Nestled on the grounds of historic Tempisque river, along with one of Costa Rica’s most important sugar cane plantations, is the home of “El Viejo”, an old-style Hacienda through over 5000 hectares that offers a rich cultural experience with a true traditional atmosphere and typical Costa Rican food. The hacienda house was constructed in 1881, it was owned by several presidents of Costa Rica and the Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza Garcia.
Join us for the culture tour to learn about a colonial style farm that will certainly take you back in the Costa Rica history. Start at the “ox-operated sugar mill” to learn about how sugar cane was processed and the artifacts they used many years ago. Make handmade corn tortillas or take part in cooking delicious Costa Rican treats in an authentic clay oven with aromatic fresh coffee.
Then, experience the process of producing high quality Rum from pure sugar cane. Learn about cultivation techniques, growing cycle, harvesting, milling and mashing to reach the distiller where we explain in detail the fermentation and distillation process to get the first liquors and highest purity.
An educational nosing and tasting are offered in the Cask House, where you will learn more about maturation flavors and aromas of Rum.
At the end of the tour, indulge yourself with a delicious seasonally-inspired cocktail made with local Rum as you feel the Hacienda historic atmosphere, from the cozy courtyard balcony. Adults taste rum and youngsters are served smoothies.