This tour explores the origins of Ecuadorian chocolate and the rainforest conservation project that revived some of the country’s oldest cocoa trees. You’ll hear how the Third Millennium Alliance launched a conservation effort in Ecuador in 2007 that led to production of exceptionally high-quality chocolate. Research by Francisco Valdez traced the genetics of these trees back as far as 5,300 years, using Carbon-14 data and the theobromine found in pods, and the study indicated they are 100% Nacional in genotype. These findings helped confirm the purity and rarity of the cocoa grown in this region.
On the tour you will visit one of the 14 plantations in Rocafuerte that supplies these prized beans. Along the way you’ll see the cocoa trees and learn about the conservation work and the botanical history behind the beans. The hands-on part of the experience lets you process cocoa from bean to bar: you’ll collect beans and take part in making your own chocolate bar. This experience is recommended for cruise travellers and offers a close, tangible look at the people, plants and science behind Ecuador’s celebrated chocolate.
Why Visit
- Chocolate processing from cocoa bean collection to handcrafted chocolate bar
- Rocafuerte plantation visit on one of 14 premium cocoa estates
- Third Millennium Alliance rainforest conservation project launched in 2007
- Carbon-14 and Francisco Valdez research tracing 5,300-year Nacional genotype purity
- Cruise-friendly itinerary recommended to cruise travelers
What's included
- Bottled water
- All taxes and fees
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Fruit and local snacks at the plantation
- Samples of chocolate and other products
What's Not Included
- Soft drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
Accessibility
- Accessible to strollers
- Public transit links nearby
Tour available in your selected language
Additional information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
If you require a guide that speaks another language other than English, you will have to notify us, extra charges might be applied.