Don Olivo Chocolate Tour
Discover Costa Rica's rich cacao heritage at Don Olivo, a family-run farm offering an authentic bean-to-bar chocolate tour with delicious tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest fruit & cooler temps
Don Olivo Chocolate Tour
Best Time
Freshest fruit & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Costa Rica's rich cacao heritage at Don Olivo, a family-run farm offering an authentic bean-to-bar chocolate tour with delicious tastings.
"An authentic and delicious experience with incredibly knowledgeable guides and generous tastings!"
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking through a farm, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
😋 Come Hungry!
Plenty of delicious samples of fruit, chocolate, coffee, and rum are included. :icecream:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making
Cacao Plantation
Witness the traditional process from cacao bean to rich chocolate, with hands-on demonstrations.
Tropical Fruit Tasting
Farm Grounds
Sample unique, fresh tropical fruits grown on the farm, often paired with their homemade chocolate.
Artisanal Coffee & Hot Chocolate
Tasting Area
Savor rich, locally grown coffee and decadent hot chocolate made with their own cacao.
Wildlife Spotting
Farm Grounds
Keep an eye out for local wildlife like sloths and toucans amidst the lush plantation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Come Hungry & Ready to Learn
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking through a farm, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
😋 Come Hungry!
Plenty of delicious samples of fruit, chocolate, coffee, and rum are included. :icecream:
🗣️ Guides Speak Clear English
Don't worry about language barriers; guides are known for clear English. :speaking_head:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The lush farm and unique processes make for beautiful, memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking through a farm, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
😋 Come Hungry!
Plenty of delicious samples of fruit, chocolate, coffee, and rum are included. :icecream:
🗣️ Guides Speak Clear English
Don't worry about language barriers; guides are known for clear English. :speaking_head:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The lush farm and unique processes make for beautiful, memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Buy Souvenirs
Support the family farm by purchasing their amazing chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour for its authentic, family-run atmosphere and the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly guides. The generous tastings of fresh fruits, artisanal chocolate, and coffee are a major highlight, making it a delicious and educational experience for all ages. While small, the farm offers a rich immersion into Costa Rican biodiversity and traditional chocolate-making.
"Cool experience! Lots of fruit to try that was very unique, family run, beautiful farm. Definitely a good choice and kept snacks in our hands tho whole time. Jose provided a lot of info"
Briana Hodson
"Staff so friendly here.
Dan was our guide and his knowledge was brilliant and tour very interesting. They fill you up with wonderful fresh fruit covered in chocolate and other fresh fruits all grown in their land. So be prepared to snack! They end the tour with delicious coffee and hot chocolate tasters and with the best mini brownies I've ever tasted!
Speak very clear English too.
They were also super flexible with our booking and swapped us to an earlier tour. If in the area I would recommend this tour."
Laura Holloway
"We had an amazing time learning about the ecosystems in Costa Rica and the roles they play in so many aspects, not just solely with Cocoa. Brian, our guide, was incredibly friendly, informative, and charismatic! While explaining everything and answering any questions, they give you lots of fresh fruit samples, including directly from the plant! The tour ends with a relaxing coffee and chocolate tasting in the Chocolate Jungle! Some of the best fruit, chocolate, and coffee I’ve had!"
kaitlyn acierno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Don Olivo Chocolate Tour is located near La Fortuna. Many visitors opt for a taxi or Uber, which is a convenient and quick option. If you have a rental car, there is parking available on-site. Some tour operators in La Fortuna may also offer packages that include transportation to the farm.
The tour is generally well-signposted in the La Fortuna area. Using GPS on your phone or asking locals for directions is also recommended.
Depending on your accommodation's location in La Fortuna, walking might be an option, but it's a bit of a distance. Taxis or Ubers are more commonly used for this trip.
For convenience and ease, taxis or ride-sharing services are popular. If you're exploring the area with a rental car, driving yourself is also a straightforward option.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the farm directly. It's best to arrange a taxi, Uber, or consider a tour package that includes transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tour typically costs around $25 USD per person, but prices can vary. It's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred tour time.
The tour usually lasts for about 2 hours, providing a comprehensive experience of the chocolate-making process and tastings.
Your ticket includes a guided tour of the cacao plantation, demonstrations of chocolate making, and generous tastings of fresh fruits, coffee, hot chocolate, and various chocolate products.
Information on group or child discounts is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly with Don Olivo Chocolate Tour when booking for any potential special rates.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
The tour focuses on tastings of fresh tropical fruits, artisanal coffee, rich hot chocolate, and various homemade chocolates, including options with 90% cacao.
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase their delicious homemade chocolates, coffee beans, vanilla extract, and other products to take home.
The tastings primarily consist of fruits and chocolate. While the chocolate is made with natural ingredients, it's best to confirm specific ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.
Many visitors rave about the mini brownies and the 90% cacao chocolate made with their own sugar cane juice and vanilla extract.
The coffee is locally grown and freshly prepared, often described as delicious and a highlight of the tasting experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. The lush plantation and the chocolate-making process offer many beautiful photo opportunities.
The cacao trees, the fruit-bearing plants, the demonstration areas, and the scenic plantation views are all excellent for capturing memorable shots.
If you're lucky enough to spot wildlife like sloths or toucans, you can certainly try to photograph them, but be respectful of their space.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other guests and ask your guide if you're unsure about photographing specific areas or demonstrations.
Expect vibrant shots of tropical fruits, close-ups of cacao pods, scenic plantation landscapes, and candid moments of the chocolate-making process.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
It's a highly engaging, educational, and delicious family-run farm tour. You'll learn about cacao, taste incredible products, and enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Guides like Brian and Dan are consistently praised for their extensive knowledge, engaging personalities, and clear English communication.
Absolutely! The tour is very interactive and engaging for kids, with demonstrations and tastings that keep them entertained and learning.
You'll explore a diverse ecosystem with cacao trees, various tropical fruits, and learn how they all work in harmony on the farm.
Many visitors find Don Olivo's family-run, smaller scale offers a more authentic and personal experience compared to larger, more commercial tours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will love seeing where chocolate comes from, tasting different fruits, and the chance to spot local wildlife like sloths. The hands-on nature of the tour, combined with the delicious treats, makes it a memorable experience that children often talk about long after the visit. It’s a great way to introduce them to Costa Rican culture and nature in a fun, accessible way.
💰 Budget Travelers
Many visitors also appreciate the opportunity to purchase directly from the farm at reasonable prices in the gift shop, allowing them to take home authentic Costa Rican flavors without inflated tourist markups. This makes it a great option for travelers looking for quality experiences that don't break the bank.
💑 Couples & Foodies
The focus on traditional chocolate-making and the tasting of unique tropical fruits, artisanal coffee, and even rum, makes it a culinary adventure. It's a chance to savor the pure flavors of Costa Rica and learn about the craft behind them, creating shared memories over delicious food and drink.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cacao Cultivation and Chocolate Making
+1Guides like Brian and Dan bring this process to life with detailed explanations and engaging demonstrations. They often showcase ancient techniques like winnowing, where the outer husk is separated from the cacao grain using air currents. This focus on traditional methods provides a deeper appreciation for the craft and the rich history of chocolate production in Costa Rica. The intimate setting of the family-run farm makes these demonstrations feel personal and educational.
The culmination of the tour is a delightful tasting session. You'll sample artisanal chocolates made with the farm's own cacao, often paired with other local delights like tropical fruits, coffee, rum, and sugar cane. This tasting isn't just about enjoying flavors; it's about understanding how the cultivation and processing methods contribute to the unique taste profiles of their products.
A Taste of Costa Rica's Biodiversity
Guides often point out and explain the roles of different plants and insects within the farm's ecosystem, highlighting how everything works together to produce delicious food. This educational aspect adds significant value to the tour, providing insights into sustainable farming practices and the interconnectedness of nature. It’s a chance to appreciate the natural bounty of Costa Rica beyond just the famous coffee and chocolate.
Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife! The lush environment of the plantation is home to various creatures, and lucky visitors might spot sloths or toucans during their visit. These unexpected encounters add an extra layer of magic to the experience, making it a memorable adventure for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit