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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 13:00 and 16:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair 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 languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6): free.

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.