Head out to the Tortuguero National Park limits for a cruise into the heartland of the rainforest through an intricate network of backwater canals – a tropical sanctuary with an amazing array of wildlife. Learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy a taste

. After an approximately 30-minute drive and upon arrival at the dock, you’ll board your boat for your one-hour plus cruise, accompanied by a naturalist guide. During your boat tour, keep an eye out for the three species of monkeys that live in the area—howler, spider, and Capuchin.

You may see also see some of the more common bird species such as toucans, egrets, green and great blue herons, jacanas and parrots, which are just a few of the hundreds of different birds that inhabit this area. Other animals commonly observed in the waterways are fishing bats, iguanas, lizards, sloths, and crocodiles.

Visit a gourmet bean-to-bar chocolate factory in Puerto Viejo. This is a permaculture farm where resident volunteers and staff work to restore the cacao and forest garden, in a balanced ecological and sustainable way. You’ll take a guided hike through a cacao forest while learning about the history and science of chocolate. You’ll also enjoy a chocolate tasting and tour the facility to see how it’s made.