A Sweet Start in the Chocolate Forest

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as my wife and I disembarked from our cruise ship in Limon. We were greeted by the warm smiles of the Syltravel Day Tours team, easily spotted under their red tent. It was a short stroll from the ship, and before we knew it, we were introduced to Juan, our guide and driver for the day. With a friendly nod, he ushered us into his taxi, and we set off on our adventure.

The drive to the chocolate forest was a journey in itself. Juan, with his wealth of knowledge, transformed the ride into an educational experience. He pointed out the lush flora and fauna, stopping occasionally to let us marvel at monkeys swinging through the trees or a sloth lazily hanging from a branch. At one point, we even sampled the fruit of a cashew tree, a first for both of us.

Upon arrival at the chocolate forest, we were welcomed by a native Bribri family. They guided us through the rainforest, introducing us to the myriad of plants and trees that thrive there. With Juan translating, we learned about the traditional uses of these plants, culminating in a hands-on chocolate-making session. Roasting, grinding, and processing cacao beans into chocolate was a sensory delight, and tasting the fruits of our labor with fresh bananas was the cherry on top.

Exploring the Wonders of Cahuita National Park

With our taste buds still tingling from the chocolate, we made our way to Cahuita National Park. The park’s Jungla Trail promised a trek through a secondary forest teeming with wildlife, and it did not disappoint. Juan, ever the attentive guide, pointed out the park’s residents, from the playful monkeys to the elusive three-toed sloths.

The trail was a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of the toucans and butterflies flitting about were a sight to behold, while the sounds of the jungle provided a natural soundtrack to our walk. We even encountered a venomous eyelash snake, safely observed from a distance, of course.

As we neared the end of our walk, a vendor selling coconut milk and fresh fruit caught our attention. The refreshing taste of the coconut milk was the perfect way to cool down after our trek, and the fresh fruit was a delightful snack.

A Day to Remember

Reflecting on the day’s adventures, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique blend of culture and nature. The BriBri Indigenous Chocolate Tour and Cahuita National Park Experience offered a glimpse into the heart of the Caribbean, a place where tradition and nature coexist harmoniously.

For those considering this tour, a word of advice: be prepared for a moderate amount of walking, some of which is over uneven terrain. It’s not suitable for those with walking impairments, but for everyone else, it’s a journey worth taking.

As we made our way back to the ship, I found myself already planning our next adventure. The world is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and I can’t wait to share them with you in my next article. Until then, keep chasing those waves and exploring the wonders of the world.