A close-up of dried watermelon seeds, ready to be planted for the next growing season.
A green banana plant ready for harvest, perfect for frying or boiling as a side dish in Costa Rican cuisine.
Traditional Comal on Fogón de Leña for Corn Tortillas
Black wooden table and chairs in a rustic living room with a traditional tile roof.
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Costa Rica’s Blue Zona Cultural Experience

Starting at $295

Discover the essence of Costa Rica’s Blue Zona with this enriching cultural experience. Explore a sustainable agriculture farm, step into history at a traditional house-turned-museum, savor a homemade Guanacastecan lunch, and connect with indigenous traditions through a hands-on pottery workshop. This full-day journey blends nature, history, and culture, supporting local communities and promoting sustainable tourism.

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Uncover the Heart of Costa Rica’s Blue Zona: Culture, History, and Tradition

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and timeless beauty of Costa Rica’s Blue Zona. This carefully curated experience invites you to explore a sustainable farm, learn about the daily lives of past generations in a historic museum, and try your hand at crafting Chorotega pottery. Along the way, enjoy fresh, locally prepared dishes in a region celebrated for its longevity and wholesome living. Perfect for small to mid-sized groups and culture enthusiasts, this excursion provides an authentic cultural connection while supporting local artisans and communities.

Close-up of a tree with thin, delicate branches, typical of the Guanacaste flora.
Jamaica (Hibiscus) flower grown in a small garden.
Traditional comal placed on a wood-fired clay stove for preparing handmade corn tortillas
A man carefully planting seeds in a tidy and well-maintained garden plot.
A close-up of dried watermelon seeds, ready to be planted for the next growing season.
Close-up of ripe lemons on a branch, looking fresh and ready for harvest.
Front view of the Casona Cultural, showcasing the simple wooden structure with small welcoming details that add a cozy touch.
Healthy basil plant showing rich green leaves, growing naturally with plenty of space for development.
A woman serving lunch, with pots of freshly cooked rice, beans, and other ingredients, all made over a wood fire (fogón), showcasing the clean and fresh preparation process.
A line of small basil plants growing naturally with adequate space for optimal growth.
A small eggplant plant newly planted in the ground, still in its early stages of growth.
A close-up of a young, green guava fruit on a tree branch, still maturing.
Traditional wood-fired stove with multiple cooking spaces and a pot of chicken in sauce, a typical Costa Rican meal
Freshly grown culantro criollo plants in a small garden, ready to be harvested and added to dishes for authentic flavor.
Close-up of an immature starfruit, green and attached to the tree, indicating it is not yet ready to eat.
Pot of gallina achiotada, a delicious traditional dish made with fresh, natural ingredients.
Chili pepper plants growing in repurposed plastic crates, showcasing sustainable farming techniques with varying plant sizes.
Repurposed plastic crates used for sustainable farming, with plants of different heights and sizes.
Side perspective of the Casona Cultural sign, local plants, banana tree, and a wooden structure with intricate Guanacaste architectural details.
Wooden batea, a large storage box traditionally used in Costa Rica.
Rustic marimba, a traditional symbol of Costa Rican music and culture
Rustic counter set up for customers to enjoy prepared dishes in a clean and orderly setting.
Black wooden table and chairs in a rustic living room with a traditional tile roof.
Rustic bedroom with antique wardrobes, a bed, and an old "canfin" lamp used for lighting.
Traditional "Caites" sandals worn by Costa Rican campesinos.
Corridor of a rustic Guanacaste house with wooden chairs, benches, and an antique sewing machine.
A rustic wooden cart, once used for transporting food, firewood, and other goods in Costa Rica.
A wooden platter covered with plantain leaves, holding freshly made corn tortillas
Casado con Tortilla, a typical Costa Rican dish with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and meat served with a homemade tortilla, showcasing Costa Rican cuisine.
Chorotega culture-inspired wallet made with leather, thread, and various details
Handcrafted Chorotega pottery with vibrant hues and intricate motifs

Specifics:

  • 🕒 Pick Up Time: 7:30 am (recommended for optimal experience)
  • 📍 Meeting Point: At your door or hotel’s main lobby
  • ⏳ Duration: Full day experience
  • 🚙 Driving Time: 1.5 hours each way.
  • 🙋‍♂️ Minimum Amount of People: 2 
  • 👶 Minimum Age: 5 years old
  • 💲 Price Includes: Private transportation, a bilingual tour guide, lunch, access to all activities outlined in this excursion, all taxes and fees, and a $5 allocation from Link Expeditions to The Linking Forests Fund, helping protect Costa Rica’s biodiversity with every tour you join.
  • 💡 Price Note: The listed price applies to groups of 6 or more people. For smaller groups, the cost per person is: $485 per person for a group of 2, $411 per person for a group of 3, $329 per person for a group of 4, $308 per person for a group of 5, and $295 per person for a group of 6 or more.🛑 Not included in the price: Breakfast, ceramics, gratuities or any items and services not mentioned in the Included section.

What’s Included & Not Included:

Included:

  • 🎭 Access to all cultural activities
  • 🚐 Private transportation
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Why You Should Consider This Activity:

  • ✔ Experience authentic Guanacaste culture – Connect with local communities and gain insight into their way of life, traditions, and values.
  • ✔ Step into a way of life shaped by tradition and longevity – Experience the daily customs, cuisine, and craftsmanship of communities that have preserved their heritage for generations.
  • ✔ Engaging and hands-on – Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory experience, from tasting traditional dishes to participating in local craftsmanship.
  • ✔ A meaningful journey for responsible travelers – Ideal for those who seek cultural exchange while supporting sustainable tourism and ancestral heritage.
  • ✔ A full-day inland adventure – Step away from the coast and explore the heart of Guanacaste, where tradition and history come to life.

What To Expect:

A Scenic Journey Through Guanacaste

Begin your day with an early departure to make the most of your experience. As you travel, you’ll pass through charming local villages and towns, including Santa Cruz, known as the heart of Costa Rican folklore and a place where traditions still thrive.

Sustainable Agriculture: A Model for the Future

Upon arrival, a local guide will greet you and lead you to a Sustainable Agriculture Farm, where traditional farming techniques blend seamlessly with modern sustainable practices.

Sustainability in Action

Here, you’ll witness firsthand:

  • ✔ Organic crop production that nurtures the soil and minimizes environmental impact.
  • ✔ Biodiversity conservation to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
  • ✔ Efficient use of natural resources that ensures long-term agricultural sustainability.

Exploring Agroecological Practices

During your guided farm walk, the owner will introduce you to a diverse array of fruit trees and edible plants grown on the property.

You’ll explore the Agroecological Farm and discover a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, including:

  • ✔ Vegetables & Herbs: Pipían (green squash), culantro coyote (wild cilantro), ayotes (small pumpkins), melon, watermelon, and achiote (natural food coloring).
  • ✔ Tropical Fruits: Guayabas (guavas), nísperos (loquats), zapote colorado (red mamey), guanábanas (soursop), manzana china (rose apples), sweet and sour oranges, ananás (custard apples), and guindas (sour cherries).

As you stroll through the farm, you’ll also learn about maize production, including its white, yellow, and purple varieties (seasonal availability). The farm owner will showcase how small plots of land can be diversified to sustainably produce food while preserving Guanacaste’s rural culture and environment.

A Refreshing Break Under the Guanacaste Tree

At the end of your farm tour, relax under the shade of a majestic Guanacaste tree while enjoying a refreshing farm-grown snack. You’ll sip fresh coconut water straight from the source, accompanied by a selection of seasonal fruits harvested from the farm.

A Lasting Impression

This two-hour experience offers an intimate look at sustainable agriculture and the agricultural heritage of Guanacaste, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for eco-friendly farming and rural life.

A Step Back in Time: Exploring a Traditional Guanacastecan Home

Next, you’ll visit a well-preserved traditional home, now a local museum, offering a rare opportunity to experience life in Guanacaste over a century ago.

As you walk through the museum, you’ll explore rooms filled with original furniture and historic artifacts, including:

  • ✔ Wooden and leather beds
  • ✔ Tijeretas (foldable X-shaped beds)
  • ✔ Toldos (bed canopies or mosquito nets)
  • ✔ Chamber pots and wooden trunk chests

This visit provides a fascinating look into Guanacaste’s cultural heritage and its influence on modern Costa Rican identity. You’ll gain insights into daily life, traditions, and the ingenuity of past generations, creating a deeper connection to the region’s history and way of life.

Savoring the Flavors of the Blue Zona

No cultural experience is complete without tasting the local cuisine. Enjoy a delicious, homemade lunch crafted by locals, featuring ingredients commonly enjoyed in Costa Rica’s renowned Blue Zona—a region famous for its wholesome food and longevity-focused diet.

  • ✔ Fresh, local ingredients sourced from traditional farms
  • ✔ Dishes inspired by Costa Rica’s Blue Zona lifestyle
  • ✔ A culinary experience that connects health, tradition, and sustainability

Guaitil: The Living Legacy of Chorotega Pottery

After lunch, we’ll journey to Guaitil, a village where the art of Chorotega pottery has been passed down for generations. Here, local artisans serve as custodians of Costa Rica’s indigenous craftsmanship, keeping this centuries-old tradition alive.

Upon arrival, a skilled artisan will welcome you and guide you through the entire pottery-making process.

  • ✔ Shaping the clay using time-honored techniques.
  • ✔ Applying natural mineral pigments for traditional designs.
  • ✔ Understanding the cultural significance of each handcrafted piece

This interactive experience allows you to connect with Costa Rica’s rich artistic heritage and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship behind each piece. You’ll also have the option to purchase authentic, handmade ceramics, bringing home a meaningful and culturally significant souvenir.

After a full day of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and hands-on experiences, we’ll return to your hotel or vacation rental.

What to Bring:

Essentials:

  • Daypack:  To carry personal items, snacks, and water.
  • Proper Footwear: Closed toe hiking sandals or sneakers
  • Hat & Sunglasses: Shield yourself from Guanacaste’s intense sun.
  • Sunscreen: Eco-friendly sunscreen is highly recommended to protect both your skin and the environment.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Help reduce plastic waste by bringing a refillable bottle.
  • Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics ideal for humid and hot tropical climates.
  • Biodegradable Insect Repellent: Protect yourself while minimizing environmental impact.
Costa Rican small-scale farming with irrigation and wicker trees for handmade crafts.
A close-up of soil with traditional irrigation methods in use, showing a simple yet effective system.
A close-up of melon seeds, ready to be planted for the next harvest.
Close-up of ripe lemons on a branch, looking fresh and ready for harvest.
Healthy basil plant showing rich green leaves, growing naturally with plenty of space for development.
A line of small basil plants growing naturally with adequate space for optimal growth.
Chili pepper plants growing in repurposed plastic crates, showcasing sustainable farming techniques with varying plant sizes.
Plastic crate with lush, healthy cilantro plants, showing great quality and ready to be harvested.
Scenic view of the road before reaching the Casona Cultural, showcasing a sign marking it as a cultural landmark.
Traditional Clay Wood-Fired Stove (Fogón de Leña)
Traditional pilón used for grinding rice, with basins and baskets, reflecting Costa Rican agricultural history.
Guanacaste Traditional Quijongo
Rustic bedroom with a bed, rustic structure, and a small nightstand.
A woman serving lunch, with pots of freshly cooked rice, beans, and other ingredients, all made over a wood fire (fogón), showcasing the clean and fresh preparation process.
Chorotega Ceramic Art: Vibrant Colors and Intricate Patterns
"Traditional Chorotega Ceramic Pottery showcasing vibrant hues and detailed motifs
Balcony of a traditional Guanacaste house with rustic architecture.
Traditional wooden box used for molding cheese and curd in Costa Rica.

Additional Info:

  • Age Requirement: All ages are welcome but keep in mind that Guanacaste region is sunny and hot. We recommend this for kids 5 and older.
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Languages: Available in Spanish and English
  • Physical Rating: Leisurely.
  • Group Size: All group sizes are welcome to enjoy this experience.
  • Surroundings: Land-based Activity.

Essential Considerations

  • Availability: This cultural experience is seasonal, offered exclusively from January 3rd through the end of May. Availability outside this period depends on weather conditions—please contact us to explore potential arrangements.
  • Private experience: To ensure a personalized and immersive experience, we limit the number of participants each day. Spots may fill up quickly, so we highly recommend early booking.
  • Bookings: This experience must be booked at least 5 days in advance, as it requires coordination with multiple local families to provide an authentic and meaningful cultural exchange. The earlier you book, the better we can accommodate your request.

Enhance your excursion with additional activities or customize your experience by swapping them with those included in the original tour—available for an additional fee. These options allow you to personalize your itinerary based on your interests, whether through cultural or culinary experiences.

Please note that not all activities can fit within a single full-day excursion. Depending on your selections, we may need to adjust the itinerary, timing, pricing, or included meals to accommodate your preferences.

Let us know your choices in advance, and we’ll handle all the arrangements seamlessly. Price adjustments may apply—the final cost could remain the same, increase, or decrease based on your selections. Below are the available options to consider:

  • Dairy Farm Experience:

Begin your day early with a visit to a local dairy farm. Observe the milking process, explore the property, and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast starting at 6 a.m.

  • Guanacastecan Cultural Show:

Experience the rich traditions of Guanacaste with a lively cultural show featuring typical dances and music. You’ll also have the chance to dance to the charming notes of the marimba. 

  • Tortilla-Making Demonstration:

Learn how to make tortillas the Guanacastecan way. Enjoy freshly prepared tortillas with cheese or farm-fresh cuajada, paired with Costa Rican coffee or a refreshing tropical juice.

  • Cooking Classes:

Participate in a hands-on cooking class to prepare traditional recipes, including:

Snacks:

  • Tanelas, Rosquillas, or Rustic Bread: Make these iconic baked goods and enjoy them with a traditional drink.
  • Pozol Juice: Prepare a refreshing drink made from pujagua corn.

Or Main Dishes: Opt for a more immersive experience by cooking:

  • Gallina Achiotada: Marinated chicken with achiote and spices, cooked to perfection.
  • Arroz de Maíz: A hearty corn rice dish with spices and a flavorful broth.

Cooking classes typically last 1 to 2 hours, depending on the dish of your choice.

Each of these options offers an opportunity to connect with local traditions, learn new skills, and enjoy authentic Costa Rican flavors. Let us know if you’d like to add any of these options to your excursion!

  • 🛡️ Personal Insurance: We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips and outdoor adventures. Even though the chances of needing it are minimal, it’s best to be fully covered in case of unforeseen events.
  • 💊 Prescribed Medications: Always carry any essential medications, as access to clinics or hospitals may be limited in remote areas.
  • 🚶‍♂️Stay on the Trail: For both your safety and to minimize environmental impact, always stay on designated paths.
  • 🙋‍♂️ Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: Your guide is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the area and traditions. Always follow their advice for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Experience Costa Rica’s Blue Zona Culture

Discover the rich history, savor authentic local flavors, and engage in timeless traditions with this unforgettable cultural experience.

Reserve Now!

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that plans can change. Cancellations made at least 30 days before the scheduled excursion will receive a full refund, minus any applicable bank or financial service fees. Cancellations made between 29 and 15 days before the excursion will receive a 50% refund, minus any applicable bank or financial service fees. Cancellations made between 14 and 10 days before the excursion will receive a 15% refund, minus any applicable bank or financial service fees. Cancellations made within 9 days of the excursion are non-refundable, and no-shows will incur a 100% penalty charge.

All changes and cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to hello@linkexpeditions.com and must be confirmed by us to take effect. Please note that tours, excursions, activities, and field trips must be prepaid in full to secure your booking. All prices are quoted in USD.

Some experiences we offer are facilitated by trusted vendors we have carefully selected to align with our values. For these specific activities, the cancellation policy will be subject to the vendor’s terms and conditions. For example, most fishing and private catamaran tours typically have a 50% penalty charge if canceled within 21 days.

While we strive to accommodate everyone, our cancellation policies are in place to help us continue providing you with the best possible service. Late cancellations not only affect our operations but also limit opportunities for other travelers who may have wished to book. By adhering to these policies, we can ensure your excursions and transportation are secure, offering you a smooth and hassle-free experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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