Tours/Mindo/La Leyenda de Chocolate Tour
Viator · group up to 15 pax

La Leyenda de Chocolate Tour

4.8(12)Mindo1 hour
TRIPADVISOR4.8(12)

Description

Experience a deep sensory connection with the history and spirit of cacao. This immersive tour takes you through the ancestral, artisanal process of cacao: you’ll discover the dried cacao bean, roast it over a traditional clay pan, peel it by hand, and grind it using a stone or mortar—just like in ancient times. The experience culminates in the preparation and tasting of an energizing cacao drink made with honey and spices, all accompanied by live drumming. This journey honors the spirituality, history, and vital force of cacao as "the drink of the gods," awakening body and mind. Includes: Introduction to dried cacao and its ancestral uses Roasting and hand-peeling of cacao beans Traditional grinding with stone or mortar Preparation and tasting of ancestral cacao drink Live music with local drummers

Tour Options

Leyenda de Chocolate Tour

Itinerary

60 min

El Quetzal de Mindo is a tourist destination in the heart of Mindo, Ecuador, blending nature, culture, and sustainability. We offer authentic experiences, such as our innovative Chocolate Tour, where visitors can explore the artisanal cocoa process and enjoy unique tastings. Committed to environmental sustainability, we use biodegradable packaging to minimize our ecological impact. Visiting El Quetzal de Mindo means immersing yourself in the natural beauty and rich chocolate traditions of the region.

Highlights

cacao beverage tasting

What's included

Included
cacao beverage tasting

Traveller Ratings

4.8
12 reviews
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Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Reviews(12)

A
Alicia A
May 11, 2025
A fun tour

We enjoyed this tour! It was very interesting to see the original way to make a cacao drink. We did the entire process from start to finish and drank together at the end. This tour includes the drink tasting, no food. Our guide was very nice and band playing music was a nice touch. The only negative part of this tour is that the English guide was not available, so my partner translated the tour for me as I do not speak Spanish fluently. We were the only 2 people on the tour the evening we booked, so it was very hands on and exciting. this was a great tour!

Z
Z4116ASkathrynf
April 3, 2023
Great Experiennce!

We loved this. Our guide, Angel, was terrific. I loved hearing about the importance of the ceremony. The music was excellent. We loved that we participated in making the chocolate drink. It was so fun.

B
Birgit L
January 10, 2023
Nice and tasty trip

Nice chocolate tasting, interesting tour. Costs 10 dollars pp. At the end you can eat as much chocolate as you want:)

M
MrSudbury
November 4, 2022
Authentic Chocolate Tours

On an open fire, it’s your turn to make chocolate cocoa from scratch like they did hundreds of years ago. It tastes so much better when you take the time to roast the cocoa beans, strip the shell, crush it into a paste, and then mix in a hot pot

S
steelriver2014
January 23, 2022
Superb chocolate tour

The comprehensive tour introduces the whole process of the chocolate making from the beginning to the end. Very professional and informative! Two highlights: the big variety of tropical plants in the garden and the tasting experience. Sergio: you are so passionate and professional! Thanks a lot!

B
BelgianRobbe15
October 10, 2021
Delicious

The jugo de cacao is sooo good!! Tried the cacao cocktails, hot chocolate, and chocolate tea, too. I actually didn't get to go on the tour for a booking issue but had a blast listening to the live music instead.

M
MichelleP5615
August 10, 2019
Chocoexperience

It is an interactive experience, where one participates in the elaboration of ancestral chocolate. Very fun and interesting. In the end we can have the cinnamon chocolate drink. There is how to add Honey and aji. Tip: change the plastic spoons to metal ones.

A
ancientmoods
March 27, 2019
Awesome

What a great opportunity to learn about the amazing chocolate production in Ecuador. Make sure you buy chocolate to take home.

A
alfaice
May 22, 2018
Delicious food and friendly staff

My boyfriend and I had a great time during the tours. They know what they do and they try to improve their chocolate all the time. The 100% chocolate you will get in the end is very smooth and mild comparing to other chocolate liquids. The food at the restaurant was amazing and fresh. They use cacao in food and drinks (with or without alcohol) as well as in the menu. Staff was helpful and very friendly.

1 people found this helpful
A
Alisinab
March 25, 2018
Delicious food, Friendly staff and only the best chocolate I've tried.

We went to El Quetzal de Mindo for a late lunch visiting the river in Mindo. The restaurant is very well located and close to main square in Mindo. I definitely recommend the steak in coffee sauce for lunch. My friends had Quinoto and Shrimp and one tasted better than the other! Try their home-made beer (cervesa artesanal) and the coco juice ! So so good. After being satisfied with the great food, we tried the tour and it did not disappoint! We tried several amazing tasting chocolates while learning how they are produced. Our tour guide Gorge was very funny and friendly. Our visit to el Quetzal ended with a taste of chocolate brownie that I will dream of for the coming years ! SO SO AMAZING!

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for reviewing us and we are glad you enjoyed El Quetzal!

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