Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour with Tastings

Summary

Coffee, chocolate and sugar cane stories on Monteverde’s farms

You’ll wander Monteverde’s farm trails with a local guide, tasting fresh-roasted coffee, warm chocolate in wild flavors, and cold-pressed sugar cane juice right where they’re made. Feel the textures of the plants and hear stories from people who grew up here. It’s relaxed and hands-on — you might even find yourself thinking about those flavors long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down the cement trail when the smell of roasting coffee hit me — kind of nutty and sharp, not like what I make at home. Our guide, Diego, waved us over to a row of glossy-leaved plants. “Touch the leaves,” he said, so I did — they were tougher than I expected, almost waxy. He laughed when my friend tried to say “cacao” with a Spanish twist (she got it wrong). The sun kept darting behind clouds, but it didn’t matter since the path was smooth enough for everyone — stroller moms, a guy on crutches, even an older couple who just took it slow.

I’d never seen a cocoa pod cracked open before. The inside looked weirdly alien — pale pulp around dark seeds. Diego handed us some to taste; sweet and tangy at first, nothing like chocolate yet. He walked us through each step: how coffee beans are dried (smells kind of grassy), how sugar cane is pressed (the green juice is sticky-sweet and cold). There was this moment where he poured hot chocolate into tiny cups and let us try all these flavors — coconut, chili, pineapple. I still think about that first sip of 70% dark with sea salt.

Kids were running ahead but always circled back for more samples. At one point I caught myself just watching steam curl off my cup while Diego told stories about his grandfather’s farm — you could tell he really cared about this place. By the end we’d tasted everything and ended up in their little shop, fingers sticky from sugar cane juice. Didn’t expect to laugh that much or learn so many small things about what goes into coffee or chocolate here in Monteverde.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane

• Meet expert guide
• Learn coffee production process
• Learn sugar cane production process
• Learn chocolate production process
• Taste coffee and sugar cane juice
• Sample various chocolate flavors
• Visit gift shop

Top questions

Is the Monteverde Coffee Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and trails are wheelchair accessible.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

Yes, families can bring strollers or prams along the cement paths.

What tastings are included during the tour?

The tour includes coffee tasting, hot chocolate in various flavors, and fresh sugar cane juice.

How long does the tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers all three processes with tastings.

Is there a local guide during the experience?

Yes, a certified guide leads the entire tour.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need special footwear for this tour?

No special footwear is required as all trails are paved with cement.

Can I buy products at the end of the tour?

Yes, there’s a shop where you can purchase coffee, chocolate and other products afterwards.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks along cemented trails suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, hands-on explanations from a certified local guide about coffee, cocoa and sugar cane processes; generous tastings of hot coffee, fresh sugar cane juice and several types of chocolate; plus time to browse their shop for locally made treats before heading out.