Set just outside Manuel Antonio and Quepos, the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation grows an assortment of spices, medicinal plants, and exotic fruits. On this half-day tour you’ll explore the plantation and experience how vanilla is grown, harvested, and cooked with.

The Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation is set 10 miles (16 km) east of Quepos and overlooks the Manuel Antonio National Park. The plantation includes 27 acres (10 ha) of agricultural production and 125 acres (50 ha) of primary and secondary rainforest. The plantation grows vanilla, true Ceylon cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, allspice, turmeric, and a variety of exotic fruits and medicinal plants. The plantation also has a collection of epiphytes (airplants), including orchids, bromeliads, and tilandsias.

Vanilla is the major crop here. It’s one of the most popular flavors in the world, and is the second most expensive flavoring agent due to its labor-intensive cultivation and processing methods. Native to Central America, vanilla is fertilized by hand during the pollination season. While on this tour visitors will learn how to pollinate vanilla flowers.

This half-day tour is offered in either the morning or afternoon. The tour begins with a visit to the post-harvest warehouse where the spices are dried, processed, and packaged. You’ll then enjoy a gentle walk through the “Epiphyte Trail,” which winds through the plantation and gives you good looks at these incredible plants.

You’ll pass a fish pond and end up at a lookout that boasts beautiful views. While here you’ll also experience the “Flavors of the World” tasting—a pastry chef will prepare a variety of drinks and gourmet treats for you to sample. All of the items are made on the farm and use as many ingredients from the plantation as possible. Taste the flavors of the rainforest and be inspired to try new recipes at home!

The last stop of the tour is at the Spice Shoppe, where you can stock up on vanilla beans and extract, chili-infused hot chocolate, and other products grown on the farm. These make great gifts for friends back home.