Bici Chocolate Tour at Finca La Paulina — Cocoa-to-Bar Farm Ride near San José
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical activity; suitable for most fitness levels and families; ability to pedal a low-resistance mill bike helps.
Overview
Pedal, grind, taste: at Finca La Paulina near San José this private Bici Chocolate Tour turns cacao from tree to tablet with hands-on stations and a mill bike you operate yourself. Expect farm lore, fermentation demos, and a make-your-own chocolate session.
Bici Chocolate Tour at Finca La Paulina — Cocoa-to-Bar Farm Ride near San José
Select participants and date
You arrive at Finca La Paulina to the hum of insects and the sharp, sweet scent of fermenting cocoa. A guide greets the small group beneath the shade of cacao trees, their low branches heavy with leathery pods that look more like oversized ornaments than the engine of a global industry. The first pedal stroke happens at the mill bike: wooden gears catch your weight and the machine grinds sun-dried nibs into a gritty paste, and suddenly the production chain is something you’ve powered with your own legs.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear closed-toe shoes
Farm paths can be muddy after rain and there’s light manual work—closed-toe shoes protect feet during planting and grinding stations.
Hydrate and snack beforehand
The tour lasts ~2.5 hours with active stations; bring a water bottle though tastings are provided.
Bring a lightweight rain jacket
Heredia’s microclimate can shift quickly—carry a compact rain shell in the wet season (May–Nov).
Book in advance and note accessibility needs
Tours are private and small—reserve early and indicate mobility or dietary requirements when booking.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Leafcutter ants working along trails
- Tropical birds such as the Clay-colored Thrush
History
Cacao has been part of the region long before modern agriculture; local producers revived small-batch chocolate as international interest in origin-driven flavor grew.
Conservation
The finca emphasizes shade-grown practices and small-batch fermentation to reduce chemical inputs and support soil health.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in San José
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet on farm paths and during hands-on stations.
Compact rain jacket
Light, waterproof layer for afternoon showers during the rainy season.
winter specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open farm areas get strong sun—protect your skin during midday visits.
summer specific
Small daypack
Carries water, camera, and purchases like chocolate tablets after the tour.