Cacao Farm & Chocolate tasting with a visit to Jubones desert
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Experience the contrast between the green highlands, dry desert, and the dense tropical area. Discover the flavors, aromas and taste of the Ecuadorian Cacao know as one of the best in the world. You will experience a chocolate tasting as well.
Inclusions
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tour Guide/Driver
- Home made lunch with local family
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
What's not
- Gratuities
- Cocoa Farm
Itinerary
Departing from Cuenca, after an 85km scenic drive through the high Andes and the Yunguilla Valley, we will reach the Jubones, this is a unique desert with an oasis crossed by a river where locals grow different kinds of crops. We will have the chance to explore this very interesting geological formation which are the deposits of giant volcanic eruptions that occurred 25 million years ago. For those who like biking, it's possible to add this activity for an extra cost. We will ride our bikes on a dirt road with very little traffic and beautiful views. We will cover a distance of 4 km, 75% of the ride will be down the hill but not steep (180 meters of altitude loss). Anybody with very basic riding experience can do it.
We will continue driving for about 35 km to the Hacienda La Cortadera. We will immerse ourselves in a tropical farm experience. The family will welcome us with a delicious fresh homemade lunch. Ever tasted the pulp of fresh cacao beans? You will learn and experience hands-on cacao harvest and the process of craft chocolate making, from the tree to a delicious cup of hot chocolate all alongside a professional tour guide that will explain and teach you about the history of cacao. We will also have a chocolate tasting experience. Before we head back to Cuenca it's possible to relax in the pool or stroll along the trails of the farm where you will be able to spot some tropical birds and taste a wide variety of the hacienda fruits and products.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.8
- 54
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- San Sebastian plaza on the corner of Bolivar st and Coronel Talbot st
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
How it compares in Cuenca
- Its from-price is 60% above the median of the 29 day trips we list in Cuenca.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 15 of 29.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Cuenca
Cuenca is a high Andean city in southern Ecuador, a UNESCO-listed colonial centre with a blue-domed cathedral, flower markets and four rivers.
Cuenca sits at about 2,500 metres in a basin of the southern Andes, and its historic centre is listed by UNESCO. The Tomebamba River runs beside the old quarter, with colonial houses overlooking its banks. The New Cathedral, with its three blue domes, faces Parque Calderón, and the nearby flower market sells roses and orchids. Spanish settlers founded the city in 1557 close to the Inca city of Tomebamba.
Top-ranked sights in Cuenca: Mirador de Turi.
