Sugarcane, Chocolate and Coffee Tour Monteverde

El Trapiche tour (which is the Spanish word for 'sugar mill') first started in 1948, closed for a while and then re-opened in 1989: From 2005 it was open for tourism. The Monteverde Trapiche tour is run by a local family whose mission is to teach not only about sugar cane but also a little more about Costa Rican culture. The tour also demonstrates how coffee is produced and you will learn about other crops grown on the farm. Perhaps the tour would be better named as general agriculture tour with emphasis on sugar production!

This hands on tour will allow you the opportunity to pick coffee (when in season), ride in a traditional ox-cart, make chocolate and sugar candy to take home, then visit the family house for a local snack with lemonade and coffee- a unique Costa Rican experience!

The Monteverde Trapiche tour takes place on a beautiful farm located two kilometers outside of Santa Elena, Monteverde. The two hour tour involves a walk along an easy trail with a bilingual guide and at the end of the tour you get a chance to sample some local snacks. On clear days there is a spectacular view of the Gulf of Nicoya.

There are two daily tours: 10.00am and 3.00pm. The tours last approximately 2 hours but might run a little longer depending on interest or number of people. Pick-up times depend on your hotel locations but usually 30 minutes before the tour. Private tours can also be arranged for groups.

Learn about coffee production! You can help pick coffee, see how the coffee is dried, and see the machines that process and roast the coffee beans.

After the tour, visit the ¨Family House¨ to taste a traditional Costa Rican snack with coffee and lemonade sweetened with sugar cane.