Cocoa & Chocolate Route
“ECUADOR LOVES CACAO AND CHOCOLATE”
The Ecuadorian Cacao Adventure
Itinerary: Quito – Caverns – Kichwa Culture Santa Rita Community – Chocolate
– Morning Departure: The journey begins early from Quito with a panoramic view of surrounding valleys and, on clear days, snow-capped volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Antisana along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.”
– Crossing the Andes: As we travel through the Andes, the landscape changes dramatically. In just two hours, we move from the Andean highlands to the Amazon ecosystem.
– Breakfast in Baeza: Followed by a visit to the Cavern Temple of Ceremonies to explore ancient stalactites and stalagmites. A Kichwa shaman ritual inside the cave offers a spiritual experience close to nature.
– Community Experience: After a refreshing swim in a natural pool, enjoy a traditional meal in the Tena province, featuring local ingredients.
– Cacao Process: The community will demonstrate the cacao post-harvest process, including toasting, peeling, and crushing the beans to make artisanal chocolate, which participants can taste and purchase.
– Return to Quito: After the immersive experience with cacao, chocolate, and Amazonian culture, the tour returns to Quito.
“ECUADOR LAND OF CACAO AND CHOCOALTE”
Day 1: Quito – Caverns – Kichwa Culture (Santa Rita Community) – Chocolate Experience (B/L/D)
The journey begins early in the morning from Quito, heading east with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and, on clear days, the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes. The route passes through the Andes, known as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” and eventually descends into the Amazon ecosystem.
Breakfast is in Baeza, followed by a visit to the Cavern Temple of Ceremonies, where you’ll witness a Kichwa shaman ritual in a cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The next stop is the Santa Rita Community, where fine-scented cacao is harvested for Pacari chocolate. You’ll learn about the cultivation and postharvest processes, including a demonstration of artisanal chocolate making.
The day continues with a visit to a Kichwa community lodge, where you’ll dine on local cuisine and participate in a cultural night featuring dance, music, or rituals from the Amazon Kichwa culture. The day ends with rest at the lodge.
Day 2: Pimpilala Waterfall – Waysayaku – Tena – Quito (B/L/)
After breakfast, a native guide will lead you on a jungle trek to the Pimpilala Waterfall, followed by a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Waysayaku. After lunch at the lodge, you’ll return to Quito, stopping in Tena to explore local shops selling handicrafts and products like cocoa, guayusa, and hone.
“ECUADOR LAND OF THE ORIGIN OF CACAO”
Day 1: Quito – Caverns – Kichwa Culture (Santa Rita Community) – Chocolate Experience (B/L/D)
The journey begins early in the morning from Quito, with panoramic views of valleys and volcanoes as you travel through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” in the Andes. After breakfast in Baeza, the first stop is the Cavern Temple of Ceremonies, where you’ll witness a Kichwa shaman ritual inside a cave with stalactites and stalagmites. The next stop is the Santa Rita Community, where you’ll learn about the cultivation and postharvest processes of fine-scented cacao used in Pacari chocolate.
Afterwards, you’ll head to a Kichwa community lodge, where you’ll enjoy a local dinner and participate in a cultural night featuring Kichwa dance, music, or rituals. The day ends with rest at the lodge.
Day 2: Pimpilala Waterfall – Waysayaku – Tena – Quito (B/L/D)
After breakfast, a native guide will lead a jungle trek to the Pimpilala Waterfall, followed by a refreshing swim in the Waysayaku natural pool. After lunch at the lodge, you’ll enjoy an exfoliation and massage using Amazonian products, followed by a demonstration of artisanal crafting with natural elements. The evening includes dinner and a bonfire by the river, where Kichwa legends and ancestral knowledge are shared.
Day 3: Rafting on the Jatun Yaku River (B/L)
The day starts with breakfast and a rafting adventure on the Jatun Yaku River, guided by a specialized team with certified equipment. After the rafting experience, you’ll enjoy a meal by the river and then return to Puerto Napo to freshen up. The journey back to Quito includes a stop in Tena to visit local shops offering regional products like cocoa, guayusa, and honey. The tour concludes with the return to Quito.
“ECUADOR THE SPA OF CHOCOLATE AND ADVENTURE”
Day 1: Quito – Caverns – Kichwa Culture (B/L/D)
Day 2: Rafting on the Jatun Yaku River (B/L/D)
Day 3: Sinchi Warmi – Sport Fishing (B/L/D)
Day 4: Tena – Termas Papallacta – Quito (B/L/)
After breakfast, you’ll travel to the highlands of Papallacta, hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, and relax in the thermal springs at Termas Papallacta. Optionally, you can indulge in a chocotherapy ritual at the spa. After lunch, you’ll return to Quito.
This itinerary combines adventure, culture, and relaxation, offering a unique experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon.