4 BEST Chocolate Tours in La Fortuna: Which One to Book!
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Looking to book an INCREDIBLE chocolate tour in La Fortuna? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
After trying out these tours for ourselves while living in Costa Rica, we found they let you try tasty chocolate all while embracing the local culture and meeting the people behind these delicious creations.
But not all the tours are the same, and it’s important you book the right one. We’ll take you through the very best chocolate tours in La Fortuna so you can find the one that’s right for your trip.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our FAVORITE tour is this North Fields Chocolate and Coffee Tour. It combines two things Costa Rica is known for and you’ll experience them firsthand as you walk around the fields and get to see and help with the entire process.
This popular tour has 1,300+ 5-star reviews – read all the reviews and book here!
Tip: Reserve this tour now to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
What are the Best Chocolate Tours in La Fortuna?
1. North Fields Chocolate and Coffee Tour (our favorite tour!)
Topping our list is this North Fields Chocolate and Coffee Tour that combines not one, but two of our favorite things – chocolate and coffee. We knew coffee was a labor of love but after going on this tour (and helping brew a cup of our own!), we had a whole new appreciation for our morning java.
We like this excursion because it’s at a family-run farm on a beautiful property near La Fortuna. During the tour, you’ll visit 8-10 “tasting stations” where there are samples of chocolate, coffee, and sugar cane.
Along the way, our guide explained everything and even got us involved in the process. One of my favorite parts was helping mix the chocolate! After taking this tour, we can see why it’s one of the most popular tours with 1,400+ raving reviews!
It starts with pick up from your hotel and then a quick 6-minute drive to the farm. The outing lasts about 2.5 hours and there are multiple start times to choose from.
While the chocolate and coffee are the main draw, we did find this tour had a bit of a sightseeing component to it! The location of the farm is gorgeous with stunning views. Bring your camera as there are lots of birds hanging around!
The tour is $43 USD and if you are under 20 minutes from La Fortuna, transportation is also included. This tour is family-friendly – chocolate is a hit with all ages right!
Guarantee your spot on this popular tour and get FREE cancellation when you book here!
2. Eden Chocolate Tour
If your heart is set on tasting delicious, organic chocolate this tour by Eden Chocolate is our pick! It takes place at a local organic farm near La Fortuna. We really enjoyed that they get you involved in every step of how chocolate is made.
The tour starts with a stroll through the fields to see the different parts of the cacao plant and pick only the freshest fruit. Then we headed back to the ranch for a front-row seat to the chocolate-making process.
The best part for us was the end when the samples come out! We tried some of the best dark chocolate I’ve ever had and got to make a tray of our own chocolate bonbons – customized to how we liked. You can even take some of the bonbons home … if you don’t eat it all right away (we didn’t have any leftovers!). There are also a variety of different ingredients you can choose to add to your chocolate bonbons including salt, coconut, and nuts.
Throughout this tour, we felt really welcomed and learned so much. The guides are incredibly passionate and it’s not hard to get excited about tasting chocolate! Plus, the groups are small with a maximum of 15 people, so you don’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd.
The farm’s grounds are also beautiful to wander around and full of wildlife. If you haven’t taken a sloth watching tour in La Fortuna yet, you just might be in luck! We saw a few sloths hanging around in the trees along with iguanas and toucans.
The tour doesn’t include transport, but it’s only a quick 15-minute drive or taxi ride. The cost is $39.55 USD.
Reserve this chocolate tour here and you can pay later!
Related Read: If you’re flying into San Jose before your tour, read up on our tips for getting from San Jose to La Fortuna!
3. Rainforest Chocolate Tour from La Fortuna
Calling all chocolate fanatics! This Rainforest Chocolate Tour provides unlimited chocolate. Yup, you read that right – it’s basically like an all-you-can-eat buffet of chocolate!
But that’s not all that drew us to book this tour – the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews also gave us that extra vote of confidence.
We also love that this tour dives deep into the history, and cultural importance of chocolate. It made us feel a lot more informed about all that chocolate we were eating! You’ll also learn about, and taste, the traditional cacao drink that has been part of Indigenous traditions for centuries.
All the guides here really go the extra mile to make the experience fun for all ages – there were some very happy kids eating chocolate right off a spoon!
The entire experience is 1.5 hours and there’s no need to rush off either. They have a nice patio with rocking chairs and a tiny store that sells more chocolate (shocker!) so you can pick up a few more treats.
If you’re looking for a tour in town, this is a good option as the chocolate plantation is located only a 4-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna. The tour costs $30 USD.
For unlimited chocolate samples close to La Fortuna, reserve your tickets here!
4. Don Juan Chocolate and Coffee Tour
If you only have time for one chocolate tour, the Don Juan Chocolate and Coffee Tour has a lot going for it! Not only is it one of the best chocolate tours in La Fortuna, but it also doubles as a coffee tour!
I think the only thing that makes chocolate taste better is pairing it with a fresh cup of coffee! This tour is the best of both worlds taking you into the heart of a plantation that specializes in both chocolate and coffee. Plus, it has some incredible views of Arenal Volcano!
Starting with a good ol’ cup of joe, the guides at Don Juan will teach you how coffee is grown, processed, and turned into the delicious drink you start your day with. You’ll then get to taste your creation – trust us it will be the best coffee you’ve ever had.
Once you’ve got your caffeine boost, the chocolate tour begins. Much like with the coffee tour, you’ll get walked through every step of how your chocolate bar is made. Walking through the fields your guide will teach you how to identify the sweetest fruit, help grind the seeds, and make your chocolate bar.
White chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate are on the menu, so if you’re not a dark chocolate fan (which is the kind served on most chocolate tours), this is some nice variety! Plus, a nice extra is that all the pathways are paved, so if you have a stroller, walker, or wheelchair, this is an accessible tour.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews, we aren’t the only ones who loved this tour! Book your spot here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Related Read: For more tasty treats while you’re in town, these are the top restaurants in La Fortuna you won’t want to miss!
Other Things to do While You’re in La Fortuna
With a chocolate tour checked off your itinerary, there are so many other things to do in La Fortuna you won’t want to miss! These are just a few of our top picks:
- Go on a night walk – There are so many daytime activities, which is why we love this night walk and dinner tour. Guides lead you on an easy hike through the rainforest, spotting all the critters that come out after dark. To finish it off, you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove.
- Hot springs – One of the best free activities in La Fortuna is the natural hot springs! The Free Natural Hot Spring River is a public river running through the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort. It’s only 15 minutes outside La Fortuna and feels amazing after a day of hiking! If you don’t mind paying for a soak, there are tons of other amazing hot springs in La Fortuna to choose from too.
- Hanging bridges – Make sure to walk among the treetops! The Mistico Hanging Bridges are some of the best around here. There are 14 total bridges here with 6 of them being hanging bridges. It’s a fantastic place to spot wildlife especially if you join this guided tour!
- Arenal Volcano – Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of La Fortuna! You can wander the trails at Arenal Volcano National Park on your own or as part of a hiking tour. For more unique volcano views, take to the sky aboard the Sky Tram, fly by on an ATV ride, or take a leisurely sunset cruise on Lake Arenal.
- Visit a rope swing – El Salto, or “the rope swing,” is a hidden paradise with a swimming hole, more waterfalls, and a local vibe. You can easily walk to El Salto from town and swing into the refreshing waters – or ask the locals where it’s safe to jump!
Related Read: If you love adventure, read our guide to whitewater rafting in La Fortuna!
Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. We even wrote an entire blog about the best hotels in La Fortuna. However, to make it super easy, we’ve narrowed it down to our top places for each price point. So keep reading to find one that suits your needs (and budget!).
Luxury – $$$
Those with a luxury budget can wake up to views of Arenal Volcano! The Volcano Lodge is set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. It has hot springs and a lush, tropical garden on the property where you can see lots of the beautiful birds of Costa Rica, including hummingbirds! Rooms here typically start at $200 USD per night. For a luxurious stay in a natural setting, book The Volcano Lodge online here.
For arguably the most luxurious hotel in La Fortuna, check out The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. While the rooms don’t come cheap ($600 USD+), it’s a bucket list place to stay that’s perfect for visiting Costa Rica on a honeymoon! There’s also a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a swim-up bar, hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, reserve your stay at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal!
Mid-range – $$
Those with a medium budget should check out Casa Luna Hotel & Spa. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. They also include a delicious breakfast at the $170 USD room rate. Casa Luna is located a short drive from town and can be booked online here.
Budget – $
One of the go-to budget options is Selina La Fortuna. I’ve stayed in Selina hostels around the world, and this is a great one. It has a fun party atmosphere and a great co-working space where we spent a lot of time. You can also book on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com for the best rate.
La Fortuna Natural Green is another budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels. They offer small chalets a short walk or drive from town. Rooms start at $75 USD and include free breakfast. To grab this great deal, check prices and availability on Booking.com.
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
Pura Vida!
As if we needed more reasons to love Costa Rica, these La Fortuna chocolate tours added another! While I never turn down buying some chocolate as a treat, it’s totally different to get the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour of where it comes from. Plus the chocolate is so tasty here!
Hopefully, you found a tour that looks good! It may be hard to choose which one … just like it’s hard to pick which chocolate to try first once you arrive! Before your trip, make sure to check out our full blog on Costa Rica. We have lots of tips and ideas to make your vacation the best one yet.
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