North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour

North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour — A Deep-Dive Review

When visiting Costa Rica, especially around the bustling town of La Fortuna, there’s a certain allure to understanding the country’s most celebrated exports: coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane. For just $46 per person, you can spend about two and a half hours on this family-run farm tour, learning firsthand how these crops make their way from plant to plate. This tour is a hit with visitors—rated 5.0 out of 5 from over 1,800 reviews—and it’s easy to see why.

What we really appreciate is the hands-on approach, with opportunities to prepare chocolate and taste fresh products along the way. The guided experience with professional guides like Caesar and Esteban is engaging and informative, making complex processes accessible and fun. Plus, the hotel pickup (for properties within 15 minutes of La Fortuna) keeps logistics simple and stress-free.

One thing to consider is that if you’re staying more than 20 minutes outside La Fortuna, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. But for most visitors, the convenience outweighs this minor caveat.

This tour is perfect for families, food lovers, or those curious about Costa Rican culture—especially if you want a meaningful, behind-the-scenes look at the country’s most delicious exports.

Key Points

• Authentic farm experience with a family-run operation providing a personal touch
• Interactive and educational, with opportunities to make your own chocolate
• Tastings of coffee, sugarcane, and chocolate enhance understanding and enjoyment
• Guides like Caesar and Esteban are highly praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm
• Convenience of hotel pickup in La Fortuna makes it easy to join
• Affordable and good value for the depth of experience and tastings offered

An In-Depth Look at the North Fields Cafe Tour

Location and Duration

Located just near La Fortuna, the North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Farm offers a relevant glimpse into Costa Rica’s export economy. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your itinerary without feeling rushed. For most visitors staying within 15 minutes of La Fortuna, hotel pickup is included—saving you time and hassle. If you’re staying farther out, you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point, but directions are clear and straightforward.

What You’ll Experience

The itinerary revolves around three main stops: understanding how coffee is grown, roasted, and ground; tasting and making chocolate, and sampling sugarcane. Every step is explained by passionate guides like Caesar and Esteban—whose reviews consistently highlight their knowledgeable and friendly nature.

The tour begins with an overview of the farm’s history and its importance to Costa Rican culture. You’ll see coffee plants and learn about the entire process, from bean to cup. Expect to see the production methods used on this family-run operation, which adds a genuine, authentic feel somewhat different from larger commercial farms.

Coffee from Bean to Cup

One of the highlights is witnessing the coffee-making process firsthand. Guides describe how coffee is cultivated, harvested, and roasted. We loved the way Caesar shared insights into the varieties of coffee, and how the roasting influences flavor. Afterward, you get to ground your own beans—a satisfying experience for any coffee enthusiast—and sample freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Chocolate Making and Tasting

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the interactive chocolate preparation. You get to make your own chocolates, which is both fun and educational. Multiple reviews mention the quality of the samples, with visitors like Christy and Heather noting how much they enjoyed the variety and richness of the chocolate tastings.

Sugarcane Sampling

Adding to the farm’s richness, you’ll taste sugarcane—another main export. The process of crushing and tasting sugarcane is simple but effective in providing perspective on Costa Rica’s agricultural diversity. As some reviews point out, these tastings are “amazing,” and help connect the dots from raw crop to finished product.

Guided Tour and Transportation

The guides receive consistent praise for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Notably, Cesar and Esteban are singled out as being funny, passionate, and eager to answer questions. The small group size (max of 15) enhances interaction, making it feel more like a friendly educational experience than a tourist herd.

Transportation is included if you’re within 10 minutes of La Fortuna, which is a great bonus. For those staying a bit further out, you’ll need to find your own way to the meeting point, but the location is easy to find.

Tasting and Hands-On Experiences

The tastings are a major part of what makes this tour special. Reviewers consistently rave about the quality of the samples, with some saying it exceeded their expectations. We loved the opportunity to try different coffees and chocolates, and a few even got to create their own confections.

Price and Value

At $46, this tour offers excellent value. It’s focused, interactive, and educational, with all tastings included. For anyone interested in Costa Rican exports or wanting a culinary adventure, the price is reasonable considering the depth of experience and the expertise of the guides.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a family with kids, you’ll find this tour engaging and fun, especially with the hands-on chocolate making. Foodies and curious travelers will appreciate the educational aspect and the chance to taste fresh, high-quality products. It’s also perfect for those who want a relaxed, cultural experience that’s not overly strenuous but offers plenty of insight and flavor.

The Sum Up

The North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour hits a sweet spot for travelers wanting an authentic, engaging glimpse into Costa Rican agriculture. With knowledgeable guides, tasty samples, and a personalized farm experience, it offers great value for a memorable half-day outing.

While it’s best suited for those within La Fortuna area or willing to arrange transport, it’s a perfect choice for families, coffee or chocolate lovers, and culture seekers. The tour’s emphasis on interactive learning and quality tastings makes it stand out among many similar experiences.

All in all, it’s an excellent way to connect with Costa Rica’s rich export heritage while indulging in some delicious treats. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers insight, flavor, and fun—a recipe for a memorable Costa Rican day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time to learn, taste, and enjoy without feeling rushed.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you stay within about 10-15 minutes of La Fortuna, pickup and drop-off are provided.

What crops are covered in the tour?
You’ll see and learn about coffee, sugarcane, and chocolate—three major exports of Costa Rica.

Are the tastings included?
Yes, all tastings—coffee, sugarcane, and chocolate—are included in the price.

Can I make my own chocolate?
Absolutely. The tour includes hands-on chocolate preparation where you can create your own confections.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Yes, reviews mention kids aged 12-19 enjoyed the experience, especially with the interactive chocolate making.

What if I stay outside La Fortuna?
Transportation isn’t included for properties more than 10-15 minutes away, so you should plan to reach the meeting point on your own.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 15, which helps maintain a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

What’s the price for this tour?
It costs $46 per person, which many reviewers say offers excellent value considering the experience and tastings provided.

This tasting tour near La Fortuna offers a genuine taste of Costa Rican culture and agriculture, with the bonus of engaging guides and tasty samples. Whether you’re a coffee devotee, chocolate enthusiast, or simply curious about local traditions, it’s a delightful way to spend a few hours soaking in some authentic flavor—literally!