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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingHalf-day guided experience in Guayaquil — explore cacao fields, chocolate-making, and a three-course lunch using local ingredients.
This half-day tour takes you to Hacienda CacaoyMango, a family-owned cacao farm and chocolate factory just outside Guayaquil. Hosted by the owners, the experience allows you to witness the bean-to-bar process firsthand, from walking through cacao fields to visiting the working chocolate factory where you can create your personalised chocolate bar.
The tour also features a three-course lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients that highlights the flavours of Ecuadorian coastal cuisine. It's a unique opportunity for food lovers and those interested in Ecuadorian culture. Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the fields and bring an open mind for tasting.
Reviews
This tour was such a joy! We explored the whole plantation, collected different types of cacao, and roasted the beans to create our own chocolate. We savored hot chocolate infused with lemongrass and chili, followed by some fondue, and even sampled the raw beans. After lunch, we crafted our own chocolate bars with our choice of toppings. It was an amazing experience led by Simon, who is an exceptional guide—this is much more than just a simple round trip.
I had a truly enjoyable and relaxing day exploring a stunning cocoa plantation full of tropical fruits. Our guide, Simon, was not only friendly but also engaging and knowledgeable. He walked us through the entire chocolate-making process, from harvesting the fruit to creating the chocolate itself. We roasted and ground cocoa beans into a thick paste, which we then used to prepare a delicious hot chocolate and a fondue with bananas. Additionally, we crafted our own chocolate bars to take home. The lunch was nothing short of spectacular, consisting of three courses made entirely from farm-sourced ingredients, and it concluded with a delightful coffee made from beans grown on the plantation—certainly one of the best meals I experienced in Ecuador. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough; it is a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic experience in Ecuador.
The tour was excellent. Jefferson, our guide, picked us up from the hotel and shared insights about cocoa and its production. Alongside another guide, we tasted cocoa seeds, cocoa paste with fruits, and a drink with a hint of local liquor. We also had the chance to create our own chocolate bar as a keepsake. A delicious lunch was included, featuring shrimp ceviche, chicken dry, and a chocolate dessert. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied. Tip: Bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants, as there are a lot of mosquitoes.
This tour was truly remarkable. I had been excited to hear that Simon would be my guide, given the glowing reviews from others. From the moment he arrived at the Sheraton, his friendly approach and suggestion for me to sit in the front made me feel at ease. As I was traveling alone while my colleagues were golfing, I wasn't sure what to expect, but Simon quickly shared his passion for his country. At the Hacienda cacao and mango farm, I learned about the environment, the ecosystem, and the farm's sustainable practices. The weather was perfect, but I recommend bringing mosquito repellent. The farm is self-sustaining with fruits, vegetables, chickens, and fish, all nurtured with love by the family. Simon's connections were evident, as he seemed to know everyone we encountered along the way. If you ever find yourself in Guayaquil, Ecuador, I highly suggest taking this day trip. Thank you, Simon, for a day I will always remember.
The tour was excellent, featuring an experienced guide named Simon. Communication was smooth, and he truly made the tour a memorable experience.
We learned a comprehensive amount about the chocolate-making process, and the material covered was excellent. The homemade lunch was delicious too. One suggestion would be to manage the bug situation. If you take a package tour, the nearby mangroves enhance the experience.
I had an excellent experience on this trip. I booked it at the last minute, around 2am that day. Although the 9am tour wasn't available, they arranged for me to join the noon tour instead. The driver arrived at my hotel on time and safely transported me. The cocoa farm tour was fantastic, the lunch was delicious, and I highly recommend it. It was a wonderful escape from the city to enjoy the dry rainforest. Plus, the tour guides were friendly and I got some great photos!
Jamil served as an excellent tour guide for our visit to a family-run farm started by his grandfather. We explored the entire cacao growing process, including how dark and milk chocolate is produced, and learned about their cultivation of mangoes, vanilla, and various citrus fruits. The experience of roasting beans and grinding them down to create our own chocolate bars was truly captivating. The thorough explanations and the delicious lunch at the end made it an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it.
Jamil displayed great knowledge and patience throughout the chocolate-making process, which can be quite challenging. He was also an impressive entertainer at the Coffee House.
Simon, our guide, truly made this one of our top experiences in Guayaquil. He highlighted local attractions and demonstrated impressive knowledge about the farm and the chocolate-making process. We walked through the trees to pick ripe pods, roasted and peeled beans, created a delicious chocolate drink, and even crafted our own chocolate bar. Simon and the plantation staff were warm and friendly, contributing to an unforgettable experience. The lunch we enjoyed was also fantastic. I highly recommend this tour for anyone seeking a unique and memorable adventure.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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