Chocolate Farm Visit and Workshop, Arenal/La Fortuna

Learn about the history and production of chocolate on a hands-on tour that includes tastings

Overview

In this hands-on chocolate experience, you'll learn all about one of Costa Rica's most famous exports. Participate in the cacao harvest, see how the seeds are dried and ground to produce creamy cocoa butter, and sample freshly made chocolate. You'll also learn about the history of chocolate production in Costa Rica. In many ancient Mesoamerican cultures, the cacao tree was considered extremely important. Your bilingual guide will explain how chocolate was once consumed as a ceremonial drink and show you how to make a traditional Costa Rican drink that dates back centuries.

Highlights

  • Witness the process behind chocolate production
  • Snack on cacao beans and freshly made chocolate
  • Take in sweeping views of Arenal Volcano
  • Learn about the significance of chocolate in ancient Mesoamerica

Know before you go

Duration
2 hours
Recommended for
6 years old & up
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Chocolate samples

What you'll do

The activity begins when you arrive at Rainforest Chocolate Tour, located just outside La Fortuna, to join one of four daily tours, noting that reservations are required.

The hands-on tour introduces you to the history of cacao harvesting and chocolate production in Costa Rica. Your bilingual guide will explain the economic and symbolic significance of chocolate (called "the Gift of the Gods") in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, then show you the process of harvesting the fruit, drying and grinding the seeds, and creating chocolate and cocoa drinks. 

Enjoy views of Arenal Volcano in the distance as you listen to your guide and snack on freshly made organic chocolate. You can also sample a unique treat: while still in their pods, cacao beans are covered in a delicious fruity pulp that you can eat before the beans are roasted.

Transportation is not provided, so you can take a taxi or drive. Your hotel can call you a taxi (expect to pay USD 10 to 20, depending on your hotel's location). If you're driving, your destination is easy to find, located on the road to La Fortuna Waterfall.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

What's included

  • Bilingual guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Lots of chocolate samples

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Itineraries with Chocolate Farm Visit and Workshop