Who doesn't love rich chocolate? And who would have thought the culture behind chocolate in the Caribbean would be even richer than it tastes? Well, we invite you to come along with our exceptional guides as they take you to explore the importance of chocolate in both the Afro-Caribbean culture, and the BriBri indigenous cultures alike. Add in a nature walk in both a cacao & banana plantation, a visit to a chocolate museum, and of course sampling the tasty treats we learn to make; this Costa Rica shore excursion packs it all in. Whether you love chocolate, or just love a good cultural exchange, the Chocolate Lovers shore excursion in Puerto Limon is going to be the highlight of your cruise vacation.
Explore the Cacao Plantation & Nature Trails of Cacao Trails Takyu Cultural Center
After a 45 min scenic ride along the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, we will arrive at the Cacao Trails Takyu Cultural Center, and the best chocolate tour in Costa Rica. But before we dig right into the sweet stuff, we will take a walk through the cacao plantation. Here you will find the 2 types of cacao plants that grow here, the yellow ones, and the sweeter purple ones. As you wander through the plantation, they have also collected all sorts of historical artifacts of the harvesting and transporting process dating back 100 years.
Naturally, while wandering through the rainforest cacao plantation, we will also be treated to some wildlife viewing. You can find exotic critters you may or may not want to encounter such as bullet ants, the largest in Latin America. Or tarantulas, scorpions, and maybe a poison dart frog or two. There are also the friendlier critters such as howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, armadillos and even crocodiles in the lagoon. You guide will point out the wildlife while also explaining the medicinal uses of the plants you encounter as well.
You will also visit a U SULE, which is a traditional ranch home of the BriBri & Cabecar indigenous of this region. U SULE are typically used by the Shamans to hold ceremonies and other acts such as healing using the medicinal plants you will see as you stroll the nature trails.
Visit the Cacao Museum & Learn to Make Chocolate with Indigenous BriBri Women
The history of cacao is very important to the Afro-Caribe culture in this region. At the same time, the process of making chocolate is a sacred right for the women of the indigenous BriBri tribes of the Talamanca. So, it is no wonder there is so much to learn about on this chocolate tour.
Visit the chocolate museum curated by the family who has been growing and processing chocolate in this region of the Caribbean for over 100 years. In that time, they have gathered multiple artifacts and put together a very unique choco museum including photos, cultural facts, and of course all the necessary ingredients and tools to process chocolate.
Here you will also learn to make chocolate the traditional way with BriBri women. Sample the cacao bean in its raw state, then discover how it turns into your favorite chocolate treats. You will get to see how the cacao beans are processed from beginning to end and participate in the whole process. Learn about how the BriBri combine natural ingredients such as sea salt, nutmeg, vanilla, hot chili and black peppers to create uniquely different chocolate flavors. Yummy!
Organic Banana Plantation & Punta Riel Train Station Monument
Your visit to Cacao Trail Takyu concludes with a visit to their organic banana farm. You will learn the importance of organic farming practices and see how the bananas are currently processed. And, you will step back in time and learn a bit about the importance of the banana plantations and how they were transported with a visit to the old train station. Prior to the trains, the route taking the bananas and cocoa was all done by burro.
Cahuita National Park Hike
Last but not least, since we will already be in Cahuita, we may as well visit the Cahuita National Park of course. Your guide will take you on a short hike here seeking out wildlife and tropical vegetation before heading back to Puerto Limon.
If you love to mix your chocolate with some rich culture, and mix in a bit of nature, this is the shore excursion in Costa Rica for you. Spaces book up fast, so don't miss out on this tasty experience. Book your Chocolate Lovers Shore Excursion in Puerto Limon today!
Cacao Trails Takyu Cultural Center, Nature Park & Chocolate Museum in Cahuita Tour Details
Chocolate Lovers Shore Excursion Puerto Limon Includes:
- * Round trip transportation from the cruise pier
- * Professional bilingual tour guide
- * Entrance fees to Cacao Trails Takyu
- * Guided nature walk of cacao plantation & wildlife spotting
- * Afro-Caribe & Indigenous cultural tour
- * Chocolate tour & tasting
- * Visit to organic banana plantation
- * Short hike in Cahuita National Park
- * Tropical fruit snacks
Departures: Departure varies depending on your cruise ship itinerary. Be sure to include which cruise ship you will be arriving on along with your ship's arrival and departure time on the reservation. Exact meeting times and location will be provided on your confirmation voucher.
Length: 5 hours.
Chocolate Lovers Shore Excursion Puerto Limon Recommendations:
- * Comfortable walking shoes
- * Light layered clothing
- * Camera
- * Binoculars if you have them
- * Eco-friendly sunscreen
- * Eco-friendly biodegradable insect repellant
- * Raincoat or poncho (it is called a rainforest for good reason)
- * Water bottle
- * Cash for tour balance, lunch, souvenirs and tips for your guides
Children: This shore excursion is great for the whole family! Discounted rates for Children between 4 and 12 years old.
Special Requests: If you have special needs or are traveling with a wheelchair, we are more than happy to accommodate you. Just contact us and we will arrange a private wheelchair accessible tour for you and your family!
Groups: If you have 10 or more people in your group, contact us and we can provide you with special group rates. Save even more money!!
Important Note: All tours run on local time. Costa Rica runs on Central Standard Time, however they do not observer Daylight Savings Time. Be sure to check with your ship to confirm your actual arrival time in Costa Rica is CST and not ship time. When in doubt, disembark and ask a local!
About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.
Reserve Your Chocolate Lovers Shore Excursion Puerto Limon Now
Pricing
Adult:
Retail: $85.00
The Real Deal: $79.00
Child:
Retail: $63.00
The Real Deal: $60.00
Chocolate Lovers Tour deposit is $15.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child.
(The balance of $64.00 per Adult and $50.00 per Child in cash must be paid the day of the tour)
Departure times will be in your e - ticket.
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