Visit a cocoa plantation in the Ecuadorian Oriente
Discover the journey of Ecuadorian cocoa from bean to chocolate, plantation to Waitrose..
If you have ever wondered about the story behind the chocolate you find on the shelves of your deli or supermarket, all will be revealed in this tour where you learn about the journey from a humble cocoa bean through to a chocolate bar, or even a chocolate liqueur.
Cultivated on plantations in a sub tropical environment, cocoa plays a very important role in Ecuador´s history and economy. Ecuador produces only 4% of the world production of cocoa, but 70% of fine, top of the range cocoa. It has been produced in Ecuador since the 1800s, and its cultivation is very much part of the culture, especially among communities in the Amazon and on the coast, where it not only provides an income for small rural communities but also helps in environmental conservation.
Cocoa beans are plucked and taken to collection points, fermented, dried, and turned into chocolate: on your cocoa tour all this will be explained to you and you get a chance to sample the finished product, of course…
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
