in the middle of a forest where many of the ingredients were grown, they not only showed us how to prepare several traditional dishes but gave the history and cultural context. The result was delicious food and a deeper understanding of Costa Rica.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your insightful review! We truly believe that cooking is the best way to connect with a country's soul, and we’re thrilled that Sergio and Elizabeth helped you gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica. It’s a joy to share our history and traditions in our open-air kitchen, surrounded by the very forest where our ingredients grow. We're glad you found the meal as delicious as the stories behind it. We hope to see you again for more 'Pura Vida' flavors!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cooking Class Manuel Antonio, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.8.
See everything Cooking Class Manuel Antonio runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quepos.
How much does Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio cost?
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Prices start at $97 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quepos usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quepos is not rushed.
Is Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 37 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Quepos, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quepos can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quepos and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quepos within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quepos?
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On Outty we rank every Quepos experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full Day Waterfall Adventure, Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour - Longest Twin Zip Line in Central America, Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quepos?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio?
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Included: Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 62 listed pickup locations in and around Quepos. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio?
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Across 37 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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