Villa Vanilla Spice Tour and Shop — Attraction in Naranjito

This was the most extraordinary experience. What an absolute dream to get to tour this farm while learning about the rich history of Costa Rican spices. We were lucky enough to be at the farm while the vanilla was drying out in the sun. I’ve never seen, and might not ever [again] see so much vanilla in my life. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the tour a lot of fun. I ended up being in a tour group with a retired couple. One of whom is a retired chemist, and now a hobbyist gardener. The two of them asked such great questions, which really added to the experience and gave opportunities to learn even more. The tour was hands on and involved every step of the way. We started off with a delicious sampling of hibiscus tea and an introduction to the farm. Then we walked over to see our first vanilla orchid plant, and some vanilla pods on the vine. Afterwards we started our walk through the grounds where we got to smell and/or taste every spice grown on the farm. My favorite was getting to eat a fresh green peppercorn and taste fresh cinnamon bark. After walking through the grounds we stopped at this beautiful overlook where they served a flight of ice creams, of course made with spices from the farm. We also sampled some fresh cacao served with a flourless chocolate cake bite. Our tour guide added a couple of drops of vanilla to the cacao after our first sip, which was a treat. Lastly we made our way back to the beginning of the tour and we were able to buy spices, chocolate, vanilla extract and they had some house made sweet treats and milkshakes available for purchase. I cannot wait to return! Highly recommend this experience if you’re...

If you’re looking for a unique, family-friendly experience in Costa Rica, Villa Vanilla Spice Tour & Shop is an absolute must. 🌿 From start to finish, everything about this place is magical. The staff is not only knowledgeable, but also so kind and passionate—they make you feel like an honored guest while teaching you fascinating things about the spices grown right there on the farm.

The tour itself is a beautiful adventure. Walking through the lush grounds feels like stepping into another world—you’re surrounded by vanilla, cinnamon, cacao, and so much more. Every detail is thoughtfully explained, and you can tell the guides truly love what they do.

The tastings are out of this world. Freshly made treats infused with the farm’s spices give you a flavor experience you’ll never forget. My kids were engaged the whole time too, which says a lot—it’s both fun and educational for the entire family.

The shop is the perfect way to bring a piece of the experience home. From their vanilla extract to their spices and chocolates, everything is high quality and made with care. I love knowing we’re supporting a sustainable, local farm that takes so much pride in what they do.

Between the breathtaking setting, the incredible people, the unforgettable flavors, and the heart behind it all, Villa Vanilla is pure 5-star perfection. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-do for anyone...

I have visited Villa Vanilla Rainforest Spices twice this month with different groups of friends and I have visited Villa Vanilla a total of 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...