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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingFour to five hours from Guayaquil — visit a family-owned cocoa farm, explore plantations, and make chocolate from fresh cocoa beans.
This half-day tour transports you from your Guayaquil hotel to a family-owned cocoa farm, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once at the farm, you'll stroll through the cocoa plantations to learn about the cultivation and harvesting processes before getting hands-on with chocolate-making using fresh cocoa beans.
The tour includes transportation, a guide, and the farm entry fee. The full experience lasts around four to five hours, making it a manageable trip for both chocolate enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the picturesque Ecuadorian countryside.
Reviews
This day trip from GYE was incredibly enjoyable. We departed at 10 am and returned by 4 pm because we were having such a good time, though it could be shorter if pressed for time. The farmer and his family provided a wealth of knowledge about chocolate, cacao, and Ecuadorian life in a hands-on and intimate manner. Their English was excellent, and the entire experience felt professional yet relaxed, with a delicious lunch and exquisite chocolate dessert included along with a take-home chocolate bar. They were very accommodating regarding dietary restrictions, and it was suitable for young children with just a bit of walking through the cacao trees. A few mosquitoes were around, so bug spray is advisable, although they provided some as well. Communication was smooth via WhatsApp during booking. Spending the day in the countryside was preferable to being in the city. Overall, it was a very personal experience with just our group of three.
The visit to the family farm was a delightful surprise. After an hour's drive past various fruit stands and local farms, we arrived. Mario ensured a well-organized and safe outing, providing bottled water and engaging stories during the tour. The experience with the cacao plants and chocolate making was enjoyable. Lunch was delicious, beautifully presented, and satisfying. Hacienda Cacao and Mango Farm embodies a natural charm, with family members being warm and proud of their farm and products. The chocolate was delicious. Thank you, Mario, for your kindness and attention; we had a fantastic day.
This experience was truly remarkable. It's a hidden gem and an essential excursion. From start to finish, Mario was informative, humorous, and attentive. On our way to the farm, we stopped at a fruit stand to buy some fruit. Hacienda Cacao and Mango Farm is dedicated to their family plantation, and we had the opportunity to see the process of chocolate creation from the tree to chocolate paste. Mario offered different pairings with the chocolate, including mango, solid sugar cane, and bananas, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed. The cacao juice and chocolate drink were also delightful. Be sure to ask for Mario when you book this trip.
Mario made for an excellent guide, and we truly enjoyed our time at the farm, from picking cacao pods to grinding the beans. The chocolate and lunch were both delightful, and the staff were very welcoming. The farm's landscape was stunning, featuring beautiful flowers and fascinating birds, including a kingfisher. I would be eager to return for more tours with this group.
This was the best tour we've ever experienced. Our guide, Alison, was friendly and approachable, allowing us to take in the area's history and beauty at a comfortable pace. We gained valuable insights into the origins of chocolate, cacao plants, the industry's history, and how cacao is transformed into chocolate. Alison was well-informed and actively involved us in the entire chocolate-making process, providing a fantastic hands-on experience. We were amazed at the variety of products and treats derived from cacao. Her expertise and warm personality made for an incredible full-day experience. We concluded our afternoon with a delightful three-course meal amidst the breeze and flowering trees, which was truly delicious. Everyone on the farm was accommodating, patient, and eager to share their beautiful oasis with us. It was a pleasure to meet such a hospitable group involved in both the chocolate-making and dining experiences. As the only two participants that day, my son and I enjoyed a personalized educational experience that was unparalleled. We highly recommend this tour and Alison as your guide.
This was an excellent tour that I highly recommend. The guide was exceptional—knowledgeable and very friendly. The visit to the cacao farm was wonderful, and I enjoyed every moment of the experience. Lunch was fantastic, too. The guide and driver even extended the tour by 30 minutes to take us to a unique spot in Guayaquil for a special event that occurs only around New Year. Any tour with this company promises to be memorable.
We had an amazing day from start to finish. This tour offered a deep dive into cacao and its cultural significance, with activities like exploring cacao groves, creating cacao paste, and tasting various cacao-based dishes, topped off with a delicious home-cooked meal. The hospitality was exceptional, and everyone we met was eager to share their passion for their country and its unique crop. We truly feel like we've made friends in Ecuador. This experience is incredibly valuable, and we couldn't recommend it more.
This was an incredible experience and truly a highlight of our time in Ecuador. From our guide, Eddy, to the staff at the plantation, everyone was friendly, engaging, and well-informed.
Our time with Mario and his team was remarkable from beginning to end. Once we were picked up from our hotel in Guayaquil, we felt completely comfortable. Mario is not only highly professional but also friendly and truly enthusiastic about his work. The drive to the cacao farm was smooth and enjoyable, as Mario shared fascinating insights about Ecuador, the surrounding area, and the history of cacao. His impressive knowledge and engaging explanations kept us captivated throughout the trip. The experience at the cacao farm was equally delightful. The tour was well-organized, immersive, and authentic. We learned a great deal, and it was evident that every aspect of the tour was made with care and intention. The lunch was exceptional. The three-course meal went beyond our expectations, with every dish being fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and incredibly tasty. The quality and presentation felt like a fine dining experience amid stunning scenery. Above all, we felt secure and well cared for at all times, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the experience. Mario's dedication was evident, and his company obviously takes great pride in creating a top-notch experience. If you're contemplating this tour, I highly recommend booking it. Mario is outstanding, and this was genuinely one of the highlights of our journey.
Mario is an excellent tour guide, clearly passionate about his work and proud of his country and heritage. He shared extensive knowledge about Ecuador and Guayaquil, including its history, economy, agriculture, and cocoa production. His engaging personality and desire to satisfy his guests were evident. Moreover, the staff at the family-owned cocoa farm were incredibly welcoming.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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