The Sweet History of Chocolate and Must-Visit Chocolate Tours in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Chocolate is one of the world's most beloved treats, but few people truly understand its deep history and cultural significance—especially in regions like Costa Rica, where cacao has been cultivated for centuries. If you’re visiting the lush Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, specifically the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo, you’re in for a sweet adventure. This area offers some of the most immersive and educational chocolate-making tours, allowing you to see firsthand how this delectable delight transforms from bean to bar. And after a day of indulging, there’s no better place to unwind than at Kingston Casitas, your ideal home away from home in paradise.
A Brief History of Chocolate
Long before chocolate became a global phenomenon, indigenous peoples in Central and South America revered cacao as a sacred plant. The Mayans and Aztecs used cacao beans as currency and consumed a bitter, spiced cacao drink believed to offer energy and spiritual enlightenment. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they brought cacao back to Europe, sweetening it with sugar and milk, leading to the modern chocolate we know today.
Costa Rica, with its rich volcanic soil and tropical climate, has been an ideal environment for cacao cultivation. Though the industry faced a decline due to disease in the 1970s, a revival of artisanal chocolate production has brought Costa Rican cacao back into the spotlight. Today, Puerto Viejo is one of the best places to explore this delicious history and experience chocolate in its purest form.
Top Chocolate Tours in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is home to some of the best chocolate experiences in Costa Rica, combining history, hands-on chocolate-making, and, of course, plenty of tastings. Here are some must-visit tours for chocolate lovers:
1. Caribeans Chocolate & Coffee Tour
Located just outside of Puerto Viejo, Caribeans is one of the most well-known chocolate producers in the region. This family-owned business offers a fascinating bean-to-bar tour where visitors can learn about the cultivation, fermentation, and roasting of cacao. You’ll also get to make and taste your own chocolate while enjoying breathtaking views of the Caribbean coastline.
2. Chocorart Organic Chocolate Tour
For those who prefer organic, sustainable farming methods, Chocorart is a perfect stop. Run by Swiss chocolatiers, this tour takes you through a working cacao plantation, showing you traditional and modern techniques of chocolate production. The tour ends with a tasting of their delicious, handcrafted chocolates made right on-site.
3. BriBri Indigenous Chocolate Tour
To truly understand the deep cultural roots of chocolate, the BriBri Indigenous Chocolate Tour is a must. The BriBri people have been growing and processing cacao for generations, using techniques passed down through their ancestors. On this tour, you’ll see how the BriBri prepare chocolate using stone grinders, learn about their spiritual connection to cacao, and sample their unique, ceremonial-style chocolate drinks.
4. Cacao Trails Chocolate and Wildlife Tour
If you want to combine your love for chocolate with a bit of adventure, Cacao Trails offers a tour that includes a guided walk through their nature reserve, where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds before learning about traditional chocolate-making techniques. It’s an immersive way to experience the biodiversity of the region while indulging in rich, handcrafted chocolates.
Why Stay at Kingston Casitas?
After a full day of chocolate exploration, there’s no better place to relax than Kingston Casitas. Nestled in the heart of Puerto Viejo, this eco-friendly lodging offers a tranquil escape surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the soothing sounds of nature.
Here’s why Kingston Casitas is the perfect base for your chocolate adventure:
Prime Location – Close to top chocolate tours, beaches, and vibrant nightlife, you’re never far from the best experiences Puerto Viejo has to offer.
Comfort and Sustainability – Thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, the casitas provide a cozy yet eco-conscious stay.
Personalized Experience – The friendly staff ensures you feel at home, offering recommendations for local activities, dining, and hidden gems in the area.
Indulge in Chocolate and Relax in Paradise
A visit to Puerto Viejo is incomplete without diving into its rich chocolate heritage. Whether you're learning from local cacao farmers, making your own chocolate bar, or simply enjoying the flavors of handcrafted sweets, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for this ancient treat. And after your sweet adventure, Kingston Casitas awaits to provide you with a comfortable, peaceful retreat.
Book your stay at Kingston Casitas today and experience the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence in Puerto Viejo!