Visit a jungle spice plantation, experiencing sights, tastes, smells and cultivation of spices from vanilla to allspice

Step into the heart of the rainforest and discover the magic of the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation on this half-day tour. Walk through the plantation’s lush crops, learn about the labor-intensive cultivation process of vanilla, taste gourmet delicacies made fresh on the farm, and stock up on organic spices and products at the end of the tour.

Explore the plantation’s post-harvest warehouse and learn about the drying and packaging process of spices. Walk along a jungle trail and discover how vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, and other exotic spices are grown. Learn how to pollinate vanilla flowers during the pollination season (Nov-Dec). Enjoy stunning views of the plantation and taste gourmet delicacies made by an in-house pastry chef. Stock up on organic spices and products at the plantation’s spice shop.

Before you go, note that the duration of the tour is 3.5 hours and is recommended for all ages. It is a small group tour.

Step into the rainforest and embark on a half-day tour of Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation. You’ll begin your journey in the plantation’s post-harvest warehouse, where you’ll discover how the different spices are dried, processed, and packaged. You’ll learn about the different flavor profiles of each spice, the unique qualities of each, and how they’re used in cooking.

Next, you’ll head out onto the grounds of the plantation, where you’ll walk along a jungle trail and learn how the different spices are grown. You’ll discover the intricacies of each plant’s cultivation process and the challenges of growing spices in a tropical environment.

As the most popular flavor in the world and the plantation’s major crop, vanilla is the true star of this tour. You’ll learn about the labor-intensive cultivation process of vanilla and discover why it’s the second most expensive flavoring agent in the world. During the pollination season (typically the months of Nov-Dec), you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to pollinate the vanilla flowers for yourself!

Continuing on, you’ll make your way to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the hills of the plantation. Here, you’ll be treated to gourmet delicacies made fresh on the farm by an in-house pastry chef. You’ll indulge in the flavors of the rainforest as you taste a variety of flavorful drinks and spice treats made using as many ingredients from the plantation as possible.

The last stop of the tour is at the plantation’s spice shop where you can stock up on organic vanilla beans and extract, Ceylon cinnamon, savory chili-infused hot chocolate, and other products grown on the farm! You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the flavors of the rainforest and a bag full of unique, organic spices to take home with you.

Discover other experiences in and around Manuel Antonio.

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