EL TRAPICHE
Sugar Cane, Chocolate and Coffee Tour

El Trapiche tour is the project of a Costa Rican family. The guided tour begins with a walk through the farm, where you will have an opportunity to observe the different crops and general work schedule of the farm. On the way you will also cross a small patch of forest where some of the local wildlife can be observed on occassions.

During the tour you can see a tilapia fish farming project, banana crops, macadamia nuts, oranges, sugar cane and coffee. Your guide will explain the natural history and the process involved in growing sugar cane, as well as provide you with an opportunity to taste the sugar cane and its various derivatives. Afterwards, he will show you the process of coffee farming, from the planting and cultivation through the peeling, roasting, and crushing of the beans.

At the end of the farm tour you'll be invited to take a small trip on a typical oxcart from the sugar cane plantation to the mill.

Arriving at the mill you will see how oxen work the mill to grind the sugar cane and extract the cane juice. Afterwards, there will be an explanation of some of the artifacts typical in Costa Rican culture such as: the wood burning stove, the marimba (musical instrument popular in Costa Rican folklore), the pylon and a demonstration of the Saca De Guaro (a firewater distilled with pure water).

At the end of the tour you will be given the opportunity to taste a typical Costa Rican dish served with a drink (lemonade, coffee, or aguadulce and be presented with a small sample of sweet sugar block.