Food & Drink
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$65
per adult
Villa Vanilla Spice Tour & Shop
Villa Vanilla Spice Tour & Shop
Villa Vanilla Spice Tour & Shop
4.5
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Full view
About
Have you ever wondered where the world’s most tantalizing flavors begin? Join us on our exclusive spice tour, where you’ll step into the lush, aromatic world of spices and vanilla cultivation. This unique experience offers a rare glimpse into the art of farming, harvesting, and processing some of the world’s most coveted flavors. Our spice tour is an immersive, sensory-filled adventure that takes travelers on a unique path through a sustainable spice farm that includes vanilla and other tropical spices. The tour takes you on a deep dive into the origins of the ingredients that make our favorite dishes so flavorful. Whether you’re a solo traveler, cooking enthusiast, a spice aficionado, or simply curious about where these magical flavors come from, the spice tour offers an unforgettable experience. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this aromatic adventure! Book your tour today, and let us transport you to a world of spice and vanilla like no other.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Villa Vanilla Spice Tour & Shop
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
659 reviews
Excellent
511
Very good
95
Average
34
Poor
11
Terrible
9
Ann S
Ithaca, NY57 contributions
Feb 2020
The Villa Vanilla tour was spot on — informative, enjoyable and a real introduction to how spices are grown in an organic setting. The first part of the tour took place near the warehouse and the in the chocolate room where cocoa beans are processed. A walking tour of the area where vanilla beans are gown on vines (vanilla is an orchids ) and where pepper trees and cocoa also is grown followed. We ended at a pavilion overlook where we ate delicious treats, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon pana cotta, Our guide Giusele was amazing. All in all, I recommend this highly for almost everyone, although smaller children might be bored. Also, I will never wonder why spices like vanilla are so expensive. The labor that goes into producing them is intensive.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammy S.
1 contribution
Feb 2020
At the last minute we decided to book a tour at Villa Vanilla, and it was such a pleasant surprise! I was just expecting we would see a few plants in a row and then buy some spices, but it was SO much more than that. The farm is more like a lush tropical garden paradise, which we enjoyed walking through immensely. The diversity of flowers and plants is amazing, and it was like walking through a mini slice of garden heaven. Our tourguide Giselle was really knowledgeable and you could tell she had a genuine enthusiasm for plants and spices. The farm is all organic and had a really homey feel. It was very cozy, yet also had nice touches like fruit-infused water and gorgeous views.
I didn't realize they also made chocolate on the farm, so we enjoyed tasting some freshly made chocolate and learned about the chocolate making process. We also tasted freshly shaved cinnamon bark, smelled cinnamon and allspice leaves, found cicada shells and giant grasshoppers, and just took our time moseying through the gardens and soaking in all the knowledge. We also saw a number of animals and bugs including toucans and an eagle catching a frog.
Then the real surprise came near the end of the tour when Giselle took us to this beautiful two storey open air two storey patio overlooking lush jungle and mountains! There she served us a variety of desserts made from fresh spices. Cinnamon tea, vanilla panna cotta with hibiscus jelly, ginger cookie with vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate and a cacao nib cookie. I wasn't expecting that, and we really enjoyed lounging around enjoying the view. She also showed us 3 adorable fruit bats which were so cute.
If you are into gardening or are a foodie, or if you just want to enjoy some delicious treats and learn a bit about food, plants and animals, this tour is for you. We all thought it was fantastic value and one of the highlights of our trip. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the Quepos or Manuel Antonio area!
I didn't realize they also made chocolate on the farm, so we enjoyed tasting some freshly made chocolate and learned about the chocolate making process. We also tasted freshly shaved cinnamon bark, smelled cinnamon and allspice leaves, found cicada shells and giant grasshoppers, and just took our time moseying through the gardens and soaking in all the knowledge. We also saw a number of animals and bugs including toucans and an eagle catching a frog.
Then the real surprise came near the end of the tour when Giselle took us to this beautiful two storey open air two storey patio overlooking lush jungle and mountains! There she served us a variety of desserts made from fresh spices. Cinnamon tea, vanilla panna cotta with hibiscus jelly, ginger cookie with vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate and a cacao nib cookie. I wasn't expecting that, and we really enjoyed lounging around enjoying the view. She also showed us 3 adorable fruit bats which were so cute.
If you are into gardening or are a foodie, or if you just want to enjoy some delicious treats and learn a bit about food, plants and animals, this tour is for you. We all thought it was fantastic value and one of the highlights of our trip. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the Quepos or Manuel Antonio area!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sazizan
Ottawa, Canada15 contributions
Nov 2022
My wife and I chose this tour during a day that was a bit rainy. It was probably the best tour we did while in Costa Rica! While every hotel offered ziplining, kyaking, hikes, etc. we are glad we chose something unique in the Manuel Antonio area.
Our tour guide Joyce was amazing and knowledgeable. She spoke great English so there was no issue understanding what was being presented. Now we were in a very small group which helped us in asking more questions and getting perfect answers. There was so much we didn't know about what was being grown in Costa Rica, and also the difficulty level of some items, such as Vanilla bean.
We were picked up on time by a person named Chris who was very engaging throughout our short drive from the Shana Hotel (approx 15min). The tour lasted about 2.5hrs. We managed to get some beautiful photos and we learnt a new word "BioDynamics". Oh and the ice cream they served us at the end is out of this world!
My wife is still raving about the tour now that we are home. That means it was a success! :)
Our tour guide Joyce was amazing and knowledgeable. She spoke great English so there was no issue understanding what was being presented. Now we were in a very small group which helped us in asking more questions and getting perfect answers. There was so much we didn't know about what was being grown in Costa Rica, and also the difficulty level of some items, such as Vanilla bean.
We were picked up on time by a person named Chris who was very engaging throughout our short drive from the Shana Hotel (approx 15min). The tour lasted about 2.5hrs. We managed to get some beautiful photos and we learnt a new word "BioDynamics". Oh and the ice cream they served us at the end is out of this world!
My wife is still raving about the tour now that we are home. That means it was a success! :)
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scandiophile
San Francisco, CA130 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
This is such a worthwhile tour if you have any interest in food and spices. Our guide was Joyce and she taught us so much. We now have a clear appreciation of why quality vanilla is so expensive. Highlights for us included the opportunity to taste cinnamon directly from the bark, as well as the tasting break, during which Joyce served us several delightful snacks and drinks - all homemade from the plantation’s vanilla and spices - at the most beautiful view point.
The gift shop was great too. We bought a big bag of gifts and felt good about supporting the plantation, especially considering they are both organic and adhere to biodynamic practices.
The gift shop was great too. We bought a big bag of gifts and felt good about supporting the plantation, especially considering they are both organic and adhere to biodynamic practices.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly G
10 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Touring the farm at Villa Vanilla was the highlight of my trip in CR! Kris was fantastic and super knowledgeable about the spices they grow on the farm and the science behind them. Biodynamic farming is at their core, and you can certainly see and feel the love, patience and labor that is poured into this beautiful farm. The sampling tastings were refreshing and delicious (and beautifully presented). I would love to go back and maybe even be a part of the work they do at some point.
Thank you Kris for sharing your important work with us. I highly recommend spending a few hours here! It was incredibly informative and inspiring. Can’t wait to go back.
Thank you Kris for sharing your important work with us. I highly recommend spending a few hours here! It was incredibly informative and inspiring. Can’t wait to go back.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb Z
Alpharetta, GA7 contributions
May 2021
We really enjoyed this tour, more than we thought we would. We were trying to find something a bit different from beach and adventure. This really fit the bill. Our guide was so informative and interesting. He gave a good history of spices and a great basic understanding of the growing process for the various spices grown here. We smelled and/or tasted many as we walked through the beautiful farm area. From vanilla beans, to peppercorns, cinnamon and allspice, it was fascinating and beautiful. We concluded with tastings of several drinks and snacks prepared using the spices, while overlooking the beautiful valley below. Would definitely recommend - even on a rainy day.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maegan H
10 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
The tour was awesome! Very educational about the entire process from propagation to table of cacao, vanilla, and cinnamon, and our guide, Chris, was very friendly and knowledgeable. The spice tasting was a fun break from the heat, and the view during the product tasting (different than the spice tasting), was absolutely beautiful! The food, especially their cookie with cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips and real vanilla ice cream, was to die for! We absolutely loved it and this would be a great activity for couples, families, or solo travelled. A perfect length of time, not too hot because of all of the shade, and very relaxing, especially at the lookout point. You’ll learn all about a variety of spices, both native to Costa Rica as well as other popular spices.
They required masks, and had hand sanitizer available; we felt totally safe with their Covid precautions. Bring your bug repellant! But otherwise you’ll love this tour.
They required masks, and had hand sanitizer available; we felt totally safe with their Covid precautions. Bring your bug repellant! But otherwise you’ll love this tour.
Written December 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela H
New Mexico366 contributions
Mar 2020
Lovely visit on a hot, humid day to this organic spice farm. About a 40 minute drive from Quepos. Vanilla, cloves, allspice, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper. Owned by Henry, an American and former Peace Corps volunteer. I watched a young man peel off the cinnamon bark that is sold in the farm's store. At the end of the tour, the staff provided ginger snaps, vanilla ice cream, and cool cinnamon tea, all made with spices grown on the farm. Spices available to purchase.
Written April 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheSiteseers
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
I have visited Villa Vanilla Rainforest Spices twice this month with different groups of friends and I have visited Villa Vanilla five or six times (I've lost track) over the 13 years we have been visiting this part of Costa Rica. It is always a great experience.
Joyce was our guide yesterday and on my visit 2 weeks ago. If you are interested in the origins of the spices we use every day -and even if you are not- she imparts a lot of information about the growing and processing in a way that is engaging and informative. Even if you don't find any of that to your liking, you have to enjoy the scenic walk through their farm in the jungle, the views from their lookout tower, and the sample of treats made inhouse from their own cacao and other spices. It really is a fantastic tour.
The farm is over 100 acres with only 25 of those under cultivation. They grow vanilla, cacao, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, black (and white) pepper, ginger, turmeric, and many other spices and it is all interplanted in a sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly manner. They do not employ monoculture principles so you will not find any large fields of a single type of plant.
If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend this tour.
Joyce was our guide yesterday and on my visit 2 weeks ago. If you are interested in the origins of the spices we use every day -and even if you are not- she imparts a lot of information about the growing and processing in a way that is engaging and informative. Even if you don't find any of that to your liking, you have to enjoy the scenic walk through their farm in the jungle, the views from their lookout tower, and the sample of treats made inhouse from their own cacao and other spices. It really is a fantastic tour.
The farm is over 100 acres with only 25 of those under cultivation. They grow vanilla, cacao, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, black (and white) pepper, ginger, turmeric, and many other spices and it is all interplanted in a sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly manner. They do not employ monoculture principles so you will not find any large fields of a single type of plant.
If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend this tour.
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annelyse H
Granada, Nicaragua74 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We loved our tour at Villa Vanilla! The farm is beautiful and we loved seeing the different plants and spices. Christopher was our guide and he was really great, so knowledgeable and answered all our questions. The tasting at the end was DELICIOUS, seriously some of the best treats. Wish we could buy more!! We would definitely recommend this to anyone that’s looking for a good tour and wants something more than just a chocolate tour.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you give me an idea on the prices of the spices? I’m thinking about getting some as gifts.
Thanks
Written October 25, 2019
Most of the spices are around $5. I do not know how to upload a picture, but took one of the pricing list.
So far, the product has been wonderful.
Written October 25, 2019
Are there washrooms available on the property?
Written January 28, 2018
Yes, small but adequate. They let me refill my water bottle in the kitchen too!
Written January 29, 2018
I want to buy some spices to take back home, but I don’t want to spend $ on the tour as I’ve done a tour elsewhere already. Can I buy things without taking the tour?
Written October 4, 2017
Butch H., I agree with the other person who suggested you call first. The store is very small and isn't like a "normal" store that's open 9a-7p. I think they mostly keep it closed and open it up at the end of the tour. Keep-in-mind, the store is cash only. They did accept USD. Villa Vanilla was about a 45 minute drive from Manual Antonio. I only bought chocolate (no spices) when I was there but I noticed that for the other guests, they packed the spices nicely to make them easy to travel with. I also suggest you look into customs and what is/is not allowed for you to bring back to your home country or wherever you're headed after CR.
Written October 5, 2017
Hello, does anyone know what the days and hours of operation are (for visitors)? Thank you
Written August 3, 2017
9:00am and 1:00pm Mon-Fri and 0900 only on Saturday. I contacted them directly from their website to check pricing and "get on the schedule". You will also want directions. Not hard to find, but out of the way.
You can get their website directly through Trip advisor and it has all the info and contact info or search "rainforest spices".
Written August 3, 2017
How much does it cost to take the Villa Vanilla tour? I cant seem to find any pricing info anywhere!
Written April 19, 2017
If I recall, it was right around $50 (plus tips). We were picked up from our hotel outside Manuel Antonio.
I will say, it was well worth it, and one of the highlights of our entire trip. We were able to see parts of the countryside we wouldn't have otherwise seen, as well as panoramic views from the "treehouse" on their property. Fascinating details about how vanilla, cocoa, and other spices are processed. Great tour!
Written June 8, 2017
I have limitations with walking , is the walking tour difficult?
Written July 31, 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Easton, Maryland
The tour was mostly flat, with a very gentle rise in place. The pace was also relaxed. I am certain if they know in advance they will try their best to accommodate you. They are lovely people.
Written September 11, 2016
Could you tell me how much the tour costs?
Thanks!
Written June 5, 2016
It wasn't much... I think it was about $10 but not positive. We drove ourselves, so there was no "travel/ pick up from hotel fee. When you call them to make your reservation they will tell you... But I think it was about $10... FYI they actually take your money at the end of the tour, in their gift shop... Great price on Vanilla Beans... I bought 25 and wish I had bought more. They WILL NOT ship any to you after you leave, so make sure you have an Idea about how many friends and family you are going to share with... A much desired "Souvenir"
Written June 9, 2016
Can you go to the gift shop without taking the tour?
Written February 6, 2016
No as the gift shop is in a quite remote location near the end of the tour.
Written June 18, 2016
What is the distance from the cruise ships to the Villa Vanilla? What should I expect to pay for a taxi January 2016?
Written December 19, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 14
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.