Tortuguero National Park & Chocolate Experience

Head out to the Tortuguero National Park limits for a cruise into the heartland of the rainforest through an intricate network of backwater canals – a tropical sanctuary with an amazing array of wildlife. Learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy a taste.

After an approximately 30-minute drive and upon arrival at the dock, you’ll board your boat for your one-hour plus cruise, accompanied by a naturalist guide. During your boat tour, keep an eye out for the three species of monkeys that live in the area - howler, spider and capuchin.

You may see also see some of the more common bird species such as toucans, egrets, green and great blue herons, jacanas and parrots, which are just a few of the hundreds of different birds that inhabit this area. Other animals commonly observed in the waterways are fishing bats, iguanas, lizards, sloths and crocodiles.

Visit a gourmet bean-to-bar chocolate factory in Puerto Viejo. This is a permaculture farm where resident volunteers and staff work to restore the cacao and forest garden, in a balanced ecological and sustainable way. You’ll take a guided hike through a cacao forest while learning about the history and science of chocolate. You’ll also enjoy a chocolate tasting and tour the facility to see how it’s made.