Puerto Limon Excursions | Costa Rica Tour | ‘Jungle and Farm’ – Cacao Tour

Puerto Limon Costa Rica Excursions – ‘Special’ Costa Rica Tour – Highlights:

• Embark on a scenic drive along the captivating Caribbean Coast, passing through Banana Plantations and quaint villages
• Visit (the banana plantation) at Bananito village, founded by the Dole Fruit Company
• Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest, experiencing the diverse flora and wildlife of the Bananito Jungle
• Explore the ecological jungle farm, showcasing a variety of fruits and medicinal plants
• Get acquainted with making chocolate from pure ‘organic cacao’ from ‘Bean to Bar.’
• Unwind and savor fresh fruits,  a local Lunch Snack, and indulge in pure Chocolate made from 100% organic cacao
• Take a refreshing dip or swim in the Bananito River
• Relax after the farm tour or get acquainted with the Bananito Villagers, or  upon your choice, discover one of the ‘hidden gems,’ a private waterfall nestled deep within the primary rainforest
• Explore key highlights in Puerto Limon, including the statue of Christopher Columbus and some souvenir stores and shopping

Why is this tour perfect for cruise ship passengers and crew? Around 15 years ago, a group of Dutch adventurers purchased an old cacao farm in the hills near Bananito village with a mission to grow organic crops, conserve nature, and live sustainably. After years of hard work, we’re excited to offer adventurous and fit visitors the chance to explore this hidden gem. This off-the-beaten-path tour showcases the untouched beauty of our jungle and farm.

Our knowledgeable and passionate local guides, deeply connected to the land, lead small groups for a personalized, immersive experience.

Scenic Drive to Bananito: The tour begins with a picturesque 30-minute drive from the Caribbean coast to Bananito. You’ll also hear about the region’s rich culture and history. We’ll stop in Bananito village, once a thriving hub for Dole fruit production, giving you an intimate glimpse into banana farming, far more detailed than just passing by the plantations on the highway.

Crossing into Nature’s Paradise: The farm is situated across the Bananito River, and we provide boots or Crocs for a short, adventurous river crossing. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by locals who have lived there for generations.

Exploring Basecamp and the Farm: At ‘basecamp,’ you’ll find a cozy kitchen with a wood stove and a large rancho for relaxing. Local families frequently gather here. After settling in, we’ll take you on a farm tour showcasing our main crops, organic bananas, and plantains, alongside tropical fruits like pineapples, mangoes, star fruit, and avocados. You’ll also sample exotic fruits such as Biriba, Cas, Cainito, and Guanábana.

We also grow medicinal herbs, roots like turmeric and ginger, and spices like pepper and cilantro. There’s so much to discover as we stroll through the farm.

The Cacao Experience: The tour highlights our cacao grove with over 200 trees. You’ll learn how chocolate is made, from “Bean to Bar,” as we harvest, ferment, and dry the cacao. You’ll even get to roast, peel, and grind the beans to make your chocolate.

Wildlife and Conservation: The property is teeming with biodiversity due to years of conservation. You’ll spot a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. There’s also historical significance, with evidence that the area has been inhabited for over a thousand years. We’ll even show you ancient pottery unearthed on the land.

Relaxation and Optional Adventure: Back at Basecamp, you can relax, swim in the river, or enjoy fresh fruits and local snacks. For those seeking more adventure, we offer a hike into the rainforest, where you’ll explore humid areas with towering trees and spot elusive wildlife like jaguars and Bushmaster snakes. Although the hike is quite demanding, a hidden waterfall awaits those up for the challenge.

Easy Return: On the way back to Port Limón, we’ll visit landmarks in Puerto Limón, such as the statue of Christopher Columbus, and stop by local souvenir shops. Since we’re so close to the port, you can enjoy a relaxed return to your ship with plenty of time before departure.

This tour offers a unique, enriching experience perfectly timed for cruise passengers.

Note 1: The order of the excursion activities may vary to provide the best ‘cruise passengers’ experience

Note 2: In case of too high water levels to cross the river and reach the ‘Hidden Paradise’ Bananito Jungle, the Jungle and Farm Tour ‘part’ of the tour will be replaced with Cahuita National Park, in combination with a ‘boat trip’ upon preference, if weather allows.

Bananito is a secluded village, far removed from the typical tourist path, where the focus is primarily on bananas. Significant companies like Dole, Chiquita, and Del Monte provide many low-skill jobs in the area. However, as you follow the Bananito River upstream, nature increasingly takes center stage.

Just 4 miles up the river lies the tiny village of Banaga, where most locals live off their farms, and tourism is almost nonexistent. Our meeting point is the local bar, Monterrey, from where we’ll cross the river to reach our property.

Here, you’ll find a true “green paradise,” spanning 300 acres, from the river’s edge deep into the primary rainforest. My neighbor, Johnny Abraham, who grew up on the opposite side of the river, is where I, known as “The Dutch Biologist of Cahuita,” first discovered the beauty of the Bananito area and jungle life. Johnny, whose father is Spanish and mother is from the Bribri indigenous group, comes from a family known for their farming expertise.

Over ten years, during my visits and stays, Johnny taught me how to build a house and grow food, and we spent many evenings reflecting on life beyond its material aspects. Eventually, I bought 80 acres of lush jungle next to his land, and now we guide visitors together on our combined 300 acres of rainforest.

Along the riverside, there’s a spot to barbecue or jump into the current from a nearby ridge. Johnny, his wife, and his daughter live in a large wooden rancho with a thatched roof, where you’ll be welcomed, meals will be prepared, and we’ll get ready for our first adventure.

From their garden, a trail leads into the secondary rainforest, farmland about 40 years ago but has since transformed into a thriving wilderness. Trees proliferate in this tropical climate, and the trail becomes narrower as the atmosphere denser.

As we venture further, the humidity makes you sweat, and the sounds of the jungle heighten your senses. If it rains, you’ll experience the rainforest in its true essence. Stay alert as we head toward the foothills of the Caribbean slope; anything could happen—perhaps even a glimpse of a jaguar.

In the distance, the sound of a waterfall grows louder, signaling that our destination is near. A refreshing plunge beneath the cascading water awaits.