Chocolate Tour Puerto Viejo: Cacao Farm & Bean-to-Bar Experience

From the tree, to the bean, to the bar

This chocolate tour takes place on a family-run micro cacao farm near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Over two hours you follow chocolate from the cacao tree all the way to the finished bar, on a farm that makes its own chocolate on site.

The experience

Begin with a short hike through the cacao forest while your guide shares the history of cacao and chocolate, how the fruit is harvested and the farming practices used on the property. Along the way you might spot a sloth, a monkey or even an agouti.

The trail rewards you with a view of the Caribbean Sea, where you taste the fresh cacao fruit that eventually becomes chocolate. Next, learn how the beans are fermented and dried, the step that gives great chocolate its flavor.

Most cacao farm tours stop there, but here the journey continues into the mini chocolate factory, where you watch the bean-to-bar process while enjoying the aroma of chocolate being made.

Then comes the best part: a guided chocolate tasting. Much like a wine tasting, you explore the aromas and flavors that come from the land, try a traditional cacao drink inspired by the ancient Aztec recipe, and sample the full range of the farm's chocolate flavors. Finish back at the shop with an exclusive tour discount on drinks, lunch, chocolate or coffee to take home.

Highlights

1. Guided cacao forest hike: A scenic rainforest walk to learn about sustainable farming and local history.
2. Wildlife observation: Look out for sloths, monkeys and agoutis as you explore.
3. Tree-to-bean education: The harvesting, fermentation and drying secrets behind premium flavor.
4. Micro-factory tour: Go behind the scenes of the bean-to-bar process in a working chocolate factory.
5. Gourmet chocolate tasting: A guided sensory experience across the full range of single-origin chocolates.
6. Traditional Aztec drink: A handmade chocolate beverage rooted in the ancient origins of cacao.
7. Ocean view lookout: Views of the Caribbean Sea from the heart of the farm.
8. Exclusive shop discount: A participant discount on chocolate, coffee and gifts at the store.

Good to know

• Duration: 2 hours
• Languages: English, Spanish and French
• Departures: Daily at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
• Closed: New Year's Day, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day
• Location: Near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The exact meeting point is shared upon booking.
• Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour begins to sign in.
• What to bring: Water, bug spray and a camera are recommended but not required.
• Difficulty: Moderate hike with some elevation change. The gravel trail is easy to navigate, but comfortable footwear is recommended.

FAQs

What languages is this tour presented in? Tours are offered in English, Spanish and French.