Start among the cacao trees
See cacao growing in its natural setting, rather than as a packaged supermarket product. The farm is known for its long family history and roughly 1,600 cacao trees.
LA FORTUNA • COSTA RICA
Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: from cacao tree to chocolate.
Go beyond tasting a chocolate bar. Discover how cacao grows on a family-run farm, follow its journey into chocolate, and sample some of the fruits and flavors of Costa Rica.
≈ 2 hoursGuided experience
From $30Published starting price*
Up to 15Travelers per group
*Published price, not a live quote. Final cost and availability appear on Viator.
Real farm photography will appear here after importing images through the Viator Partner API.
CACAO · FRUITS · CULTURE
AT A GLANCE
A hands-on way to discover Costa Rican cacao
Unlike a quick shop visit, this experience takes you onto a working tropical farm. It focuses on where chocolate begins: the tree, the colorful pods, the beans inside them, and the steps needed before cacao becomes something you can taste. Coffee, sugar cane, fruit and spices give the visit a wider Costa Rican flavor.
THE EXPERIENCE
What happens on the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour?
The exact order may vary with your guide and the season. These are the main parts of the experience travelers can expect.
Look inside a cacao pod
Learn why fresh cacao beans do not look or taste like a chocolate bar. A pod contains seeds surrounded by pulp, and transforming those seeds is the key to chocolate-making.
Follow the chocolate-making story
Discover the role of processing and grinding, including traditional preparation methods demonstrated during the tour. This is where a familiar food begins to make more sense.
Taste more than chocolate
Chocolate and local fruit tastings are central to the visit, with coffee and other farm flavors also featured. The exact selection depends on the day's offering.
WHY IT'S INTERESTING
It's a farm walk with a food story, not just a tasting.
Chocolate is easy to recognize when it is ready to eat; the surprising part is seeing the plant behind it. Visiting the farm connects the flavor with agriculture, family knowledge and the tropical environment around La Fortuna. That combination makes the two hours useful even for travelers who are more curious about nature than sweets.
A LOOK AT THE FARM
See the experience before you visit
These photos are intended to show the actual activity rather than generic stock imagery. Supplier photos are loaded after the approved API import.
01Cacao growingAPI photo placeholder
02Chocolate processAPI photo placeholder
03Fruit and tastingAPI photo placeholder
04Family farmAPI photo placeholder
Actual images, once added, are supplied by the tour provider through the Viator Partner API. Photos are illustrative of the experience and may not reflect every day's activities.
WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
Is this chocolate tour a good fit for you?
It's particularly appealing if you'd like an educational, tasting-focused break between La Fortuna's bigger outdoor adventures.
Families with children
There's something tangible to look at, smell and taste, which can make cacao easier for younger visitors to understand. Families should check the current child ticket categories when booking.
Food and coffee lovers
Expect the focus to be cacao, but also an introduction to locally cultivated fruit, spices and coffee. It's a good choice if you enjoy learning through flavors.
Travelers with a flexible half-day
At roughly two hours, the visit can sit alongside another La Fortuna activity. Leave additional time for transportation, parking and checking in before the start.
Accessibility: The current Viator listing describes the experience as wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Because conditions on a farm can vary after heavy rain, contact the provider through your booking channel before visiting if you need specific accessibility arrangements.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
The useful details to know before booking
Timings and prices can change. Use these published details to plan, then confirm your preferred date and option on the checkout page.
Where
Don Olivo Chocolate Tour, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Duration
Approximately 2 hours at the farm
Typical start times
8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (subject to availability)
Published starting price
US$30 per person; actual date-specific prices may differ
Tour language
English and Spanish listed; check your chosen departure
Group size
Maximum of 15 travelers according to the Viator listing
Booking and cancellation
The Viator listing advertises free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirm the policy shown for your booking.
Transport
The Viator listing identifies a farm meeting point. Do not assume your booking includes hotel pickup.
ARRIVE COMFORTABLE
What should you bring to a cacao farm?
La Fortuna is tropical, so it pays to prepare for warmth, humidity and sudden rain even if the forecast looks promising.
✓
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
More practical for walking around the farm than delicate sandals.
✓
Light clothing and rain protection
A breathable top and compact poncho are useful during changeable weather.
✓
Insect repellent
A sensible precaution for visits near tropical vegetation.
✓
Your booking details
Keep your Viator confirmation and meeting instructions accessible offline.
READY TO PLAN?
Pick your date. Discover the farm.
Check the latest departure options, child ticket rates, price and cancellation terms on Viator before making a reservation.
We may receive a commission from qualifying bookings, at no extra cost to you.DON OLIVO CHOCOLATE TOURApproximately 2 hours of cacao, fruit and chocolate discoveryCheck Availability on Viator Booking and payment take place on Viator, not on this website.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU GO
Frequently asked questions
Answers are based on published tour information and practical travel considerations, not a guarantee of every day's schedule or activities.
Is the Don Olivo tour only about chocolate?
No. Cacao is the main story, but the farm experience also introduces tropical fruit, coffee, sugar cane and spices. What is ready to sample can depend on season and availability.
How long does the experience last?
Allow roughly two hours for the guided experience itself, plus time to get to the farm and check in. Plan a little extra flexibility if you have another activity afterwards.
What time do the tours begin?
Published departures include 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Availability can change, so look at the date and time options on Viator before traveling.
Where do I meet the guide?
At the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour farm in the La Fortuna area. The Viator booking page provides a meeting location; use the exact instructions in your confirmation rather than relying on the name alone.
Is this suitable for children?
Families often choose this activity for the combination of plants, demonstrations and tastings. Check age categories, child prices and any requirements for your party at the time of booking.
Does it run if it rains?
La Fortuna can be rainy, and the experience includes farm surroundings. Bring rain protection and ask the provider through your booking channel if severe weather may affect your departure.
Are there alcoholic tastings?
Some published descriptions mention rum as one of the regional products discussed or sampled. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, tell the guide and confirm the tasting options before you book.
Can I cancel a Viator booking?
The current listing advertises free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Always read the exact cancellation deadline and conditions that apply to your selected option.
Can wheelchair users visit?
Viator lists wheelchair accessibility. If you use mobility equipment or need a particular arrangement, it is best to confirm the current path conditions and support with the operator before arrival.
Is there hotel pickup?
The Viator listing supplies a meeting point at the farm. Unless your selected booking explicitly confirms a transfer, plan to make your own way there.