The cocoa road

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1:

  Arrival in Quito

  

  After being met at Guayaquil airport, your guide will take you to your hotel in the centre of the country's economic capital.

• day 2:

  Mangroves and Cocoa Production

  

  This day will combine a visit to the mangroves, a specific eco-system of this region, and a visit to a cocoa farm. The development of the country is closely linked to cocoa, since it was the main resource of the country at the end of the 19th century. The variety found in Ecuador is certainly the finest in the world and is of course highly sought after by chocolate makers all over the world.

• day 3:

  Guayaquil, the city of chocolate

  

  A tour of Guayaquil to continue with the chocolate. You will go to the Historical Park where the chocolate museum is located. You will also have the opportunity to visit this park/zoo where you will find some specimens of the local fauna. You will then go to the heart of the cocoa production area to complete your chocolate training.

• day 4:

  Become a cocoa specialist

  

  A day dedicated to the history of cocoa and its production. You will learn about the whole process and you won't miss the tastings.

• day 5:

  Heading to the Andes

  

  Forget the chocolate for a moment and head for the Andes, with a giant on the way: the Chimborazo volcano. You will then reach the city of Riobamba.

• day 6:

  Fair trade

  

  You will meet the fair trade initiatives... of the town of Guaranda. It is a unique moment to meet the producers of this town who have developed many production initiatives such as cheese or sausages. A beautiful example of success that combines economy and solidarity.

• day 7:

  The majestic Cotopaxi

  

  It is difficult to miss the most majestic volcano in the country without paying it a visit. You can go up to the refuge after leaving the car at an altitude of almost 4000 meters. From there you will go to the Mitad del Mundo in Quitsato, where the equatorial line passes. A lunch awaits you there to discover local specialities with "organic" products. You will continue your journey to Otavalo and sleep in a Hacienda, the old colonial houses that made the history of this country when the Spanish conquerors arrived.

• day 8:

  The Otavalo market and a return to chocolate

  

  After visiting the typical market of Otavalo where all the handicrafts of the region meet (and where you can buy your souvenirs), you will go to Quito via the other half of the world with its small didactic museum Inti Ñan. From there we take you to one of the city's chocolate makers in the heart of the historic centre.

• day 9:

  A final touch... of chocolate

  

  Quito is a Unesco World Heritage Site and for good reason, it is certainly the most beautiful colonial city in South America and the most extensive. Churches, cathedrals and convents are on the menu. But with a few chocolate tastings sprinkled throughout the day. All this is completed by a visit to the Mindalae museum, which will give you an idea of the quality of the country's crafts.

• day 10:

  Your last day

  

  We have guided you enough, a little free time for your last purchases... chocolate before taking your plane back home. We will suggest visits according to your tastes.