This excursion is provided by Swiss Travel Service
Chocolate is one of the world’s favorite foods, approximately one billion people eat chocolate every day. You have maybe wondered where chocolate is coming from. Considered as a gift from the Gods, the cocoa tree was of great importance for the aboriginal culture of Central America, not only for the ceremonial use, but also for its economic value as it was used as currency in many tribes, including in Costa Rica. The northern lowlands of Costa Rica is a privileged area with several streams and medium-sized rivers that flow throughout the plains and makes the region very fertile. This creates good conditions for consolidating the cocoa production in smaller-scale with sustainable agricultural methods that reduces soil erosion and increases its productivity. From your selected hotel, you will be traveling in a touristic van for approximately 25 minutes and you will arrive to Eden Organic Farm. A family-owned project where you will learn about the origins of chocolate and its production. Oone of the most enriching aspects of taking this tour is getting to meet the people who do all the process from the seed to the bar.
The two hour course starts with a short walk along the cocoa trail to show the entire process of planting and harvesting it, in addition to tasting the fruit. Continuing with learning how the processes of fermentation, drying and roasting part of the cocoa work. At the end of the trail, you will settle in a ranch, where guide will explain you how the raw materials are obtained (bars and chocolate bonbons). This is part is very interactive as you will put your creativity on test, in order to mix some flavours and species while getting to sample delicious treats. This will give you a special insight into the local culture and you will enjoy trying the traditional drink of our ancestors and make your own organic chocolates. This tour will be one of the tastiest experiences you will do during your vacation.
