Cacao boerderij en chocolade maken!

My husband and I had a truly fantastic day with Mario on his Cocoa Farm tour. We were picked up at our hotel in a modern car with Luis, his driver. During the 45-50 minute drive to the farm, Mario really entertained and educated us with the history of the regional economy and agricultural situation. Because his grandparents had run their own large cocoa farm for many years, he grew up learning about the local cocoa farming business; he knew everything about it! We learned so much about the harvesting and exporting of the beans to chocolate producers all over the world. Of course the highlight of the experience is actually making a chocolate bar from start to finish. Every step was fascinating and fun. When the beans are roasted and begin to actually smell like chocolate, it’s unforgettable! Another highlight of the trip is the lunch that is served at the farm. We had a 3 course meal that was delicious; shrimp, chicken, plantains, fruit. Everything was so fresh and served in a beautiful outdoor setting at the farm. This is a unique experience that is not just for chocolate lovers, but for anyone interested in the economy of Ecuador and its more rural areas away from Guayaquil.

Great way to spend the day outside of Guayaquil. Alberto did a great job showing us the farm and Tony was an excellent guide as well. We really enjoyed the lunch too. This is a highly educational and fun excursion. And the chocolate that we made was delicious too!!! Bravo!!!!

Incredible experience. As one who has a small hobby farm, this was certainly one of the most enjoyable and informative experiences we have had in decades of international travel. The tour is a "hands-on" tour at a small family-owned and operated cacao farm where they grow both "Nacional" and a hybrid variety of cacao trees. They also grow Hibiscus which they package as dehydrated flowers for use in brewing tea. You'll get to see and participate in many of the steps involved in making incredible chocolate bars from the cacao beans grown there at the farm. At the end, you can purchase chocolate bars, Hibiscus and other things to take home with you (no pressure to buy, but those are available). During our visit, we enjoyed a delicious lunch on the patio of the home of our wonderful hosts and got to meet their little boy and friendly farm dogs! And the chocolate...the best I have ever had! Our guide Mario and his driver were great. Five stars!