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
2 hours
6 years old & up
Small group
Chocolate samples
What you'll do
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
-
Daily8:00 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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Get startedSee alternatives
Organic Coffee Farm Experience
You'll have the opportunity to visit an organic coffee plantation located in the village of Naranjo, Costa Rica. This small family-run farm uses sustainable and eco-friendly cultivation methods to produce 100% organic coffee beans. You'll learn about the traditional Costa Rican methods used to cultivate coffee and participate in every step of the process, from harvesting to roasting and grinding. At the end of the tour, you'll get to savor a hot cup of freshly ground coffee along with a light snack. Many visitors have claimed that this is the best cup of coffee they've ever tasted, thanks to their newfound appreciation for the time and care that goes into producing the perfect cup of coffee.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways, up to 180 feet (55 meters) above the rainforest floor, you'll have a chance to appreciate this area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 350 avian species that live here.
Visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the Río Balsa. You'll transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in spot on the river, where your guide will give you safety instructions and outfit you with a helmet and life vest. Then, push off into the current and start paddling through rolling Class II and III rapids with names like Morning Coffee and Rock around the Croc. Enjoy wildlife spotting along the way—you'll even have a chance to swim while passing through calmer stretches of the river.
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River (Class III-IV)
La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Sunset Cruise with Wine & Cheese on Lake Arenal
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Volunteer Experience
Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more. (Because the center's goal is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the wildlife present at the center is subject to change.) During your visit, you'll learn about conservation and sustainability. As part of the volunteer tour, you will also have hands-on opportunities with the animals. Learn how to prepare and serve food to the animals, interact with them (following the guide's instructions), help clean cages or craft animal toys, and more. You will go home with unforgettable memories!
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Visit
Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more.
(Because the center's goal is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the wildlife present at the center is subject to change.) During your visit, you'll also learn about conservation and sustainability.
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
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