Hacienda CacaoyMango, Gastronomy, Cacao, and Chocolate Factory

Simon, our guide, absolutely made this one of our favorite experiences in Guyaquil. He made sure to point out local highlights along the way, and was incredibly knowledgeable with the farm and the chocolate making process. From walking through the trees to select the ripe pods, roasting and peeling the beans, making an incredibly flavorful chocolate drink (I can't remember the name), to crafting our own chocolate bar, Simon and the staff at the plantation were welcoming and friendly, and made our experience unforgettable. The lunch we had was also amazing! I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and special experience.

Jamil was so knowledgeable and patient. Growing and making chocolate is not easy! He was quite the showman at the Coffee House!

Jamil was a fantastic tour guide! This is a multigenerational farm that his grandfather started. We walked through the entire process of growing cacao and the toes used to make dark and milk chocolate, the farms practices for cacao, mangoes and now vanilla among other citrus that they grow. The process was fascinating, including roasting the beans, grinding it down all the way to making the chocolate bars for ourselves. Thorough explanation and then ending in an amazing lunch just was the icing on top. Highly recommend this experience!!!

I really had a great time! Booked the trip last minute, 2am that same day! They were unable to schedule the 9am tour but was able to accommodate me at noon. Driver picked me up from hotel on time and got me there and back safely. The tour of cocoa farm was awesome, lunch was great, and I would definitely encourage you to go. A much need getaway from the busy city and experience a dry rainforest. Also, great photos and friendly tour guides!

We knew everything about how chocolate was made and the content was great. Lunch is also homemade and very good. If I had to say one thing, take care of your bugs. There are also mangroves nearby, so you can enjoy it more if you go with a set.

Great Tour with a very experienced tourguide (Simon). Easy communication with him and he ist able to make this Tour real experience.

This tour was so special! I had read in some of the previous reviews that Simon was their guide. Everyone gave him stellar remarks. I was so excited when I learned that Simon was going to be my guide. From the moment he pulled up at our hotel, the Sheraton, his warm demeanor, and his insistence that I sit in front made me feel safe. I was traveling by myself as my colleagues were planning on going golfing that day. I had no idea what to expect and from the minute we started out Simon was informing me about the country that he loved. Once we arrived at Hacienda cacao and mango Farm, I was learning about the environment, the ecosystem, and all that the farm had to share. The weather cooperated, however I will second the reminder to bring your mosquito repellent! The farm is filled with everything that the farm needs to be sustainable. From fruit and vegetables to chicken and fish… And a whole lot of love within that family! Simon included as he knows everyone and they love him. In addition, he seems to know everyone along the drive.If you are lucky enough to find yourself and Guayaquil Ecuador at any time and have time to take a day trip I highly recommend this tour. Simon thank you for a memorable day. I will never forget you!

The tour was very good. Our guide Jefferson picked us up from the hotel. There he showed us the place, taught us about cocoa and its production process, as well as, together with the other guide, gave us to taste the cocoa seed, the cocoa paste with some fruits and the liquid with a touch of local liquor. We also decorate our own chocolate bar as a souvenir. The tour also included a very rich lunch (shrimp ceviche, chicken dry and chocolate dessert). More than satisfied. Recommendation: wear repellents and wear clothing with long sleeves and pants. The number of mosquitoes out there is impressive.

What a wonderful relaxing day spent visiting this beautiful cocoa plantation with an abundance of tropical fruit grown on the property. Our guide Simon was friendly, engaging and informative. He showed us the entire chocolate making process from picking the fruit to making the chocolate. We roasted and ground cocoa beans into a thick paste that we used to make a delicious hot chocolate and a fondue to dip a banana into. We then proceeded to make our own chocolate bar to take away with us. Lunch was absolutely amazing. Three courses made from ingredients totally sourced from the farm finishing with a delightful coffee (the beans also grown on the property)… Probably one of the best meals I had in Ecuador. I can’t speak highly enough of how good this tour was and is a must do for anyone looking for an authentic Ecuadorian experience!

What a blast! We wandered the entire plantation, picking up a few different kinds of chocolate (cacao), before roasting the beans and grinding our own chocolate! Using that grinded chocolate we first enjoyed hot chocolate (with lemon grass and chile) and then a little fondue. We also tried the inside of the beans while still raw. After lunch we made our own chocolate bar, you choose the toppings. A fantastic experience. Simon is a superior guide -- so much more than an "out and back" tour.