Wer nur wenige Tage Zeit in Guayaquil hat, sollte sich diese Erfahrung auf keinen Fall entgehen lassen.
Mario bringt sehr viel Wissen über die wirtschaftlichen Zusammenhänge, das Leben und die Kultur in der Stadt und den ländlichen Regionen rund um Guayaquil mit. In lockerer Plauder-Atmosphäre erfährt man so in nur einem halben Tag sehr viel über die Örtlichen Gegebenheiten und natürlich auch die Kakao- und Schokoladenproduktion.
Ein absolutes Muss und jeden Cent wert.
Do not miss this tour, and do not miss out on visiting Guayaquil! Mario has been guiding for many years now - he is super knowledgeable, speaks English as well as Spanish, has fantastic contacts to locals to offer this amazing experience (as well as a range of other things), and he can recommend anything you need for your travels (accommodation, other activities, safe taxi transport etc). I only had a single day free for a tour and it turned out to be election day in Guayaquil, and it was Sunday. I didn't think anyone would be able to arrange a tour on such day. Mario and the family who own the finca made all arrangements to offer me an amazing experience, despite me being the only guest on that day. I was collected from my hotel on time and we spend hours on the finca. I felt like a child in a candy store! The owner provided a private tour and shared his knowledge and passion about what he is growing - cocoa is just one thing, but he also grows a large variery of fruit, spices, vegetables, coffee... I learnt so much in these few hours, and got to taste just about everything he was growing. Super interesting. The chocolate making experience was so much fun and super tasty. Best chocolate I ever tasted! And we somehow managed to still squeeze in the beautiful lunch that was prepared just for us, by the wife of the finca owner. After the experience at the finca, Mario showed me around town, sharing info about Guayaquil's history, daily life, and where I can venture alone on my next day in town. Guayaquil has a fantastic waterfront, and there is so much to see and do in the city. I should have stayed a lot longer. Do not be scared off by reviews about crime in the city - as in any big city, use common sense and spend a day when you arrive with a knowledgeable local guide (like Mario) and explore this place. I had absolutely no problems as a solo female traveller. Mario's advice about where to go was spot on, people were absolutrly lovely, and there is visible tourism police all around town to help you if you get lost. I will definitely need to return, and take advantage of all the other experiences Mario offers. Thank you, Mario, to you and the owners of the beautiful finca. It was a day to remember. I really appreciate the hospitality and hope to return someday soon.
Incredible day with Mario learning about small-farming techniques on a local cacao farm. Great activities incl walking the farm, roasting beans to make chocolate, and custom chocolate bar making. Incredible lunch was also included.
Mario taught us so much about Ecuadorian life and was an incredible host. Highly recommend this tour if you have a some time in Guayaquil!