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When we were planning our trip to Costa Rica, we debated if adding the Rainforest Chocolate Tour to our plans was worthwhile given so many other options in the La Fortuna area. From ziplining and canyoning to hiking, ATV, horseback riding and more, the La Fortuna adventure hub offers an endless array of fun, family adventures. Would the chocolate tour be worth it? After some deliberation, and consulting with our kids, we decided to give it a try. We are so glad we did! It was a surprisingly delightful and sweet experience — and we learned a lot! Our kids rate the Rainforest Chocolate Tour as one of their favorite experiences in Costa Rica, so we wanted to share what we loved about it, because we almost opted to skip this one, and I’m glad we didn’t.
The Sweet Adventure Begins
Our local tour guide took us in the rainforest where we spotted a toucan in the canopy and heard a symphony of bird song while on our way to see and learn all about the cacao trees – the source of all chocolate delights. She shared intriguing stories about the history and cultural significance of cacao in Costa Rica and throughout Central America.
Hands-On Learning and Fun
We saw what cacao flowers look like on the trees, and the pods as they form. Our son helped crack open a cacao pod to reveal its raw beans inside. We learned about the harvest, fermenting and drying process — and our kids got to participate in every step of the chocolate-making journey. As they learned about the transformation from bean to bar, we all gained a newfound appreciation for the chocolate we love.
Tasting the Fruits of Our Labor
Of course, no chocolate tour is complete without tasting sessions. Everyone is invited to sample cacao in its various stages—from the bitter raw bean to the smooth, sweet finished product. The taste-testing is, of course, a delightfully sweet part of the experience. We were able to try many different types of chocolate – with different ingredient additives of our choosing, such as vanilla, cinnamon, sea salt, chili pepper and any number of other possible combinations of flavors. We left with a much deeper understanding of artisanal chocolate, and the varying degrees of flavor differences between dark to milk chocolate.
Cultural and Environmental Education
Best of all is that we all learned so much – without it feeling like a classroom. This was an educational journey into sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. We learned about organic, transitioning cacao farming practices, the biodiversity, and the ecological impact of cacao farming. We were reminded of the fragile and important balance of nature and our place within it. Â
Making Sweet Memories
Our whole family was pleasantly surprised by just how much we enjoyed this experience. We didn’t anticipate that it would be the highlight of our kids’ experience in Costa Rica – but it was – which is saying a lot since we also did wildlife tours, ziplining, waterfall rappelling and snorkeling among other adventures. We highly recommend the Rainforest Chocolate Tour.Â
If you go:
Book in Advance: Chocolate farm tours are popular, so it’s wise to book ahead of time to secure your spot.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: The tours are outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for a tropical climate.
Wear bug repellent – you’ll be in a forest.
Bring a Camera: Capture the joy and excitement of your kids as they explore and learn.
Stay Hydrated: The tropical weather can be quite warm, so ensure everyone stays hydrated throughout the tour.
Conclusion
The Rainforest Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is a delightful and enriching experience that combines fun, education, and deliciousness. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature, learn about sustainable practices, and indulge in the sweet pleasures of chocolate. So, next time you plan a family trip to Costa Rica, make sure to add a chocolate farm tour to your itinerary. It’s an adventure that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you with cherished family memories.
