TICO Private Walking Food Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is TICO Private Walking Food Tour worth booking?
TICO Private Walking Food Tour is a 3-hour experience in Jaco, Costa Rica, from $107 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (18)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $107 per person
Embark on the "Taste of Jaco TICO Walking Food Tour," where authentic Costa Rican cuisine meets captivating cultural stories. Your adventure begins at Bohio Cafe with a warm welcome from your guide. Discover local flavors at various eateries, each stop showcasing unique dishes that reflect the essence of Costa Rican culinary traditions. As you stroll through the vibrant streets of Jaco, your guide shares insights into the town's fascinating transformation from a quiet fishing village to a lively beach destination. Enjoy scenic walks that highlight local businesses and cultural landmarks while soaking in the beautiful coastal views. The tour culminates with a delightful meal at a beachside eatery, where you can savor the flavors of the region while watching the sunset. This small-group experience fosters personal connections and unforgettable memories. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the heart and soul of Costa Rican culture!
What you get
About this experience
Embark on the "Taste of Jaco TICO Walking Food Tour," where authentic Costa Rican cuisine meets captivating cultural stories. Your adventure begins at Bohio Cafe with a warm welcome from your guide. Discover local flavors at various eateries, each stop showcasing unique dishes that reflect the essence of Costa Rican culinary traditions. As you stroll through the vibrant streets of Jaco, your guide shares insights into the town's fascinating transformation from a quiet fishing village to a lively beach destination. Enjoy scenic walks that highlight local businesses and cultural landmarks while soaking in the beautiful coastal views. The tour culminates with a delightful meal at a beachside eatery, where you can savor the flavors of the region while watching the sunset. This small-group experience fosters personal connections and unforgettable memories. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the heart and soul of Costa Rican culture!
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Restaurant Stop 1: Local Cevicheria Duration: 30-45 minutes Details: Start your culinary adventure with a local twist on ceviche known as caldosa. Often called the "poor man's ceviche," this flavorful dish combines simple yet fresh ingredients. Your guide will share the history of this iconic Costa Rican dish and how it has become a beloved staple in the region.
45 minutes here
Walk & History of Jaco Duration: 5-10 minutes Details: Enjoy a guided walk through Jaco, as your guide offers insights into the town’s transformation from a quiet fishing village to a bustling beach destination. Learn about key landmarks and Jaco’s growing reputation as a hotspot for both locals and travelers.
10 minutes here
Restaurant Stop 2: Traditional Tico Bar Duration: 30-45 minutes Details: Head to a traditional Tico bar, where you'll savor patacones topped with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or beef. These twice-fried plantain discs are crispy and flavorful. To complete the experience, take a shot of chili guaro, a spicy Costa Rican liquor, and hear about its significance in local festivities and celebrations.
45 minutes here
Walk & Street Exploration Duration: 10-15 minutes Details: Continue exploring the heart of Jaco with a leisurely walk through the streets. Your guide will point out local businesses, giving you a deeper understanding of the town's vibrant street culture and daily life.
15 minutes here
Restaurant Stop 3: Costa Rican Café Duration: 30-45 minutes Details: Visit a cozy Costa Rican café to enjoy a traditional tico tortilla alongside a freshly brewed cappuccino or black coffee. Learn about Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee production process, from bean to cup, and why coffee is a cornerstone of local culture.
45 minutes here
Walk & Beachside Exploration Duration: 5-10 minutes Details: Stroll toward the beach, where you can enjoy the cool ocean breeze and stunning views. Your guide will explain the importance of the coast to local livelihoods and how the beach plays a central role in Jaco’s lifestyle.
10 minutes here
Restaurant Stop 4: Latin Fusion Eatery Duration: 30-45 minutes Details: End your food tour with a classic Costa Rican dish—chifrijo, a hearty combination of rice, beans, pork, and pico de gallo. Enjoy this dish while watching the sunset and soaking in the relaxed beachside atmosphere. Your guide will share insights on the evolution of Costa Rican cuisine and how chifrijo has become a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
45 minutes here
Final Reflections & Farewell Duration: 15 minutes Details: Conclude your TICO food tour with reflections on the day’s experiences. Say farewell to your guide and fellow food enthusiasts as you leave with a deeper understanding of Costa Rican flavors and culture, along with new memories of Jaco’s vibrant culinary scene.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Jaco
Meet your guide at Pescaderia Bertil for a warm welcome and an overview of the TICO food tour. Learn about the exciting journey ahead as you prepare to taste authentic Costa Rican cuisine and explore the cultural stories behind each dish.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Conclude your TICO food tour with reflections on the day’s experiences. Say farewell to your guide and fellow food enthusiasts as you leave with a deeper understanding of Costa Rican flavors and culture, along with new memories of Jaco’s vibrant culinary scene.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Taste of Jaco
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for TICO Private Walking Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Great experience!
5⭐️ experience from beginning to end with some bonus assistance in finding other tours later in the week. Matthew and Dave were very informative, friendly, and the culinary choices/ restaurants we visited were top-notch. This is a “must-do” if you are visiting the region.
via Viator
Awesome Experience!
Matty was an excellent guide. He took us to 4 different restaurants and all the food was amazing. Each dish was very unique and well presented. The portions were huge and we were stuffed by the end of the tour. Matty told us much about the history of Jaco and pointed out his favorite places to eat and shop. He also was a wealth of information about activities in the area and fun things to do. Its a great activity and you will enjoy.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! It was truly a pleasure showing you around Jacó and introducing you to some of our favorite local restaurants. We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the food, the generous portions, and the unique flavors each stop had to offer. One of the best parts of the tour is sharing not only great food, but also the history, culture, and hidden gems that make Jacó such a special place. We're glad the recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and local activities helped make your visit even more enjoyable. Creating memorable experiences for our guests is always our goal, and reviews like yours mean the world to us. Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica in the future for more amazing food, adventures, and unforgettable memories! Pura Vida, Matty & the Taste of Jaco Team 🌴🍽️🇨🇷
via Viator
Yummy!! Food tour was awesome.
We had an issue making it to the tour on time because of some traffic problems. Both the owner and our guide were extremely accommodating. Our guide, Tatiana, met us over two hours later than our scheduled time and gave us an abbreviated tour. She didn’t have to do that but we had a great visit with her. The food we got was phenomenal. We went back to one of the places the next day and ordered the same thing again! 10/10. Definitely do this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing your experience! 🙏 We completely understand that travel days can sometimes come with unexpected traffic, so we’re always happy to do our best to accommodate when possible. I’m really glad Tatiana was able to meet up with you and still give you a great experience despite the timing challenges. She truly is an amazing guide and loves sharing the local food scene with our guests. It also makes us very happy to hear that you enjoyed the food so much that you went back to one of the restaurants the next day — that’s always the best compliment! Thank you again for joining us on the Taste of Jacó Food Tour, and we hope to see you again the next time you're in Costa Rica. Pura Vida! 🇨🇷🍽️ — Matthew Taste of Jacó Food Tours
via Viator
Great tour in Jaco
We had a great time as a family doing this tour. Matty was great and accommodating to our needs. He gave us the history of Jaco, great food and drinks and a good time was had by all. I would recommend taking this tour in the beginning of your time in Jaco as there is a lot of great recommendations. Great job Matty!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the amazing review! 🙏 It truly means a lot to hear that you and your family had such a great time on the tour. One of my favorite parts of hosting the Taste of Jacó Food Tour is being able to share the history of Jacó, introduce guests to some of the best local food and drinks, and help people discover places they can come back to during their stay. I’m really glad you enjoyed the experience and the recommendations! It was a pleasure meeting you and your family, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I hope the rest of your time in Jacó was incredible, and you’re always welcome back anytime. Pura Vida! 🇨🇷🍽️ — Matty Taste of Jacó Food Tours
via Viator
Friendly guide...
Friendly guide Lots of great local food, tons of information about Costa Rica and Jaco, worth every penny, attention to details- food sensitivity.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! 🙏 I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience, the local food, and learning more about Costa Rica and Jacó during the tour. Sharing the culture, history, and hidden food spots in town is one of my favorite parts of hosting the experience. We also always do our best to pay close attention to dietary restrictions and food sensitivities so everyone can enjoy the tour comfortably, so I’m glad that stood out to you. Thank you again for joining us on the Taste of Jacó Food Tour and for the kind recommendation. We truly appreciate it! Pura Vida! 🇨🇷🍽️ — Matty Taste of Jacó Food Tours
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Taste of Jaco, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.3.
See everything Taste of Jaco runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
TICO Private Walking Food Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Jaco.
How much does TICO Private Walking Food Tour cost?
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Prices start at $107 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Jaco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does TICO Private Walking Food Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Jaco is not rushed.
Is TICO Private Walking Food Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Jaco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule TICO Private Walking Food Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is TICO Private Walking Food Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book TICO Private Walking Food Tour?
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Around 6 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 Jaco 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 Jaco and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does TICO Private Walking Food Tour 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 Jaco 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 Jaco?
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On Outty we rank every Jaco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner, Jason Crocodile Tours, Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding. 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 Jaco?
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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 Jaco?
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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 TICO Private Walking Food Tour?
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Included: Professional guide; and Snacks. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for TICO Private Walking Food Tour?
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Meet your guide at Pescaderia Bertil for a warm welcome and an overview of the TICO food tour. Learn about the exciting. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is TICO Private Walking Food Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. 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 TICO Private Walking Food Tour?
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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 TICO Private Walking Food Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to TICO Private Walking Food Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Jaco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about TICO Private Walking Food Tour?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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