Chocolate preparation class in La Fortuna: make and taste

Grind, mix and taste chocolate you prepared yourself

A 2-hour chocolate class in La Fortuna where you prepare your own chocolate using indigenous tools and learn the history of cocoa in Costa Rica. The guide walks you through each step, you taste the drink of the gods (an ancient Mesoamerican preparation), eat fresh fruits dipped in artisan chocolate, and take home what you made. Located 5 minutes from La Fortuna town center.

The Experience

The class starts with the tools—the same period implements Costa Rican families have used for generations. Your guide explains the history of cocoa and its role in Mesoamerican culture, then walks you through the preparation step by step. You handle the grinding, mixing and shaping yourself, learning how the drink of the gods was made by Mayans and Aztecs, originally prepared with water, cocoa and chilli. The hands-on part takes up most of the 2 hours; there is no watching from the side.

Tastings come in different forms. You eat what you prepared, plus fresh Costa Rican fruits dipped in artisan chocolate. The guide brings you the ancient Mesoamerican drink so you understand how chocolate was consumed before sugar and milk changed it. Snacks and drinks are included. The Don Juan Educational Estate, where the class happens, sits 5 minutes outside La Fortuna, and the grounds are wheelchair accessible with all surfaces paved.

What’s included

• Snacks and drinks throughout the class.
• admission to the Don Juan Educational Estate.
• the drink of the gods (ancient Mesoamerican chocolate preparation).
• fresh Costa Rican fruits dipped in artisan chocolate.
• what you prepare to take home.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Educational Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that works for you. If you want to learn by doing rather than watching, and you're comfortable handling the grinding and mixing yourself, this class gives you that hands-on role from start to finish.

Top questions

What exactly do I prepare during the chocolate class?

You grind cocoa beans and mix the chocolate using period tools, then shape it into the form you want to taste. The guide shows you each step, and you handle the work yourself rather than watching a demonstration.

Is the drink of the gods included, or do I pay extra for that?

The drink of the gods—the ancient Mesoamerican preparation with water, cocoa and chilli—is included in the class, along with fresh fruits dipped in artisan chocolate and other snacks.

How far is the chocolate class from La Fortuna town?

The Don Juan Educational Estate is 5 minutes from La Fortuna, so travel time is minimal. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have your own transport.

Can I bring young children or a baby to this class?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The grounds are fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide conducts the class in English or Spanish, so you can choose whichever you're comfortable with when you book.