Combine a short garden walk with a hands-on cooking lesson in Manuel Antonio. Learn about vanilla, cacao and medicinal plants, then cook and eat a traditional casado with local hosts.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light filters through the garden’s broad leaves as an air-conditioned van eases up a dirt drive and you step into a hum of insects and citrus-sweet air.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity: able to stand for demonstrations and walk short, mostly flat garden paths.
Wildlife
History
Local cooking and plant use reflect indigenous and coastal farm traditions; casado evolved as a practical, balanced midday meal for working families.
Conservation
Plants are cultivated with attention to native species and sustainable harvesting; visitors are asked not to pick specimens and to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Reserve your spot on the Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Tell hosts about dietary needs
Notify the operator of allergies or dietary restrictions before arrival so the menu can be adjusted.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Garden paths and the sugarcane mill area can be uneven—sturdy shoes improve comfort and safety.
Bring sun protection
Short periods outdoors expose you to strong Pacific sun; a hat and sunscreen help during the walk.
Carry a reusable bottle
Hydration is important in the tropical heat; refill opportunities are generally available.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet on uneven garden paths and near the mill.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Short outdoor stretches under the tropical sun make sun protection advisable.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during garden walks and in warm kitchens.
Light rain jacket
The wet season brings sudden showers; a compact jacket keeps you dry.
winter