Welcome and Presentation
- Reception at Ditsowou Lodge: Visitors are warmly welcomed by a Bribri guide at the lodge.
- Introduction to the Tour: Brief introductory talk about the importance of cocoa in the Bribri culture and a summary of the day's itinerary.
Road to the Cocoa Plantation
- Travel by Traditional Canoe to reach the Cacao farm for 15 minutes.
- Nature Walk: Guided walk through natural trails, where the biodiversity of the Talamanca region is explained.
- Observation of Medicinal Plants: Educational stops to learn about the medicinal plants that surround the cocoa plantation.
Arrival at the Cocoa Plantation
- Description of the Plantation: Explanation of the history of the plantation, its sustainable management and its cultural importance.
- Cocoa Cultivation: Details on the cultivation process, from planting to harvest, highlighting traditional Bribri practices.
Cocoa Transformation Process
- Cocoa Harvest: Demonstration of the harvest of cocoa pods and explanation of the fermentation process.
- Drying and Roasting: Explanation and demonstration of the drying and roasting of cocoa beans, crucial stages to develop their flavor.
Chocolate Making
- Cocoa Grinding: Demonstration of the grinding of cocoa seeds to obtain cocoa paste, using traditional methods.
- Chocolate Preparation: Process of mixing cocoa paste with other natural ingredients to create pure and authentic chocolate.
Chocolate Tasting
- Chocolate Tasting: Opportunity to taste different varieties of locally produced chocolate.
- Pairing with Fruits and Drinks: Pairing experience with fresh fruits from the region and traditional drinks, such as "Bbribri hot chocolate".
Cultural and Spiritual Importance of Cocoa
- Cocoa in the Bribri Culture: Explanation of the importance of cocoa in the spiritual and daily life of the Bribri.
- Cocoa Rituals: Narration of traditional rituals and ceremonies where cocoa plays a central role.
Interactive Activities
- Participation in the Making: Opportunity for visitors to actively participate in the chocolate making process.
- Cocoa Crafts: Workshop for creating small crafts or souvenirs made with cocoa.
Return to the Lodge
- We return by traditional canoe for 15 minutes.
- Return Walk: Return to the lodge along the natural trails, with time to reflect and ask questions.
- Farewell and Thank You: Farewell by the guide, with the option of purchasing chocolate and local crafts as souvenirs.
Additional Opportunities
- Purchase of Cocoa Products: Visit to a small store where you can buy cocoa products made by the community.
- Book Other Tours: Information about other tours available at Ditsowou Lodge & Tours.
Bribri Indigenous Cocoa and Chocolate Tour
What to bring to the Tour to Talamanca?
• A single backpack or briefcase (one back pack)
• A pair of walking boots (hiking boots) or closed tennis shoes (sports shoes)
• A pair of sandals or flip-flops
• One or two long pants made of thin fabric (light-fabric long pants) • One or two short pants -or pants- made of thin fabric (light-fabric short pants)
• Swimsuit (swimming suit)
• A bath or beach towel (a shower or beach towel)
• A cap or hat (a cap or hat)
• Stockings and underwear (sox and underwear)
• A light jacket (a light jacket or sweeter)
• Deodorant and item of personal hygiene
• High protection sunscreen (sunscreen – high factor)
• Insect repellent (bug repellent)
• Pocket money – limited amount – (pocket money – not much)