An immersive culinary journey awaits at Rancho Don Lelo, located within Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs. Surrounded by the vibrant jungles of the Chachagua Reserve, this four-hour cooking experience kicks off with a short guided hike through the hotel’s forest trails, where you’ll see how birds and wildlife naturally cultivate the land by spreading seeds.
Along the way, you’ll also discover the farm-grown ingredients that supply the hotel’s restaurants, setting the stage for a deep dive into the flavors, culture, and sustainable practices that define authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
Before arriving at Rancho Don Lelo, guests join a knowledgeable naturalist guide for a scenic walk through lush rainforest trails. This guided adventure introduces you to the area’s biodiversity, from towering trees to vibrant birdlife and unique plant species.
The short hike will get your appetite going while also providing fascinating facts about the local ecosystem and its importance to Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism efforts. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and pack a camera for a comfortable, nature-filled adventure.
Upon reaching the farm surrounded by the scenic rainforest, visitors are greeted with a refreshing twist on lemonade; freshly pressed sugarcane juice and local limes, both grown right on the farm.
This invigorating drink offers the perfect cool-down after your hike. Our welcoming Costa Rican chef explains some of the plants and crops surrounding the farm and sets the tone for a hands-on exploration of local agriculture and culinary traditions.
Today, sugar cane cultivation is a cornerstone of traditional agricultural practices in Costa Rica. Its role in the national economy is significant, contributing to the country’s GDP, generating direct employment, and bolstering exports.
Under the guidance of the farm staff, you’ll learn the process of harvesting sugar cane and extracting its juice using a traditional press, and find that this tried-and-true method still works perfectly!
By exploring the diverse crops, you’ll develop a genuine appreciation for local sustainability practices. The farm at Rancho Don Lelo rotates its fields to maintain soil fertility and reduce environmental impact, and Chachagua restaurants partner with neighboring farms to source fresh ingredients, ensuring that every product remains rooted in the region.
Rancho Don Lelo delivers fresh, locally grown ingredients straight to the kitchens at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, ensuring that every dish bursts with authentic Costa Rican flavor.
By prepping meals alongside the chef, you’ll master a variety of traditional recipes that change based on the seasonal availability, like frying yucca into hashbrowns, roasting coffee beans, making patacones from green plantains, pressing your own corn tortillas, whipping up fresh ceviche, and more.
Each tour is tailored to your group, with a maximum of eight participants, and welcomes children as young as four, making it a perfect family activity. Best of all, you’ll head home with both unforgettable memories and the mouthwatering tastes of Chachagua.
By choosing an experience like Rancho Don Lelo, you actively uphold Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability and responsible travel. Every visit to this working farm supports the local economy, preserves time-honored farming techniques, and cultivates a profound connection between you and the land.
This hands-on immersion provides an authentic look at the flavors, traditions, and core values of Costa Rican cuisine. Long after you’ve returned home, you’ll carry the sights, sounds, and stories of Costa Rica’s heritage with you, knowing that your participation contributes to the continued growth and vitality of Chachagua’s rural community.