Experience a Cocoa Farm Tour and Chocolate-Making Workshop in Entrada, Ecuador

Summary: Mario was a terrific guide and we had a lot of fun seeing the farm, picking a cacao pod, and grinding the beans! The chocolate and the lunch were delicious, and everyone involved was very friendly. The scenery of the farm was beautiful - we saw some gorgeous flowers and interesting birds like a kingfisher. Would love to go back and do more tours with this group.

Summary: It was an amazing experience! This is a hidden gem and a "must-do" excursion. From beginning to end, Mario was informative, funny and attentive. Along the drive to the farm, we stopped at one of the many fruit stands to purchase some fruit. Hacienda Cacao and Mango Farm is proud and passionate about their family planation. We were able to experience the making of chocolate from tree (the fruit) to chocolate paste. Mario provided various pairings of the chocolate with mango, solid sugar cane and bananas. We enjoyed each tasting. The cacao juice and chocolate drink were very tasty! Be sure to request for Mario booking this trip.

Summary: This was an unexpected, lovely experience. We drove one hour to a family farm, passed many fruit stands and local lands. Mario provided a well organized,safe trip. He provided the group with bottled water and animated narratives throughout the tour. The cacao plants and the chocolate making experience was great. The lunch was lovely, tasteful with beautiful presentation. Hacienda Cacao and Mango Farm is truly natural. The family members are welcoming and proud of their farm and products. The chocolate....Yum! Mario, thank you for your kindness and care. We all enjoyed our day.

Summary: Very much enjoyed this day trip from GYE. Left at 10 am, back at 4 p because we enjoyed it so much. ( if time is time is tight, it could be shorter, but we were all quite chatty). So much to learn about chocolate, cacao and life in Ecuador from this farmer and family. Hands on, personal and up close! English was very good. Entire experience was professional and hospitable, very casual. Also Expect a good lunch and exquisite chocolate dessert and take home chocolate bar. Accommodating for diet issues. Suitable for young kids. Just a little walking through cacao trees. There were a few mosquitoes, so bug spray would be smart…they had some to use as well. Good comms upon booking via what’s app. Better to spend day in farm country than the city! Very personal experience. Just our group of 3.

Summary: We were not sure what to expect when we booked this tour, but it far exceeded our expectations! Our guide Allyson Aleman was extremely knowledgeable and a joy to spend time with! We learned far more than we ever thought we would about cacao, chocolate, and South American agriculture! And the lunch was delicious. We highly recommend it!

Summary: From pick-up to drop-off, the entire experience was outstanding. Allyson was a great, friendly, and knowledgeable guide! At the farm, Alberto was just as great, and it was clear that he takes pride in what he does. His knowledge of cacao and the form was great and communicated in a clear and engaging manner. The food was out of this world good!!! Amazing experience, thank you!!!

Summary: I love the tour guide She gave the history of cacao and the processes of making chocolate The farm was better than expected The lunch was a traditional Ecuadorian meal!

Summary: This was an immersive experience for our small group, where we walked through the grove of cacao trees, gaining an understanding of different species, as well as how adjacent plants and pollination can change the flavor each tree produces. Following that, we participated in each step of taking the pod all the way to chocolate bar for each of us. I now understand just how much effort and expertise it takes to create perfect chocolate. Ecuador has a rich history of growing excellent cacao, and is now positioning itself as a major player in chocolate making. The tour was followed by a delicious lunch prepared in the kitchen and under a shelter beside the cacao trees snd small river. Allison was our guide and she was wonderful throughout, also explaining what we were seeing on the drive to and from the plantation. She shared stories about her family and how Ecuadorians live and their culture. Darwin was our drive and he was fabulous, too.

Summary: What an incredible day we had! Mario was a wealth of knowledge, loved sharing stories about everything from the history of his family and of his country to the making of chocolate from seed to drink or bar. And the lunch we had was truly from farm to table the best meal of our trip! This is a great tour for everyone, regardless of your age. We will be recommending this tour to everyone that plans a visit to Ecuador!

Summary: 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.