Don Juan Coffee Tour
In the spring of 2024, my husband, sister, and I visited the Don Juan Coffee Farm in Arenal, Costa Rica, where we took a chocolate and coffee tour. This immersive experience brought us closer to the heart of Costa Rican culture, teaching us about the coffee plantations and the traditions surrounding coffee and cacao production.
Where It’s Located
The Arenal location of the Don Juan Coffee Tour is nestled in a tranquil setting near the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by lush vegetation. The natural environment provides the perfect backdrop for learning about the coffee plants and the rich traditions of Costa Rica’s coffee and cacao production.
FYI: There is another location in Monte Verde. There you can take a coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tour.
What to Wear
The weather in Arenal is usually pleasant, but visitors should be mindful of the region’s occasional rain. Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are ideal for walking through the property and exploring the coffee, cacao, and fruit plants. A light rain jacket is a good idea during the rainy season (typically from May until November).
The Experience
The tour was a hands-on experience, combining history, agriculture, and fun. We began with an introduction to the life cycle of the coffee plant, learning about its fascinating evolutionary cycle from coffee seed to coffee cherries. Our knowledgeable tour guide shared insights into the importance of coffee to the Costa Rican economy and the global market.
We discovered that the first coffee exportation from Costa Rica was to Panama in 1830. Today, Costa Rica exclusively exports arabica coffee and Don Juan focuses on quality over quantity. (Fact: Costa Rica passed a law in 1989 making it illegal to produce anything other than arabica coffee.) This dedication to excellence ensures that Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in the world.
The tour also touched on coffee’s origins, which are believed to be traced back to Africa. We learned about the drying methods used in coffee production, where the harvested coffee beans are carefully dried to ensure optimal quality. This step is crucial in maintaining the rich flavors that make Costa Rica’s arabica coffee so exceptional.
One eye-opening fact we learned was about the hardworking harvesters who pick the coffee cherries by hand. These laborers make about $14–16 per day, underscoring the human effort behind each cup of coffee.
The chocolate tour portion introduced us to the chocolate-making process and the role of cacao beans in the production of chocolate.
We even got to taste fresh cacao fruit, which was a delightful surprise.
It might not look appetizing, but I found the raw cacao surrounded by mucilage to actually be pretty tasty.
What to Expect at the End of the Tour
At the end of the tour, we enjoyed samples of chocolate and hot chocolate, which perfectly showcased the farm’s commitment to quality. The on-site gift shop had plenty of locally produced coffee, chocolate, and souvenirs, making it a perfect spot to pick up gifts or a reminder of the experience.
The Don Juan Coffee Tour in Arenal offers a unique experience that combines the history of Costa Rican coffee with a deep dive into the world of chocolate. Whether you’re exploring the coffee cultivation process, tasting fresh small cocoa beans, or marveling at the traditional way of processing coffee, this tour is an enriching and enjoyable way to connect with Costa Rican traditions.
If you’re in the Arenal area, don’t miss the chance to experience this captivating tour of coffee and cacao.
Have you been on a coffee/chocolate tour? Where was it, and what did you think? Did you try raw cacao? Spill the beans in the comments below. Thanks!
