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Explore a Cocoa Farm Experience You Can Book in Parroquia Tarqui, Manta

On this hands-on chocolate tour in Ecuador, you’ll uncover the origin story behind the world’s highest-quality chocolate born from a rainforest conservation project launched in 2007 by the Third Millennium Alliance; you’ll visit one of the 14 plantations in Rocafuerte that produces the cocoa beans traced by Carbon-14 and theobromine studies to trees whose genetics go back 5,300 years, once thought extinct and confirmed as 100% Nacional genotype, and you’ll process your own chocolate-from collecting cocoa beans to crafting a personal chocolate bar-while exploring the plantations near Parroquia Tarqui and the coastal city of Manta, a perfect experience for cruise travelers and anyone booking food-and-drink, workshops, Outdoor & Nature, or family-friendly activities who wants a direct connection to Ecuador’s rare and exquisite chocolate heritage.

About this activity in Parroquia Tarqui

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Trace the origins of Ecuadorian chocolate with a hands-on experience at a Rocafuerte plantation - harvest cacao beans and transform them into your own chocolate bar.
  • Learn about the region’s rare Nacional genetics and rainforest conservation efforts led by the Third Millennium Alliance that revived century-old cacao lineages.
  • Taste a range of samples, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and try locally made banana-and-chocolate treats while touring one of the 14 premium cocoa estates.
  • Ideal for cruise travelers visiting Manta: a convenient, immersive half-day activity that combines agricultural history, chocolate-making and nature.

Important Information

  • You’ll participate in every step from bean picking to processing and molding your own chocolate bar; moderate fitness is recommended for light farm walking.
  • This experience operates on plantations near Rocafuerte in the Parroquia Tarqui area; local conservation and genetic research are central topics during the visit.
  • What’s included: bottled water, lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, hot chocolate, and samples of chocolate and other local products.
  • Not suitable for pregnant travelers, those with serious spinal or cardiovascular conditions; public transport options exist nearby and strollers are allowed for infants.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Varoom meeting point in Parroquia Tarqui, Manta (exact pick-up location and timing will be provided after booking; cruise terminal pick-ups can be arranged if noted at reservation).

Includes

  • Enjoy complimentary bananas with chocolate taste during your visit in Parroquia Tarqui, Manta - a local-flavored treat you can sample on the tour.
  • Stay refreshed with bottled water provided throughout the experience in the area.
  • A satisfying lunch is included so you can focus on the activity without worrying about meals.
  • All fees and taxes are covered, giving you straightforward pricing for booking here.
  • Travel between sites in an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort in the local climate.
  • Warm up with a hot chocolate cup included as part of the experience.
  • Try samples of chocolate and other products to discover regional flavors during the visit.

Excludes

  • Soda/pop is not included, so plan accordingly if you prefer soft drinks during your time here.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not provided as part of the offering.

Other

  • This experience is not recommended if you have spinal injuries; consider your physical limitations before booking.
  • If you have poor cardiovascular health, this activity is not advised for safety reasons.
  • Pregnant travelers are not recommended to participate in this offering.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, making access to the meeting point convenient for those using local transit.
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, so you can bring young family members where appropriate.
  • You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the activity here.
  • If you require a guide who speaks a language other than English, notify us in advance - extra charges may apply for multilingual guiding Services.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 2 Reviews
Judy_R
• Jan 22, 2025 04:27:16 PM
Summary: This was a fun and informative tour that included both countryside and town. How interesting to learn how chocolate is made from cacao bean to chocolate bar. This allowed our knowledgeable tour guide Fernando to also teach us the history and culture of the area with cacao production as the through line. And lunch, wow, the tonga was absolutely delicious. We tasted the hot cacao drink that was used centuries ago and a delicious hot chocolate. Definitely 5 stars!
E1355ZSjennyg
• Jan 1, 2024 07:36:27 AM
Summary: The cacao farm tour was wonderful! Experienced a local cacao farm and local snacks and fruit. And a stop at a small batch chocolate producer factory. Shown all about the creation of chocolate from the tree to hot cocoa and chocolate bars. There was a short walk over rough ground among the cacao trees at the farm to really experience the growing cacao pods and harvest (maybe a kilometer total) . Even saw an iguana. Great lunch stop too. Our time was limited as it was a cruise ship stop but Manta SOS made good use of our time and delivered us back to the port on time. Thank you Fernando!

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Know more about Parroquia Tarqui

You’ll explore how the highest quality Ecuadorian chocolate grew from a rainforest conservation project started in 2007 by the Third Millennium Alliance. The tour highlights cocoa from ancient Nacional genotype trees-genetics traced back 5,300 years-grown on Rocafuerte plantations that produce exceptionally pure cocoa beans.
Yes. The tour is recommended to cruise travelers and is suitable for families with children who can use a pram or stroller. You’ll visit one of 14 high-quality Rocafuerte plantations and enjoy interactive, family-friendly chocolate activities.
You’ll taste a variety of chocolate products and related treats, including a hot chocolate cup and samples derived from the region’s cocoa beans. The experience may also feature local items like bananas with chocolate taste to complement your tastings.
You’ll process chocolate from bean to bar: collecting cocoa beans, following traditional processing steps, and making your own chocolate bar. The experience also includes tasting samples and a cup of hot chocolate so you can savor the results of your work.
The tour shows how a conservation project launched in 2007 supported the recovery and protection of ancient Nacional genotype cocoa trees. You’ll see how sustainable practices in the rainforest around Manta and Rocafuerte contribute to producing exquisite, pure Ecuadorian chocolate.
The tour involves active, hands-on chocolate processing and a visit to plantations in the Rocafuerte area, so you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience.