Vegan Tours

Vegan Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica

Share With:

Luis

San Jose Coste Rica

0 Reviews

A bit about myself and why I became vegan

I am Luis, a software engineer, aficionado runner and plant-based cook from San José, Costa Rica. I became vegan in 2016 after a friend recommended watching Cowspiracy. After watching the documentary and being exposed to all this new information (that I had already known but was ignoring), my girlfriend and I decided to become vegan on that very day!

In a small country like Costa Rica, we had to do quite a lot of research on how to be active and healthy vegans. After finding that there was not much vegan related information in our country, we decided to create our blog – Greens Love, to share all our findings of recipes, products, restaurants, tips, and events around the country. Along the way, we connected with a lot of local vegans and some great vegan entrepreneurs who went on to create their own successful vegan businesses; such as bakeries, restaurants, bars, pop-up markets and other amazing ideas that I would be happy to share with you!

Tasting tour on East San José

Tour 1: Around San Pedro Park

Our vegan tour in east San Jose will start with a short stroll around San Pedro park which is just a few steps away from the tasty pastry shop of Gia Vegan Pastries. This is the perfect spot to drink some great authentic Costa Rican coffee and sample some extremely satisfying vegan pastries.

From there we can stop at a few local stores so I can explain local foods and snacks available to vegans in Costa Rica.

Later on, we can head to a local small restaurant that serves the famous “Patacones” and “Guacamole,” also known as fried plantain chips and avocado guacamole. After tasting some local foods, we can take a pleasant walk to the University of Costa Rica. I would be happy to explain anything and everything vegan. Including recommended vegan activities, must-see sights, best restaurants in town and answer any related questions you may have to ease your stay in San José.

Next, we’ll head to the best vegan burgers’ place in Costa Rica, which you can find in San José and some beach locations. We will then walk to Barrio Escalante; a vibrant neighbourhood in San José filled with restaurants and bars. There, we will head to my favourite vegan bar with many like-minded vegans hanging around. Their food is also great and includes amazing pizza and good cold beer. Or we can opt for another great vegan hang out that serves great nachos, quesadillas, and other great vegan delicacies.

Tasting tour on East San José

Tour 2: Around Plaza de la Democratia

Our vegan tour in downtown San Jose will commence at Plaza de la Democracia, near the main museums and parks of San José. We can talk about veganism, Costa Rican wildlife, and environmental wins and fails while walking to Barrio Amón. Barrio Amón is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in San José. We can find vegan souvenirs and restaurant recommendations while we reach a well known vegan cafe and store focused on creating amazing foods from locally sourced products. We will tour their vegan mini market that has many local vegan foods and snacks. This is a great place for me to explain all about the availability of vegan products in the country, so can be informed of your options for the rest of the stay. If you get hungry, we can enjoy a great breakfast there, with great coffee, fruits, and the famous gallo pinto – the popular breakfast staple based on rice and beans.

We can then tour to San José’s main market and use our newly learnt knowledge to identify vegan snacks and foods. Then, we end the tour by walking to La Sabana, the biggest park of San José to breathe in some nature, rest from the crowds and noises of downtown and share some of the food/products we got along the way.

A bit more about the guide:

How long have you been vegan?

5 years!
How long have you been living in San José?

31 years, well I am originally from here, just lived 3 years abroad so could be 28.
What is your favorite restaurant in San José?

Luv Burger
What is your favorite vegan related activity?

Eating, cooking
I am vegan for:

Because of ethical reasons, I shifted my way of thinking that animals should not be used by humans. Also for the environment and later on because I saw it improved my health and athletic performance.