Chocolate is made from cacao beans and Ecuador, the birthplace of cacao, has long been a significant player in the world of chocolate. Although historians once believed cacao was first used by Mesoamerican cultures, more recent studies from scientists around the world confirmed the cacao bean was first cultivated by indigenous tribes in what is now Ecuador.

From lush plantations to ancient museums, Ecuador offers an amazing journey for not only chocolate enthusiasts, but also any travelers who wish to experience this fascinating South American country. Visitors can discover the renowned Arriba cacao bean, explore the legacy of cacao in ancient pottery and experience the vibrant culture that continues to thrive in Ecuador’s cacao industry today.

© Ecuador Ministry of Tourism

Travelers can explore the ancient history of cacao in Ecuador, a land where this treasured commodity has been cultivated for thousands of years. One of the best spots to learn about the bean’s history is by visiting The Cacao Museum in Guayaquil. Here, visitors can discover how Ecuador and cacao’s histories are deeply intertwined. At this museum, uncover the cultural significance of cacao in ancient civilizations that inhabited the area. It all began with the Mayo-Chinchipe culture, an ancient civilization in the province of Zamora Chinchipe. These people domesticated cacao. One of the key moments was the cacao boom, with Guayaquil one of the most important locations for production due to the city’s strategic port.

Travelers can also embark on guided tours through cacao plantations, where they can witness the entire process from “bean to bar” firsthand. One such place is Quetzal de Mindo, a small chocolate manufacturer in the Andes Mountains, which offers tours of its small cacao plantation. The farm and factory are in Mindo, a small town in the Andes Mountains located a two-hour drive from Quito. On the coast, take part in large-scale experiences at Haciendas Las Cañas, the largest cacao plantation in Ecuador. Located a 1.5-hour drive from Guayaquil in the province of Guayas, this plantation was the first to capitalize on agrotourism, pioneering the first “Cacao Route” in Ecuador.

© Ecuador Ministry of Tourism

Savor the exquisite flavors of Ecuadorian chocolate by visiting chocolate shops and artisan producers. There, visitors can sample a variety of premium chocolates, ranging from dark and intense to milky and fruity. The subtle nuances and unique characteristics of Ecuadorian chocolate make it a rare delicacy. There are hundreds of chocolatiers spread throughout the country, all using different blends and strains of cacao. One of the most notable is Cárdenas Chocolate, a chocolatier created in the province of Manabi known for using “Nacional” cacao. This cacao is endemic to Ecuador and often considered one of the rarest in the world due to its global demand from international chocolatiers. Another notable chocolatier is Pacari Chocolate, a world-renowned chocolate maker with more than 300 international awards. Pacari’s sustainable chocolate manufacturing is recognized by many sustainability publications. Most notably, Pacari Chocolate was selected as an “Ethical Consumer Best Buy” in the market by Ethical Consumer Magazine.