Profile
Hola! I’m Mari, your go-to cultural guide and gourmet experience curator in the Caribbean heart of Costa Rica. I specialize in in personalized travel planning, custom home-cooked meals, and connecting travelers to the real Costa Rica, far from the tourist traps.
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a girls getaway, or a group celebration. I craft authentic, affordable, and unforgettable experiences designed just for you.
Travel Guide and Concierge Services
Cooking, drafting personal menu, clean sourcing of equipment. Curated experiences based on customer needs. Specialize in getting the best prices and not tourist prices. Hosting Party Events. Can help with discreet accommodations for any size travelling party, men or women.
Services Offered
- Tailored Travel Itineraries
- Private Chef & Menu Planning (Traditional + fusion cuisine)
- Event Hosting & Part Setup
- Fruit & Product Sourcing (Otaheite, Mangosteen, Passiflora etc)
- Curated Cultural Excursions (markets, farms, cacao tasting, beaches)
- Travel With Your Group – Available for travel across Latin America
- Discreet Accommodations Assistance – I can help secure safe, private, and comfortable lodging for any size group – men or women.
Why Travelers Choose Me
-
- Expert in Caribbean Costa Rican culture
- Knows how to get local – not tourist prices
- Friendly, flexible, and open to bartering
- Experience working with International and Black Travelers
- Trusted and Traveler- Verified
- Offers culturally respectful support for private needs and group privacy
Other Details
Prices May Vary
- Yes
- Tour Guide
- Concierge Services
- Private Chef
- Conversational
- Yes
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2 Reviews on “Mari's Gourmet”
I met Mari on my second trip to San José, and she was an absolute game-changer for the whole experience. During the day, she helped me navigate the city’s cultural spots and hidden gems, and by night she made sure we hit the best clubs in both San José and Jacó. What stood out most was her honesty and transparency — she kept it real the entire time. Even more, she connected us with other movers and expats in the area, which gave the trip an authentic, local feel. If you want someone who can balance culture and nightlife while plugging you into the real community, Mari is definitely the one to call.
Mari has been a delight to my visitations to Coasta Rica. It was one of those, “stars lined up” for us. I happen to on vacation in San José, being a typical tourist. She caught wind of it and told me if I really want to see Coasta Rica, she would show me. We exchanged info and later meet up.
Mari was amazing. I really enjoyed seeing Coasta Rica with her. As she was showing me around we somehow got on the subject of her being a gourmet chef. It might have been through us visiting the local vendors but it was enough for me to book a flight back just so she could be my “personnel chef”. I thought it was funny that I could say I had my own personnel chef while on vacation. Mari took care of everything for my visit just for her. The food was delightful. Lodging accommendations was all through her and it brought me closer to Coasta Rica’s culture. I was staying with locals
and was treated as a family member. But her cooking, man oh man, that was the whole reason I came back and I was not disappointed. Her sweets wer the best part. I was craving them each day. Overall if you want a real experience visiting Coasta Rica, make sure Mari is the first person you contact.