Contents

Pag. 3 Introduction

Pag. 9 Andes

Pag. 15 Pacific Coast

Coast

Ecuador´s climate favors

Pag. 23 Amazon
cacao plantations thanks Amazon
its geographical position.
Andes

Pag. 27 Directory

These ocean currents create a

natural giant greenhouse,
perfect weather to plant cacao
trees.

2 1
Fotos: INPC / Rubén Ramírez

Ecuador, Land

Introduction
of Chocolate.
“A piece of this delicacy on the tongue can
excite the senses, and even shake up an
entire town”.
Movie “Chocolat”

T
o discover Ecuador is to venture
into new and unforgettable life
experiences. In its four regions,
or worlds, unknown sensations and
emotions await. The reason? Ecuador is
the country of love. The most beautiful
roses grow here, and humpback whales
choose the waters of the Equatorial
Pacific Coast to mate and give birth
to their young. And—how could it be
otherwise?—the world’s best chocolate
also has its origin in the country whose
motto is to “love life”.
The Food of the Gods (the
etymological meaning of Theobroma
cocoa), is native to Ecuador. According
to studies carried out by Ecuadorian
and French archaeologists, who were
supported by the National Institute for
Cultural Heritage (INPC) of Ecuador, and
the Research Institute for Development
(IRD) of France, this plant has its origin
in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Mayo-
Chinchipe-Marañón culture was
responsible for spreading the cultivation
and consumption techniques for this
product more than 5000 years ago.
Similarly, studies carried out by the
University of Calgary (Canada), which
used carbon-14 on residues found in
containers with food residues, showed
the presence of cocoa between 5300
and 5500 years ago. In addition, it was
determined that cocoa was used in
different forms in the Amazon, including
as a drink.
The Cacao Boom is the name given
to key moments in the production
and export of La Pepa de Oro —“the
golden bean”, as the cacao bean is
known—which has forged the country’s
cacao tradition since the 18th century. A
significant increase in cocoa production
and exportation is currently being seen,
as well asan increase in the creation
and elaboration of chocolate. It can
thus be determined that the country is
experiencing a new boom, which has
also aided in the global positioning
of nationally-produced cacao and
chocolate.
Ecuadorian chocolate brands and
their raw material win awards and
recognitions year after year for their
incomparable quality and taste; world-
renowned chefs demand fine aroma
Ecuadorian cacao as a quality standard
for the preparation of chocolate-based
dishes; and as though that weren’t

2 3
 enough: what other country in the world
can take pride in producing 70% of the
world’s fine aroma cacao?... Only Ecuador,
Land of Chocolate. With the presentation of
tourist routes, this guide confirms it.
ECUADORIAN CACAO
 
Thanks to its location in the Equatorial
zone, its altitude, and its climate; thanks to its
rotating 12 hours of light and shadow, 365
days a year; thanks to the incomparable
presence of the majestic Andes mountain
range, which serves as natural refrigerant
and provides mineral enrichment for the
mainland soils; thanks to the Humboldt and
El Niño currents, which help to regulate the
county’s temperature; and thanks to being
the birthplace of ancestral peoples, who
through their ancient techniques gave rise
to the domestication of cacao—thanks to
an abundance of reasons, Ecuador is the
Land of Cacao and Chocolate.
The Pacific Coast and the Amazon are
the natural regions—or worlds—of Ecuador
with the highest cacao production. There
are two main varieties:
Fine Aroma Cacao: Also known as
Arriba or Nacional, this is the highest
quality variety of cacao on the planet. Its
characteristic color is yellow, and it has
an incomparable scent and flavor which
make it essential for the production of the
exquisite gourmet chocolate appreciated
around the world. International specialty
shops require a percentage of this cacao in
order to make their chocolate.
CCN-51Cacao: Created by the Ambato
agronomist Homero Castro Zurita, who has
been researching various types of cacao
4 5
since 1952 in order to create a high-yield,
high-quality plant resistant to the “Witches’
Broom” disease, which bankrupted the
majority of cacao producers following its
appearance in 1918. In 1965, he succeeded in
creating the so-called clonal CCN-51 cacao,
which stands for Castro Naranjal Collection,
created from the Iquitos (Ecuadorian-
Peruvian: 45.4%), Creole (Amazon: 22.2%)
and Amelonado strains (Ghana and
Central America: 21.5%). This variety stands
out for its high productivity and high
percentage of cacao butter (54%), and is
thus highly sought-after by the industry. Its
characteristic color is red. It is recognized
for its high-yield in the extraction of semi-
processed products—essential ingredients
in the large-scale production of chocolates,
cosmetics and other finished products.
Against this backdrop, and in order to
make a mark on Ecuador’s touristic map,
we present you with the following tour
routes highlighting the importance of being
the country with the world’s best cocoa
and chocolate.
ECUADORIAN CACAO
AND CHOCOLATE:
A NEW TOURISM
PRODUCT
The Cacao Route has its origins in the
16th century, when Spanish colonizers
opened passage from Guayaquil along the
Guayas River to Canton Vinces, home to
the traditional Cacao Arriba.
Today, to travel through the cacao
production areas is to immerse oneself in
the history, traditions, natural beauty, cultural
diversity, and the unique aromas and flavors
that allow for an understanding of this plant
as an ancient practice that forms part of the
country’s history and heritage.
To experience Ecuador Land of
Chocolate and its routes is to discover
new sensations through visits to restaurants
offering menus prepared with cacao;
specialty shops with international-award
winning chocolates; haciendas and
traditional farms that allow you to visit vast
cacao crops; and ancestral communities
dedicated to bringing forth this product’s
magnificent flavors and textures. These
unique experiences are possible with a tour
through three of Ecuador’s four worlds: the
Pacific Coast, the Andes and the Amazon.
After discovering and experiencing
the Cacao and Chocolate Routes laid out
in this guide, you will be left with no doubt
regarding the flavor and pleasure that can
be produced by chocolate in the country
that Loves Life, Ecuador.
 Ecuador Maps Colombia

Land of Chocolate.
Reserva Option 1
Pacto
Yunguilla Geobotánico Option 2
Nanegal Pululahua
B: Finca Mashpi Option 3
Puerto Quito Shungo
Nanegalito
Reserva
Pacto
Yunguilla Geobotánico
Nanegal Pululahua
B: Finca Mashpi
Puerto Quito

Andes
Shungo
Nanegalito
Finca Yaussa Mitad del
Tandayapa Mundo
San Miguel
de Los Bancos Cafatería
Los Armadillos Finca Yaussa Mitad del
Mirador Río Mindo Tandayapa Mundo
Blanco San Miguel
Parroquia de Los Bancos Cafatería
Nono Los Armadillos
A: Yumbos Mirador Río Mindo
Blanco
B: El Quetzal C&D Parroquia
Nono
A: Yumbos
Option 1 B: El Quetzal C&D
Quito Puembo
Option 2 Quito Option 1
Volcán Guagua
Pichincha
Option 3 Option 2
Volcán Guagua
Pichincha Sumaco
Galeras
National Park
Tosagua Baeza
Corporación Fortaleza Maquita Cafetería Quinde
Rocafuerte del Valle
Buena Fe Hayco - Baeza
Manta
Montañita Reserva
Sosote Quevedo Ecológica Volcán
Finca El Empalme Antisana Cosanga Sumaco
Sarita
Del Salitre
Portoviejo

Montecristi
Volcán Loreto
Finca
Don Atanacio Cotopaxi Jondachi Orellana
Tosagua
Hakuna Huasquila Amazon
Matata Lodge Lodge
El Carmen Corporación Fortaleza Maquita
Cotundo
Rocafuerte del Valle
Buena Fe
Montañita
Archidona Cotococha Lodge

Pacific
Parque El señor de los Caballos Manta 1. Comunidad de Santa Rita;
2. Asociación Wiñak
Nacional Hotel - Spa
Fábrica Machalilla
Pacha Sosote Quevedo
República del Cacao Tena CTC Shinchi Warmi
Puerto López Finca El Empalme Asociación Kallary
Rancho
Sarita Puerto Misahuallí

Coast
Grande Portoviejo
CTC Ecoaldea de Sandia
Montecristi CTC Shiripuno
Finca
Don Atanacio
Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola
Daule
Asociación Tsatsayaku
Hostería Oro y Luna
Samborondón

Finca El
Chaparral
Parque Histórico El Carmen
Durán Milagro
Guayaquil

Hacienda
Vía a la Costa
Hotel Oro
Verde
Estación La Danesa Parque El señor de los Caballos
del Tren Nacional Hotel - Spa
de Durán Fábrica Machalilla
Pacha
Hacienda Reserva
El Castillo Ecológica República del Cacao
Manglar Puerto López
Churte
Option 1 Hacienda
Cacao y Mango
Rancho
Option 2 Grande
Option 3 Hacienda
Cañas
Option 4
Option 5

Daule

Samborondón
Puembo
Quito
Finca El
Chaparral
Sumaco Parque Histórico
Durán Milagro
Galeras Guayaquil

Option 1 National Park

Option 2 Baeza Hacienda
Hotel Oro Estación La Danesa
Cafetería Quinde Vía a la Costa Verde
del Tren
Hayco - Baeza de Durán
Reserva
Ecológica Volcán Hacienda
Cosanga Sumaco
Reserva

Amazon
Antisana El Castillo Ecológica
Del Salitre Manglar
Churte
Hacienda
Volcán Loreto Cacao y Mango
Cotopaxi Jondachi Orellana Option 1
Hakuna Huasquila Amazon Option 2 Hacienda
Matata Lodge Lodge Cañas
Cotundo Option 3
Archidona Cotococha Lodge Option 4
1. Comunidad de Santa Rita;
2. Asociación Wiñak Option 5
Tena CTC Shinchi Warmi
Asociación Kallary
Puerto Misahuallí
CTC Ecoaldea de Sandia
CTC Shiripuno
Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola

Perú
Asociación Tsatsayaku
Hostería Oro y Luna

6 7
 El Quetzal products

Andes

The chill of the Andes makes it an ideal

place to sooth your soul with a cup of
hot chocolate, prepared with the world’s
best cacao beans: Fine Aroma. At various
touristic chocolate-related points of
interest, you can learn more about the
relevance of this so-called “food of the
gods” in history, and about its making.
You’ll also be able to prepare and enjoy
a wide culinary range of cacao-based
options.

Cacao flower Chocolate making process

8 9
 In addition, you can visit the crafts store
Reserva Option 1
Pacto
Yunguilla Geobotánico Option 2 at Paralelo Cero and the Aroma Ecuador
Nanegal Pululahua Cafe, where you can taste liqueurs, jams,
B: Finca Mashpi Option 3
Puerto Quito Shungo
Nanegalito chocolates and coffee.

At midday tour moves along the

Calacali – La Independencia route to km.
Finca Yaussa Mitad del
San Miguel Tandayapa Mundo 135, where a secondary road must be taken
de Los Bancos Cafatería for 4 km.; this final stretch can be done on
Los Armadillos bike until you arrive to Finca Yaussa, where
Mirador Río Mindo
Blanco you’ll visit fine aroma nacional cacao crops
Parroquia
Nono in their harvest and post-harvest stages.
A: Yumbos
B: El Quetzal C&D
As a complement to this activity, a
tasting tour of exotic flavors is offered,
Quito with a sampling of fruits native to the area
and a visit to the jam factory. Lunch will
also be served here, with menu of dishes
Volcán Guagua featuring cacao and chocolate as the main
Pichincha
ingredients.

OPTION 1 After enjoying the visit to the Finca

Yaussa, we’ll begin our return to the city of
Quito.
Quito and
Puerto Quito

1 day

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Ecuador’s capital Quito is the starting
point for this adventure—which begins at a 08h30 - 10h00
Cacao Research and Development Center, The Cacao Research and
where you will find everything related to Development Center
the bean’s biological origin, domestication, 10h00 - 12h30
history and characteristics. You can also visit Transfer from Quito
the chocolate and coffee processing plant, 12h30 - 15h30
where you’ll learn to identify the differences FincaYaussa (visit and lunch)
between the various types and varieties of 15h30 - 18h00
beans. Transfer to Quito

Fundación C&D / Cacao Research and Development Center

10 11
 way to Calacalí - La Independencia at km.
OPTION 2 135, where you must continue on a second
order road for 4 kilometers. The last trip can
be traveled by bicycle until you arrive. Fine
Quito, Pacto and San aroma cocoa crops will be visited during
Miguel de los Bancos their harvest and post-harvest stages.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY Complementing this activity, we offer a tour SUGGESTED ITINERARY
of exotic flavors for fruit tasting typical of the DAY 1
area and a visit to the jam factory. 06h30 - 07h30
1 day 06h30 - 07h30
Transfer from Quito
Transfer from Quito
At noon the 5 senses will be delighted 07h30 - 08h30
07h30 - 08h30 Cafeteria Los Armadillos (breakfast)
through a traditional lunch at the Mirador
Cafeteria Los Armadillos (breakfast) 08h30 - 10h30
Departing from Quito, this tour plan del Río Blanco, then visit the botanical
08h30 - 09h30 Transfer Option A
begins with a stop at the Cafeteria Los garden of Mindo and observe unique
Transfer Transfer Option B
Armadillos, to start the day with breakfast, orchid species. 10h30 - 12h30
09h30 - 11h45
  A: Finca Yaussa (visit)
which may include hot chocolate in the Finca Mashpi Shungo (visit)
DAY 2 B: Finca Mashpi Shungo (visit)
midst of a garden frequently visited by the 11h45 - 12h30
12h30 - 13h30
different hummingbird species native to Transfer Transfer
In the early hours of the day you can
the cloud forest. 12h30 - 13h30 13h30 - 15h00
observe birds or perform activities that
Mirador Rio Blanco Restaurant (lunch) Mirador Rio Blanco Restaurant (lunch)
combine natural wealth with adventure
13h30 - 15h30 15h00 - 15h45
At mid-morning, we’ll arrive to Mashpi such as canopy, canyoning or chairlift; as
Transfer to Quito Transfer
Shungo (located in the Pacto region) where well as a visit to the Mindo butterfly farm. 15h45 - 16h30
15h30 - 17h00
you’ll go on a tour specializing in organic A: Intiñan Museum - Cocoa Hut Romero Botanical Garden
cacao, as well as learning about the bean’s Before noon, the proposed sites of (orchids observation)
B: Middle of the World Complex - Cocoa 16h30 - 16h45
interest are Yumbos Chocolate, a factory
history, culture, and ecological importance; Transfer to Mindo
where bars with a purity of cocoa of
and of course, you’ll also have the chance 16h45 - 18h30
between 60% and 100% are produced,
to savor delicious chocolate bars made mixing with flavors. We can visit El Quetzal Accommodation in Hotel
with fruits native to the Chocó ecosystem— 18h30 - 20h00
OPTION 3 de Mindo, which offers a demonstration Evening Frog Concert (visit)
bars that have received a number of workshop on the step by step process of 20h00 - 21h00
international awards. DAY 1 cocoa transformation. Dinner

At midday and with a spectacular
landscape as backdrop, all five senses
will delight with a traditional lunch at the
Mirador Río Blanco Restaurant.
In the afternoon, we’ll end our tour with
a visit to two spots that show the history
of cocoa, its production process, and the
offering of chocolate bars in the Middle of
the World: The Cocoa Plaza at Mitad del
Mundo complex and the Cocoa Hut at the
Intiñan Museum. Return to the city of Quito.  14h00 - 17h00
The lunch offers strong dishes made DAY 2
Departing from Quito, this proposal 04h00 - 07h00
with fine aroma cacao and desserts with
begins with a stop at the Los Armadillos Birdwatching Tour (optional activity)
chocolate base, then return to Quito.
Cafeteria, to start the day eating breakfast 08H00 - 09h00
with chocolate to the cup, in a garden Breakfast
where the hosts will be hummingbirds. 09h00 - 11h30
Adventure and nature activity (canop-
ying and butterfly garden / canyoning
In the morning, the proposed sites of Quito, Pacto / Puerto 3 waterfalls)
interest are: Finca Mashpi Shungo (located Quito and San Miguel 11h30 - 12h30
in the Pacto area), where a specialized de los Bancos. A: Yumbos Chocolate Tour
tour in organic cacao will be carried out, in B: El Quetzal Chocolate Tour
addition, to learn about its history, culture, 12h30 - 13h30
and ecological importance. El Quetzal (lunch)
2 days Transfer to Quito
Another option is Finca Yaussa, on the

12 13
 Pacific
Coast

With more than 1,000 km of coastline with

heavenly beaches, tropical dry forests,
green mangroves, as well as historic
towns and fishing villages, the Ecuadorian
Pacific shows off a wide variety of tourist
attractions that harmoniously combine
with the unique world of chocolate in this
region of Ecuador.

As part of the Cacao and Chocolate

Routes, we’ll immerse ourselves in the
inland coast, learning more about the
Montubio people and other nationalities
in this region of Ecuador—which is home
to historic cacao haciendas located in the
area of Vinces, Naranjito and Naranjal.

Train Ecuador - Cacao Train Cacao experience - Hacienda La Danesa

14 15
 Chocolate Bar
Tosagua

Corporación Fortaleza Maquita

Rocafuerte del Valle
Buena Fe
Montañita
Manta
Sosote Quevedo

Hacienda El Castillo (Via a La Costa)

Finca El Empalme
Sarita
Portoviejo

Montecristi is the next stop: a place to enjoy a

Finca
Don Atanacio
delicious traditional lunch which, at the
visitor’s request, may include cacao juice
accompanied by patacones con cuajada
El Carmen
(twice-fried green plantain slices with
cheese). Afterwards is a guided tour, in
Parque El señor de los Caballos
Fábrica
Pacha
Nacional
Machalilla
Hotel - Spa
which you’ll discover the cacao cultivation
Puerto López
República del Cacao
process, from bean to the tasting of an
Rancho
Grande
exquisite variety of Ecuadorian chocolate.

The tour ends with a visit to various

Daule
of Guayaquil’s tourist highlights, including:
Samborondón
Seminary Park, Simon Bolivar Boardwalk,
and Puerto Santa Ana, among others.
Finca El
Chaparral
Parque Histórico Milagro
Guayaquil Durán

Hacienda
Hotel Oro Estación La Danesa
Vía a la Costa Verde

OPCIÓN 1
del Tren
de Durán

Hacienda Reserva
El Castillo Ecológica
Manglar

Guayaquil,
Churte
Option 1 Hacienda
Cacao y Mango
Option 2
Samborondón,
Option 3
Vía a la Costa
Hacienda
Cañas
Option 4
Option 5
SUGGESTED ITINERARY

1 day 09h00 - 11h00

Cacao and Chocolate Museum - Gua-
GUAYAQUIL   yaquil Historical Park.
  The day begins at the Cacao and
11h00 - 12H00
Cacao marketing and export have Chocolate Museum, located in Guayaquil’s
been key factors to the development Transfer from Guayaquil
famed Historical Park—a tourist highlight
of the “Pearl of the Pacific”, as this city
is known. Guayas River became the that shows, among others things, what day- 12h00 - 15h00
maritime transport route for crops arriving to-day life was like during the cacao boom, Hacienda El Castillo
from coastal farms. The country’s most and the estate house where the drying (activities and lunch)
populous city and its surroundings are and storage areas for the Golden Bean are
an important part of this cacao- and located. 15h00 - 16h00
chocolate-based sensory and touristic Transfer to Guayaquil
experience.
Guayaquil Historical Park - Cacao and chocolate museum

16 17

Hostería El Señor de Los Caballos
VINCES
 
The province of Los Ríos—faithful
representative of the cacao boom in the
19th and 20th centuries—serves as base
for the following proposed routes. Vinces,
known as Little Paris, reflects the golden age
of the Golden Bean, making it a reference
point for the country’s cacao and chocolate
history and tradition.
OPTION 1
Guayaquil,
Vinces,
Buena Fe
1 day
The tour begins with a transfer from
Guayaquil to the city of Vinces and its
surroundings, where the following options
18
are suggested for a day filled with activities
focused on arriba cacao and the very best
chocolate:
Hacienda Rancho Grande: One of
the area’s most traditional and important
haciendas, with organic premium quality
cacao production systems. You can also
experience activities to learn about the
world of agriculture, fine cacao production,
and the area’s gastronomy.
Hostería El Señor de los Caballos: This
historic hacienda-inn has a touristic park
with guided walks through the production
areas, where you can sample cacao juice
or relax in a spa offering treatments and
chocolate tasting; as well as horseback
riding, swimming pools, and a montubio
rodeo show.
República del Cacao Collection
Center: A site specialized in the
fermentation and drying of fine aroma
Ecuadorian cacao, which brings together
the production of more than two thousand
farmers who tend to this product in their
small plantations. And of course! Chocolate
tastings are also available at the Center.
Maquita-Finca Buena Fe Technology
Center: Dedicated to scientific research and
agricultural productivity improvement; here
visitors can learn about the entire cacao
production process, the scientific research
laboratory, and the areas intended for the
production of organic fertilizers, chocolate
tasting and regional gastronomy.
Pepa de Oro (Golden Bean)
Corporation: A partnership venture that
allows the visitor to see the post-harvest
cacao process and visit the factory, along
with purchasing souvenirs and cacao-
derived products.
In the early hours of the afternoon, we’ll
return to the city of Guayaquil.
GUAYAQUIL -
NARANJITO
The Cacao Train is one of the routes
offered by Train Ecuador (listed as one of
the country’s main attractions) on the Pacific
Coast. This is an excellent option to immerse
yourself in the inland landscape of the
Ecuadorian Coast and in the extraordinary
world of cacao and chocolate in the
Naranjito (Guayas) area: a mixture of history,
tradition, gastronomy and adventure.
OPTION 1
Guayaquil,
Milagro,
Naranjito
1 day
This tour begins at an emblematic and
historic site: the Eloy Alfaro train station
in Durán. From here, we’ll take the train
to Hacienda La Danesa, founded in 1870,
where you can experience life in a classic
montubia hacienda, discover the secrets of
the world’s best cacao, and learn how to
prepare chocolate by hand. You’ll also have
the option of outdoor field and adventure
activities, which include: tubing, horseback
riding, camping and hikes through natural
areas.
After enjoying a hearty farm-style lunch
and all of scheduled activities, we’ll begin
the journey back to the train station in Durán.
For those who want to make the trip by
car from Guayaquil, it is suggested that you
start in Naranjito with a delicious traditional
coastal breakfast.
Our next stop is Finca El Chaparral—a
family estate dedicated to the cultivation
of cocoa and chocolate and handmade
chocolates filled with pineapple
marmalade. Tastings are available! Lunch
will also be provided here, after which we’ll
return to the city of Guayaquil.
19
 GUAYAQUIL -
to know the wide variety of trees, shrubs
Departing from Guayaquil, the and medicinal plants.

NARANJAL
itinerary begins with a tour of the Churute
Finca Don Atanacio: Located in the
Mangroves Ecological Reserve. The
parish of Río Chico, Portoviejo, you can visit
Reserve is the largest estuary on the South its plantations of fine aroma cacao and fruit
Historic Haciendas and beautiful
American Pacific Coast, and is home to trees.
natural attractions come together to invite
Ecuador’s most extensive mangrove forest.
chocolate lovers along a route upon which After enjoying a good lunch in Calceta,
they’ll learn about Ecuadorian cacao and the the itinerary continues at Corporación
natural wealth of the Churute Mangroves Visitors are offered sustainable tourism Pacha Cafetería - Manabí Fortaleza del Valle, which brings together
Ecological Reserve in the Naranjal (Guayas) activities and a connection with nature about a thousand producers of fine aroma
cocoa from five cantons of Manabí. Through
area.   through adventure activities like camping
and hiking. At two hours walk will allow you MANTA - a tour of its facilities will know the process
of fermentation, drying and the laboratory
OPTION 1 to appreciate the site’s beauty and natural MACHALILLA where chocolate is processed. Finally, no
one can leave without tasting their delicious
Guayaquil, Churute
Mangrove Ecological
wealth.
NATIONAL PARK bars, which are also available for purchase!
Reserve, Puerto Inca. For the next stop, we suggest the
Heavenly beaches and exquisite dishes The sweet journey continues in
following options: made with a variety of fresh seafood await Rocafuerte, a town renowned for making
you in Manabí Province, which is part of the traditional sweets of the province. Then,
10 hours Hacienda Cacao & Mango: Offers a the Cacao and Chocolate Routes. These in Sosote (parish of Rocafuerte) you can
tours also include visits to traditional farms appreciate and acquire handicrafts made
delicious lunch to refuel. Afterwards, you in tagua. Finally, return to the city of Manta,
and local small businesses, where hosts
can enjoy various activities, such as the then go to Puerto López Canton, where
welcome visitors in the warm, generous
harvest of pods to prepare cacao juice or accommodation and dinner is suggested.
manner characteristic of the residents of
 
the house cocktail. You can also observe Manabí.
DAY 2
SUGGESTED ITINERARY the production for the Golden Bean and
OPTION 1
its transformation into delicious chocolate
07h00 - 08h30 After breakfast, the Pacha Cafeteria
bars. Manta, Calceta, Rocafuerte,
Transfer from Guayaquil awaits its visitors to learn about the process
08h30 - 11h30
Montecristi, Portoviejo,
Puerto Lopez. of roasting, pressing and grinding cocoa; to
Churute Mangroves Ecological Hacienda Cañas Has a 340 hectare end the visit with a chocolate tasting and
Reserve cocoa plantation and offers tours of the with the option of purchasing products
11h30 - 12h00 made with this raw material.
Organic Cacao Museum, the plantations,
Transfer Option A
11h30 - 12h15 and the packing machines, as well as 2 days The Agua Blanca Community and Los
Transfer Option B horseback riding, community cultural Frailes Beach, both within the Machalilla
12h00 - 16h00 exchange, and culinary tasting—which may National Park, are unmissable destinations
A: Hacienda Cacao & Mango DAY 1 in Manabi. They’re accompanied by a
include fried breadfruit slices and cacao
12h00 - 16h15 delicious lunch prepared with the very
B: Hacienda Cañas juice. From Manta the journey begins towards freshest seafood.
16h00 - 17h15 two suggested options:
Transfer to Guayaquil from Option A In the early hours of the afternoon, we’ll In the afternoon we will visit the city of
16h15 - 17h30 Finca Sarita: Located 20 minutes from Montecristi, famous for the production of
return to the city of Guayaquil.
Transfer to Guayaquil from Option B Calceta, visitors will have the opportunity to toquilla straw hats; before returning to the
prepare hot chocolate as well as take a tour city of Manta to finish.
20 21
 Amazon

The Amazon rain forest, the “lung of

the planet” is: both, cacao’s place of
origin and an exotic and unforgettable
destination, ideal for ecotourism. This
region, located in eastern part of Ecuador,
is one of the world’s largest biodiversity
reserves, where indigenous peoples and
nationalities exist in perfect harmony with
nature.

Tropical forests, rivers, waterfalls that

descend into the depths of the forest,
unique species of flora and fauna; all of
this is the Ecuadorian Amazon. There are
also several community tourism areas
where you can learn techniques to care
for your chakras, or cacao crops

Fine Aroma Cacao

Cacao experience - Archidona

22 23
 Quito
Puembo
Amazon presentation of shamans), plantation
Sumaco
tours, and of course, the preparation of
Galeras handmade chocolate along with the
Option 1 National Park OPTION 1 community.
Option 2 Baeza
Cafetería Quinde
Hayco - Baeza Baeza, Archidona,
Reserva 3. Lunch will be served at the Hostería
Ecológica
Tena, Carlos
Volcán Paraíso de las Orquídeas, where you
Del Salitre
Antisana Cosanga Sumaco Arosemena Tola
will be able to choose a menu made
Volcán Loreto
Orellana
from local cacao.
Cotopaxi Jondachi

Hakuna Huasquila Amazon

Matata Lodge
Cotundo
Lodge 1 day Tena:
4. Kallari Association, one of the most
Archidona Cotococha Lodge
1. Comunidad de Santa Rita; The itinerary departs from Quito, with a recognized initiatives in the Ecuadorian
2. Asociación Wiñak
CTC Shinchi Warmi stop at the Cafeteria Quinde Huayco in the
Asociación Kallary
Tena Amazon thanks to bringing together
Puerto Misahuallí town of Baeza to enjoy breakfast—which
more than 850 local cacao producers.
CTC Ecoaldea de Sandia may include foods prepared with a base of
CTC Shiripuno Here you can visit Kichwa families and
Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola
nacional chocolate.
enjoy adventure activities, or connect
Asociación Tsatsayaku
Hostería Oro y Luna
For your next stop, we suggest the with nature and the environment by
following options: hiking along the area’s paths and visiting
  spectacular sites such as the bird salt
Archidona: lick. You can also make homemade
1. Santa Rita Community, also known chocolate to recharge your batteries.
as the “Cacao Town”. Using an
interpretative cabin and a walk along a
Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola:
path, the community demonstrates the
5. Chocolate Tour in the Tsatsayaku
processes through which fine cacao
passes prior to becoming the world’s Association, where this local product
best chocolate. You’ll also have the is hand-cultivated and processed using
chance to warm your heart with a cup ancestral techniques. You can also
of homemade hot chocolate. stimulate your senses with a tour of the
cultivations of coffee, guayusa, cacao
2. Wiñak Association, made up of and Amazonian fruits (which you’re
agricultural producers belonging to allowed to pick for tasting).
the Kichwa nationality in the Napo
province; the production of guayusa,
6. Lunch will be at the Hostería Oro y
cacao and handmade chocolate
bars are its primary focuses. Visitors Luna, where you can wander along
have the option of various interesting the ecological trails. In the early hours
activities, including: visit to waterfalls, of the afternoon we’ll return to the city
cultural events (traditional dances and of Quito.
Cacao experience - Archidona

24 25
 OPTION 2
 
DAY 1
The itinerary departs from Quito, with
a stop at the Cafeteria Quinde Huayco in
the town of Baeza to enjoy breakfast-which
may include foods prepared with a base of
nacional chocolate.
For lodging, several options are
recommended at the next stop, including
regular Lodges and Community - based
Tourism Centers:
Cotococha Amazon Lodge. Offers
tours to spectacular waterfalls, rivers and
the tropical rainforest, as well as guided
tours by local experts to learn about the
ancestral culture of cocoa production and
handmade chocolate making.
Hakuna Matata Lodge. Offers a
“Chocolate Tour” as an option to get into
the craft production, enjoy its aroma, flavor
and tradition. It has comfortable facilities
that adapt harmoniously to the local
environment, as well as expeditions to the
jungle, canoe tours and visits to nearby
communities.
Huasquila Amazon Lodge. This
exclusive inn, with its complex of cabins
located in the Sacred Valley of Cotundo,
within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve,
offers hikes in the jungle to discover the
Amazonian flora and explore the famous
caves of Jumandy or live the culture of the
indigenous peoples Amazonian through
their expressions of art. You can also
practice adventure sports such as kayaking
and rafting on the Napo River and visit
cocoa farms.
CTC Ecoaldea Shandia. This project
was born out of a Kichwa indigenous
community-with technical assistance from
26
the Maquita Cushunchic organization—
with the aim of creating a responsible
community tourism venture. It offers visits
to different tourist attractions in the tropical
forest, adventure excursions, and visits to
chakras, or cacao crops.
CTC Sinchi Warmi. A venture run by
the women of the Kichwa indigenous
community. Offers a tour of the Amazon
to cacao plantations, in which you can
observe all the stages of the conversion of
cacao into handmade chocolate.
CTC Shiripuno. Community venture
whose aim is to preserve the Kichwa
nationality, culture and environment through
a sustainable tourism project that combines
sightseeing tours into the Amazon jungle Sinchi Warmi - Tourism Community Center
with the elaboration of chocolate-based
products.
During the first day, it is suggested
to visit the plantations of the seed linked
to the “Lodges or Community Tourism
Centers” to live a unique experience in the
production and elaboration of chocolate.
DIRECTORY
The accommodation and food service is
provided in the selected place. ANDES
Cacao Plaza - Middle of the World Cacao Research and Development
DAY 2 Complex Center (Aroma Ecuador)
Where: Av. Manuel Córdova Where: Carlos Guarderas N47-340 y
The second day begins with adventure Galarza km 13.5 s/n. San Antonio de Gonzalo Salazar. Quito - Pichincha
activities in the surroundings of the Amazon Pichincha. Quito - Pichincha. Web: www.ccd.ec
Web: www.mitaddelmundo.com
jungle that surrounds the “Lodges or
Los Armadillos Cafeteria
Community Tourism Centers”, such as Cacao Hut - IntiÑan Museum Where: Km 44, vía Calacalí La
forest walks, visits to waterfalls, rivers, rafting Where: Manuel Cordova Galarza Independencia- Pichincha.
and kayaking, among others. Oe1-139.250 meters from the Middle Facebook: www.facebook.
of the World roundabout. Quito - com/los.armadillos.3/
Pichincha. about?section=living&pnref=about
DAY 3
Web: www.museointinan.com.ec
After breakfast, return to the city of
Quito is expected.
27
 Mindo Chocolate - El Quetzal
Where: 9 de Octubre y Río
Canchupi.
Mindo – Pichincha.
Web: www.elquetzaldemindo.com
Yumbos Chocolate
Where: 9 de octubre y Av. Quito.
Mindo – Pichincha.
Web: http://yumboschocolate.info/
Choco Art
Where: Vicente Aguirre y Av. Las
Tangaras.
Mindo – Pichincha. E-mail: matico7@
yahoo.es
Finca Mashpi Shungo
Where: San José de Mashpi, Km. 104
–Pachijal. Pacto – Pichincha.
Web: www.chocomashpi.com
Finca Blanca Margarita
Where: km. 135 vía Calacali La
Independencia. Puerto. Quito –
Pichincha.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
chicaochocolate
Finca Sueños
Where: Recinto Achiote, 5 km from
vía Calacalí – La Independencia,
entrance km 147.
Quito – Pichincha.
E-mail: yamileroldan@hotmail.com
Finca Yaussa
Where: Recinto Unidos Venceremos,
entrance at km. 135 of the vía Calacalí
– La Independencia.
E-mail: elzarate@live.com
PACIFIC COAST
GUAYAQUIL
Guayaquil Historic Park
Where: Km 1 1/2 Vía a Samborondón,
Av. Esmeraldas (next to Cdla.
Entre Ríos). Guayaquil – Guayas.
Web: www.parquehistorico.gob.ec
28
Hacienda El Castillo
Where: Km. 87 vía a la Costa.
Guayaquil – Guayas.
Web: www.haciendaelcastillo.ec
Patricia León Art
Where: Av. 9 de Octubre, across
from Hotel Oro Verde.
Guayaquil – Guayas.
Website: www.artepasionecuador.
com
Hotel Oro Verde
Where: 9 de Octubre y García
Moreno.
Guayaquil – Guayas.
Web: www.oroverdeguayaquil.com
GUAYAQUIL – VINCES
Hostería La Posada del Señor de los
Caballos
Where: Parroquia Antonio
Soto Mayor Km. 1.5 vía Antonio
Sotomayor. Vinces – Los Ríos.
Web: www.elsenordeloscaballos.
com
Vinces Collection Center, República del
Cacao
Where: San Antonio Sector, Vinces-
Los Ríos.
Web: www.republicadelcacao.com
Rancho Grande
Where: Vía Antonio Sotomayor,
Bagatela – Venanza. Vinces - Los
Ríos
Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/Rancho-Grande-
Vinces-1646054679015336/
Corporación Pepa de Oro
Where: Balzar de Vinces next to the
Rafael Bajaña synthetic soccer field.
Vinces – Los Ríos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.
com/pg/Corporacion-de-
Organizaciones-Campesinas-la-
Pepa-de-Oro-1473553306195012/
about/?ref=page_internal
Maquita Technology Center – Finca
Buena Fé
Where: Buena Fe Exit to Santo
Domingo at 500 m, entrance to the
left. Buena Fe – Los Ríos
Web: www.maquitaturismo.com
GUAYAQUIL – NARANJITO
Tren Ecuador (Ecuador Train)
Where: Eloy Alfaro Station Av. Abel
Gilbert s/n y Ponce Enríquez.
Durán – Guayas
Web: www.trenecuador.com
Hacienda La Danesa
Where: Km. 67 Naranjito – Bucay
Highway. Naranjito - Guayas
Web: www.haciendaladanesa.com
Finca El Chaparral
Where: Roberto Astudillo Parish, vía
Recinto Banco de Beldaco.
Milagro - Guayas.
Facebook: Finca El Chaparral
GUAYAQUIL - NARANJAL
UNOCACE
Where: Recinto El Deseo, Km 30
Autopista Durán Boliche – Milagro.
Durán – Guayas.
E-mail: freddy.cabello@unocace.
com
Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve
Where: Km. 49 Guayaquil – Machala
Highway. Churute - Guayas Sector.
Website: www.ambiente.gob.ec/
reserva-ecologica-manglares-
churute
Hacienda Cañas
Where: Km. 70 Guayaquil – Machala
Highway, 3 Km from Puerto Inca.
Naranjal – Guayas.
Web: www.haciendacanas.com
Hacienda Cacao & Mango
Where: Recinto El Martillo Km.15
Puerto Inca. Naranjal– Guayaquil
Highway
Web: www.cacaoymango.com
MANTA – MACHALILLA NATIONAL
PARK
Finca Don Atanacio
Where: Arriaga heading towards
Pimpiguasí, taking the road to Junín,
Parroquia Río Chico. Portoviejo -
Manabí
Chico. Portoviejo - Manabí.
Contact: (+593 ) 0986612099
Finca Sarita
Where: Sarampión Community 20
minutes from Calceta.
Calceta – Manabí.
E-mail: serviodecalceta@yahoo.es
Corporación Fortaleza del Valle
Where: Km. 1.5 Calceta – Canuto
road. Calceta – Manabí.
Web: www.fortalezadelvalle.org
PACHA Handmade Chocolate Factory
Where: Av. Machalilla S/N y 31 de
Agosto.
Puerto López – Manabi.
Web: www.pachachocolates.com
AMAZON
Cafetería Quinde Huayco
Where: Old Baeza accross from the
church.
Quijos – Napo.
Web: www.quindehuayco.
wordpress.com
29
 Hostería Paraíso de las Orquídeas
Where: Archidona – Quito way, Km. 1
1/2. Archidona - Napo
Web: www.elparaisodelasorquideas.
com.ec
Santa Rita Community
Where: Santa Rita Community.
Archidona - Napo
Wiñak Association
Where: Vía balneario Sinchi Sacha,
San Agustín Neighborhood.
Archidona - Napo.
Web: www.winak.org.ec
Cafetería Tortuga
Where: Calle Francisco de Orellana
accross from La Isla park.
Tena - Napo.
Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/Caf%C3%A9-
Tortuga-521045831284799/
Kallari Association
Where: Huachiyacu, close
to Vía Pano in the San Jorge
Neighborhood. Tena – Napo.
Web: www.kallari.com.ec
Hostería Oro y Luna
Where: El Capricho Sector Km. 51
next to the Anzu river. Arosemena
Tola - Napo
E-mail: hosteriaoroyluna@yahoo.es
Web: https://www.facebook.
com/ORO-Y-LUNA-
LODGE-424075040968598/
Tsatsayaku Association
Where: Carlos Julio Arosemena
Tola – Napo
Web: www.tsatsayaku.com
CTC Ecoaldea Shandia
Where: Shandia Community, Talag.
Tena - Napo
Web: www.maquitaturismo.com /
http://ecoaldeashandia.blogspot.
com
30
CTC Sinchi Warmi
Where: At 24 km. from the city of
Tena, Tena - Ahuano, San Pedro
Community. Tena - Napo
E-mail: sinchiwarmis@gmail.com
Web: http://www.
sinchiwarmiamazonlodge.com
CTC Shiripuno
Where: At 25 km. from the city of
Tena, in the Misahualli parish.
Tena - Napo
Web: www.shiripuno.weebly.com
Cotococha Amazon Lodge
Where: Km. 10 vía Ahuano.
Tena – Napo.
Web: www.cotococha.com
Hakuna Matata Lodge
Where: Chaupi Shungo km. 3.9
Chaupi Shungo/Nueva Libertad
Sector. Archidona - Napo
Webs: www.hakunamatata-ecuador.
com
Huasquila Amazon Lodge
Where: km. 3.8 Hacua Huasquila.
Cotundo – Napo.
Web: www.huasquila.com
Arahuana Jungle Resort & Spa
Where: Tena – Archidona km 2½.
Tena – Napo.
Web: http://www.arahuana.com
POINTS OF INTEREST
Ecuador is traditionally an agricultural
producer. Being the Land of Chocolate,
many of the country’s territories have
various attractions related to the
production and processing of the
world’s finest cacao, and its star product:
chocolate.
Below is a selection of the best sites of
interest—surrounded by flavors, aromas
and traditions which are sure to delight
visitors.
Salinerito
Where: El Calvario y Samilagua s/n.
Salinas de Guaranda, Bolívar.
Web: www.salinerito.com
Río Muchacho Organic Farm
Where: Km. 7 Río Muchacho
Community, Vía Canoa-Jama. Canoa,
Manabí.
Web: www.riomuchacho.com
Hillary Resort
Where: Km. 1 vía a Alamor.
Arenillas, El Oro.
Web: www.hillaryresort.com
Yachana Lodge
Where: Puerto Rico, a 2-hour trip
down the Napo River, leaving from
Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Tena,
Napo).
Web: www.yachana.com
Yarina Lodge
Where: 25 km. along the Rio Napo,
departing from Puerto Francisco de
Orellana, in front of the San Carlos
commune. (Orellana - Francisco de
Orellana).
Web: www.yarinalodge.com
Association Of Waorani Women Of The
Ecuadorian Amazon (AMWAE)
Where: Atahualpa s/n y General
Villamil. Puyo - Pastaza
Web: www.amwae.com
Arashá Resort
Where: Km. 121 of la vía Quito -
Calacalí - La Independencia. Pedro
Vicente Maldonado – Pichincha
Web: www.arasharesort.com
To’ak Chocolate
Dónde: Tolosa N24-199 y Asturias
Quito - Pichincha
Web: www.toakchocolate.com/
SPECIALTY STORES
Over the last decade, an exclusive range
of Ecuadorian-produced chocolates has
achieved recognition at the global level,
present in the world’s top exhibitions,
festivals and showcases. This is—of
course - made possible thanks to the
use of the best raw material available:
Ecuadorian fine aroma cacao.
Visitors who arrive to the country,
attracted by the multiple destinations
and attractions in its four worlds, will also
have the option to take home sweet,
flavorful experiences from its chocolate-
themed shops.
Galería Ecuador - Café Galería - Pacari
Where: 1. Reina Victoria y Lizardo
García / 2. Venezuela y Espejo.
Quito – Pichincha.
Web: www.galeriaecuador.com;
www.pacarichocolate.com
República del Cacao Chocolate -
Boutiques
Where: Chocolate Boutiques La
Ronda, Plaza Foch, Mall El Jardín,
Scala Shopping (Quito, Pichincha).
Airports in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil
and Galapagos.
Web: www.republicadelcacao.com
Cacao and Chocolate Lab of the
República del Cacao
Where: Venezuela N5-45 y Chile, 15
meters from the Plaza Grande.
Quito - Pichincha.
Web: www.republicadelcacao.com
Chez Tiff
Where: Casa 989 Calle La Ronda,
Quito Historic Center.
Quito - Pichincha
Web: www.cheztiff.net
31
 Crustum 2850
Where: Mejia and Guayaquil - Plaza
San Agustin. Quito – Pichincha
Facebook: www.facebook.
com/pages/Crustum-2850-
Msnm/162900167467845
El Palomar Chocolate Shop
Where: García Moreno N9 - 59 y
Oriente. Quito - Pichincha
Web: www.facebook.com/
ElPalomarChocolateria
Cacao & Cacao
Where: Juan León Mera y Roca,
Quito
Web: www.facebook.com/
CacaoYCacao
Kallari Chocolate Café
Where: Wilson y Juan León Mera (in
the La Mariscal neighborhood, in the
north of Quito).
Web: www.kallari.com
Cyril Boutique
Where: Calle Irlanda E10-124 y Av.
6 de Diciembre / CC Quicentro
Shopping. Local 10, Quito.
Web: www.cyril-boutique.com
Khipus Choco - Café
Where: Junin E1-72, between
Montufar and Ortiz (Barrio San
Marcos).
Quito - Pichincha.
E-mail: khipusaa@gmail.com
32
CHOCOLATE SPA
In addition to warming the soul, bringing
joy to the heart and stimulating the
senses, chocolate helps to improve
the health of the body and the mind.
A number of treatment and relaxation
centers are thus based around its use. It is
a unique and pleasant experience that’s
perfect for those seeking inner balance.
Mansión Del Ángel
Where: calle Los Ríos N13-134 y
Pasaje Asencio Gándara.
Quito – Pichincha.
Web: www.mansiondelangel.com.ec
Termas Papallacta
Where: Km. 65 vía Quito – Baeza
(Papallacta, Pichincha).
Web: www.termaspapallacta.com
La Mirage
Where: calle 10 de Agosto
prolongación (Cotacachi, Imbabura).
Web: www.mirage.com.ec
Samari
Where: Av. Amazonas, Km. 1 vía a
Puyo (Baños, Tungurahua).
Web: www.samarispa.com
Spa Novaqua - Hostería Durán
Where: Av. Ricardo Durán S/N,
Sector Baños (Cuenca, Azuay).
Web: www.hosteriaduran.com
Ministerio de Turismo.
Folleto turístico “Ecuador Tierra del Chocolate”.
MINTUR / 1era. Edición – Quito, diciembre 2017.
Los contenidos de la guía se pueden citar y reproducir, siempre que se reconozca
los créditos correspondientes, refiriendo la fuente bibliográfica.
Creative Commons 4.0
(CC BY)
Publicación de distribución gratuita.
MINTUR, 2017.
De esta edición:
Ministerio de Turismo del Ecuador, MINTUR.
Briceño E1-24 y Guayaquil. Edificio La Licuadora.
Quito – Ecuador
Tel: (593) 3 999-333
www.turismo.gob.ec / www.ecuador.travel
Ministro de Turismo
Dr. Enrique Ponce de León
Viceministro de Turismo
Abg. Carlos Larrea Crespo
Subsecretario de Gestión y Desarrollo Turístico
Arq. Andrés Bastida Tudela
Director de Productos y Destinos
Mgs. Rodrigo Salas Vaca
Equipo Técnico
Ing. Gabriela Guzmán Montalvo
Mgs. Javier Remache Robayo
Lcdo. Cristhian Guaña Logroño
Coordinación Editorial
María Cecilia Moreno
Concepto gráfico y diagramación
Paúl Mantilla D.
Impresión
Editogran - Medios Públicos EP.
33
www.ecuador.travel