Indigenous Bribri Cacao & Chocolate Tour – One Day
Welcome and Introduction
Your experience begins at Ditsowou Lodge, where you are warmly greeted by a Bribri guide. You will receive an introduction to the spiritual and cultural significance of cacao in Bribri society, as well as a clear overview of the day’s itinerary.
Journey to the Cacao Plantation
Next, you will travel by traditional Bribri canoe, carved from a single tree, on a peaceful 15-minute ride along the river.
Upon arrival, a guided nature walk will lead you through lush trails where your guide will explain the unique biodiversity of the Talamanca region and introduce you to various medicinal plants used by the Bribri.
Arrival at the Cacao Plantation
At the plantation, your guide will share the history of the farm, its sustainable cultivation methods, and its cultural importance within the community. You will learn every step of cacao cultivation, from planting and maintenance to harvesting, all based on ancestral Bribri knowledge.
Cacao Transformation Process
You will then witness the complete transformation of cacao into chocolate:
 
 
Harvesting cacao pods
 
 
Opening and fermenting the beans
 
 
Natural drying and traditional roasting

Each step is demonstrated and explained, showing how flavor, aroma, and quality are developed.
Chocolate Making
Your guide will show you how roasted cacao beans are ground into pure cacao paste using traditional techniques.
You will then observe (and participate in) the preparation of authentic Bribri chocolate, made with natural local ingredients to preserve its ancestral purity.
Chocolate Tasting
Visitors will enjoy a tasting session featuring several varieties of chocolate produced on-site.
The experience is complemented with pairings of fresh tropical fruits and traditional Bribri beverages, including their signature hot cacao drink.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Cacao holds a sacred place in Bribri cosmology. Your guide will explain its role in:
 
 
Ancient rituals and ceremonies
 
 
Traditional healing
 
 
Daily cultural practices
 
 
Stories passed down through generations

These narratives reveal the deep spiritual connection the Bribri maintain with cacao.
Interactive Activities
You will have the opportunity to participate directly in cacao and chocolate preparation.
In addition, a small workshop allows you to create cacao-based crafts or simple handmade souvenirs to take home.
Return to the Lodge
To conclude the experience, you will return to Ditsowou Lodge via a short riverside walk and a final 15-minute traditional canoe ride.
Your guide will bid you farewell, and you will have time to purchase local chocolate and artisanal products crafted by the community.
Additional Opportunities
At the end of the tour, you may:
 
 
Visit a small shop offering community-made cacao products
 
 
Receive information about other cultural and ecotourism tours available at Ditsowou Lodge & Tours