Foodies take note: Costa Rica is finally taking its place in the culinary spotlight. El Silencio Lodge is now the first and only Central American boutique hotel to join the Relais & Chateaux collection. Costa Rican coffee is now a preferred American coffee. So what other scrumptious delicacies does little Costa Rica have to offer? Check out our top Gastro Tours that every foodie can appreciate.
Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation
Harvesting cinnamon at Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation – photo from costarica.com
Villa Vanilla is a sustainable spice plantation near Manuel Antonio National Park. This certified organic plantation, surrounded by rainforest, grows essential oil plants and spices such as vanilla, cocoa, and ceylon (the true and rare) cinnamon. Discover the medicinal uses, ancient history, aroma, and flavors of Costa Rica.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation as seen in our Taste of Paradise vacation package
Finca Rosa Blanca is not only a coffee plantation, it’s also a hotel. Really immerse yourself in Costa Rican coffee culture with an overnight on the plantation. Learn how coffee is grown, cared for, harvested, and roasted to create your favorite morning beverage. Tastings are required (or they should be).
Mercadito & Olla de Carne (Beef Stew) at El Silencio Lodge
A local Costa Rican market
Get a taste of Costa Rica at the local markets on this gastro tour from El Silencio Lodge. Learn to prepare the traditional and hearty Olla de Carne or beef stew! Gather fresh ingredients at the market with your gastro guide, talk with local farmers, and prepare an authentically delicious Costa Rican meal. If you’re not staying at El Silencio Lodge, not to worry! Many hotels provide their own cooking classes and tours allowing guests to get acquainted with the many flavors of the region.
Chocolate Adventure
A Costa Rican cocoa bean
Did you know chocolate grows on trees? Discover the history and process of chocolate from the fields to the final bar. Snack on the scrumptious fruity pulp surrounding the cocoa bean before it is processed. And see what REAL chocolate tastes like after it’s processed.
El Trapiche Sugar Cane & Coffee Tour
Costa Rican sugar cane – photo from The Costa Rica News
The El Trapiche Sugar Cane & Coffee Gastro Tour can be arranged from the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Take a walk through the El Trapiche farm. Check out the sugar cane, coffee, plantains, bananas, tubers, and oranges. Learn the coffee production process, ride a traditional oxcart, and learn to make liquor and candy from sugar cane.
Coffee Scrubs, Chocolate Masks & Gallo Pinto Wraps
Chocolate face mask at Hotel Arenal Nayara
This is vacation, and there comes a point when the touring must stop. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop tantalizing your senses. Costa Rica is an organic and all natural haven. Schedule a rejuvenating spa treatment starring organic and local Costa Rican ingredients. Revel in regional flavors with a coffee scrub down or a chocolate face mask. The Andaz Papagayo Resort will even wrap you up in the ever-popular Gallo Pinto dish for a truly delicious spa experience.
Love our Gastro Tours? Plan your own Culinary Vacation!
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