A Gourmet Journey Along The… (trip)
A Gourmet Journey Along The Cacao Route
- Guayaquil Airport, Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
- Family & Friends
| from $2,430* per person | 9 Days | June-September |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 1 | |
| Operator: Equatortrekking | 24 people max | |
It is here in Ecuador that approximately 63% of the worlds fine aroma cacao is produced. As Jose Ramon Castillo and his tam set off to document this extraordinary land they knew they would need an expert in Ecuadorian travel to arrange the logistics. They turned to the highly skilled team at Equatortrekking. They knew that Equatortrekking team had the knowledge and expertise necessary to plan and implement this journey.
At Equatortrekking we knew it would be important for this project to showcase the journey of cacao from its origin through production while also providing a story filled with human depth and interaction. The route we traveled was designed to include both the unique cultural and ethnic aspects as well as a deeply satisfying history of Ecuador's chocolate production. We did this while also highlighting how the cacao farms of Ecuador shaped the countries history.
From the family cacao plantations to the larger production factories involved in the production of fine chocolate, we worked hand in hand with the Gourmet Channel and the native Ecuadorians to produce a culturally accurate documentary. Showcasing the human spirit behind the cacao route we began our journey with a visit to a local cacao hacienda. On the hacienda we observed the customs and way of life on a cacao plantation. It is life on the plantation and the generations of shared knowledge passed along from chocolate artesian to chocolate artisan that has led to the success of the Ecuadorian Fine Chocolate market. Vital parts of the documentary show viewers how the Ecuadorian chocolate artisans have retained the ancestral knowledge of chocolate which has led Ecuador to become a leader in the production of the highest quality chocolates in the world.
Nearly 100% of the Gourmet Chocolate lovingly made in Ecuador is exported to Europe. Once the fine chocolate has arrived at its destination, it is sold in gourmet markets throughout the continent. The various brands of chocolate produced along the Ecuadorian Cacao Route are made to specific standards and may contain one or more of these significant recognitions: fair trade, organic, or produced to support local nature conservation and/or sustainable development projects. All sustainable development and/or conservation work supported by the sale of the Ecuadorian cacao goes back to support the cacao farms, land and its people.
During his time in Ecuador, chocolatier Jose Ramón had the opportunity to cook beside top Ecuadorian chefs. This allowed him the opportunity to learn the latest Ecuadoran fusions techniques using cacao to enhance many dishes. We toured several restaurants in different regions throughout Ecuador tasting the unique flavor of cacao that can be used to enhance traditional Ecuadorian food. In partnership with Equatortrekking, Jose Ramon Castillo and his team had a smooth journey along the Ecuadorian Cacao Route. After some final editing their completed documentary showcases how cacao is a true representation of Latin America´s colors, customs and the vivacity of its people.
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Locations visited/nearby
Ecuador, South America
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Equatortrekking:
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Reviewer: Katheryn Sall.
located in
Philadelphia,
US
Our experience with Equator Trekking was nothing short of phenomenal. Mateo's knowledge and charisma were the perfect formula for an eye-opening, educational, and most importantly fun trip. It felt like we got to see all different aspects of Ecuador-- from the booming metropolis to beautiful small towns to wilderness. We definitely plan on returning and working with Equatortrekking.com again in the future. Thanks, guys!
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Reviewer: Ziggy Opoczynska
located in
London,
UK
The trip organised by equatortrekking.com was professional from start to finish, and lots of fun in-between! Mateo had organised many exciting activities, from horse-riding in the Andes to canyoning in Banos. The instructors he used were first class - very skilled, patient and friendly. Exactly what an action-loving, though not necessarily experienced, traveller would want.
Although we only had five days, Mateo managed to ensure we saw a wide variety of what Ecuador has to offer, including its magnificent volcanoes, lush landscapes, stunning beaches, along with an insider view to the Ecuadorian people - hardworking, but relaxed and warm.
All in all, the trip to Ecuador was one of the best press trips I've experienced and I can't recommend Mateo and his team highly enough.
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Reviewer: Adam Grinsell
located in
London,
UK
I had a wonderful time in Ecuador, and would love to come back as soon as I can. I didn't realise how much the country has to offer, but Mateo and his team did an excellent job of showing us the sights and making sure we were well looked after! I highly recommend any adventure holiday trip with them, especially one that takes in the beautiful coast."
Special information
- Family oriented trip.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Guayaquil arrivalArrival to Guayaquil City-Transfer In.
DAY 2: Vinces "Little Paris"
Vince's is located 100 kms away from Guayaquil. The named "Little Paris" is because the strong commercial relation with France at the beginning of the last century. Inside of Eloy Alfaro Boulevard, we can find an Eiffel Tower as symbol of the Bonanza of the "Pepa de Oro", also known as Cacao. Vince's, once the capital of the Cacao World, shows its legacy and tradition in a Cacao "Arriba" chocolate bar from the community that gave chocolate its one true meaning. Vince's history is a contrast between, success and legend. This old town, buried deep in the heart of the "Arriba" Cacao history, became the forefront of an industry that made Ecuador the main exporter of Cacao in the world in the beginning of the 20th century.
DAY 3: Chocolate factory
Once we leave Vinces, we return to the industrial Guayaquil were we will visit a Chocolate factory to learn the different process necessary to have a chocolate bar. Here we are able to appreciate how a gourmet chocolate is cooked and what aspects determine the quality and grade characterize a good chocolate.
DAY 4: Hacienda Cañas
By narrow and rural trails of 100 meters maximum (328.08 feet), the tourist enters the guided tour of the cocoa and banana plantations with personalized information on the history, production and harvest processes of Ecuador's two most important crops. Visitors also witness the propagation of cloned cocoa plants at "The Biggest Cocoa Nursery in Ecuador, the "Hacienda Cañas." This huge hacienda has 320 hectaries (800 acres) of CCN-51 cloned cocoa plantations. Its leading technology management, bean quality, high yields, infrastructure, environment protection, and the preservation of cocoa farming tradition has earn it many domestic and foreign acknowledgments. Recent research (2 years) in "Hacienda Cañas" has produced a "New Fermentation Process" that gives beans an excellent flavor and aroma free of defects. This added to the high seed yield (1.4 grams each), the high fat content (54%), and a 0% impurity makes the CCN-51, also known as "Don Homero" a "must" for the fine chocolate or the semi-elaborated cocoa industry.
DAY 5: Rio Muchacho - Make chocolate - from the bean to the cup!
Rio Muchacho Organic farm in the Rio Muchacho community, is located 35km north of Bahía de Caráquez Ecocity, in the province of Manabí. It is the first farm on the Ecuadorian Coast to have been certified as an organic farm, producing food without the use of chemicals since 1989. Here in Rio Muchacho, we will be able to experience how to make chocolate from the beans to the cup. We will follow simple steps, taught generation by generation on to grandmothers on how to do chocolate by roasting, grinding and adding some spices in order to have a prefect combination between flavors and texture, cook by an old wood stove. The origin of this Cacao is the specie "cacao fino de Aroma", but the characteristics of this land gives the cacao plant an specific aroma and flavors, differeing according to were the cacao is grown.
DAY 6: Ecuadorian organic chocolate
This day, we have the opportunity to visit a role model of farming in small-scale cacao growers to preserve their traditional way of farming. Useful to understand how important is to safeguarding the biodiversity of cacao in Ecuador by protecting the priceless (irreplaceable) genetic stock of Ecuadorian cacao. This model allows sustainability for the benefit of the cacao-growing communities.
DAY 7: Quito. Capital of Ecuador
This day we are going to spend walking throughout Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the 'Baroque school of Quito', which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.
DAY 8:Cooking the cacao
WE depart from Quito to Baños de Agua Santa. Baños lies in the heart of Ecuador, close to the rainforest and surrounded by majestic mountains. On the three-hour drive from Quito, you can admire the magnificent and famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, with Cotopaxi, a perfect cone of eternal snow; Chimborazo, the furthest peak away from the earth's center and Tungurahua, probably the easiest volcano to climb in Ecuador. At La Casa del Abuelo Art Hotel, the chef Rodrigo is going to prepare a culinary workshop using cacao ingredients. With him you are going to be able to learn Ecuadorian fusion cuisine surrounded with amazing landscape that only in Baños you can find.
Day 9:
We finish our delicious journey, having enjoyed the different types of cacao, different ways to prepare it and also visit the amazing regions of Ecuador. We transfer you out to the Airport.
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