Rancho Raices de Puerto Jiménez
Ruta Nacional Secundaria 245, Provincia de Puntarenas, Punto Jimenez, 60702
If you love tropical fruit and chocolate, Rancho Raices de Puerto Jiménez is a must-visit attraction when you’re in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. The farm owners offer tours where you can try fruits such as white pineapple and papaya. You’ll also see cacao trees, taste the seeds, and learn about the entire chocolate-making process.
The basics
Be ready for an immersive experience at Rancho Raices de Puerto Jiménez as you stroll through the gardens tasting local fruit and learning what is indigenous to this Costa Rican ecosystem. A highlight is learning how to make milk chocolate, from how it starts on the tree and ends up in the shops. Besides the chocolate focus, tours also include a rejuvenating face mask, plus a traditional Costa Rican casado lunch, usually with meat, rice, and beans. This can be vegan upon request.
Things to know before you go
Come to the tour hungry, because you’re treated to several cocoa samplescan feel like a sauna. Protect yourself from the hot sun by covering up with clothing, sunscreen, or a mix of the two. Bugs like it down in the Osa, so make sure you bring repellent or wear long pants and sleeves.
How to get there
It takes planning to get to the Osa Peninsula since it’s one of the less developed areas of the country. Consider hiring a car or a driver and vehicle, which is the best option for breaking up the long journey with trips to the shops or bathrooms. You can also get there by boat. Once there, ask for the name and number of a boat taxi or regular taxi driver to keep in your pocket.
When to get there
The dry season in Costa Rica is from December to April, but that is also the top season for tourists. Consider the shoulder seasons, in March or November, when there is still the potential for rain, but prices will be cheaper since it’s not peak season. Book tours to the farm early in the morning, before it gets too hot, and you can finish with an early lunch.
Monkeys and macaws
Keep your eyes out for the monkeys and macaws who make Osa their playground. Two kinds of monkeys you’ll commonly see are playful squirrel monkeys and the capuchin monkeys. Keep your eyes up and you’ll often spot pairs of scarlet macaws flirting with each other. Romantically, these winged beauties mate for life.
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