VISITS
CONSCIOUS COCOA AND CHOCOLATE TOUR
Visit the farm to learn all about the complete process that makes our organic chocolate bars!
You will experience the preparation of fertile land, the harvesting of organic cocoa, the foo forest, the processing of cocoa, the preparation of chocolate and the best part: the enjoyment of the palate!
-
WALKS
We will guide you on a walk through the edible forest where you will observe the biodiverse cocoa plantations. In addition, we will explain to you about fine aroma cocoa and the importance of its conservation. Depending on the season in which you visit us, you will be able to distinguish the plants that we use in the flavored bars, such as cardamom, turmeric, macambo, vanilla, ginger, calamondin, guayabilla, among others.
-
VISIT THE FARM
We will teach you how chocolate is grown and the importance of having living soils in order to produce 100% organically. You will discover the fertilization process of our cocoa. Expect to experience a set of new smells and textures from the organic fertilizers we make on the farm using forest microorganisms.
-
LEARN THE PROCESS
We will guide you to the artisanal drying area. You will learn how we dry cocoa with renewable energy and a wood-fired rocket oven. You will be able to see the processing plant from the outside. We will explain the step-by-step process of making chocolate, from the seed to the bar.
-
TASTINGS
Finally, you will delight in tasting our chocolate bars and learn to recognise why fine flavoured cocoa is a bastion of the Slow Food community.
LOCATION
Mashpi Shungo is the name of the cacao farm and where the workshop is located. We are located in the village of Mashpi, in the Andean Chocó region of Ecuador in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. We will give you detailed instructions on how to get there when you book a tour!
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Currently, 82% of the property is dedicated to the conservation of water, flora and fauna; the remaining 18% is being restored with regenerative agroforestry systems. The use of local resources and knowledge allows for the creation of a production model free of agrotoxins and, therefore, zero contamination for producers and consumers, biodiversity, water and soil.
-
DETAILS
– The approximate time from Quito to Mashpi by private vehicle is 3 hours.
– The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
– The route is designed for young people and adults. It may be too tiring for small children. – Difficulty of the hike: easy.
-
SUGGESTIONS
– Bring long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from insect bites.
– Bring natural insect repellent, commercial repellents can be very harmful to the river and the animals.
– Wear comfortable walking shoes or rain boots: depending on the time of year, certain sections of the hike may be muddy.
-
COST
Number of visitors ---- Cost per visitor
1 to 2 people ---------------$24
3 to 8 people --------------$12
Fee for students and groups interested in agriculture.
(9 or more people) ---------$8
Children under 8 years old pay 50% of the above rates. -
MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW
CONTACTANOS VÍA WHATSAPPTo reserve your tour, you must deposit 50% of the total tour price. Please make your reservation at least 3 days in advance. We will not be able to guarantee your space and availability of the tour with less notice.
AVAILABLE DAYS AND TIMES
Saturdays 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
Sundays 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
If you prefer to visit another day, please check availability 7 days in advance.
WORKSHOPS
AND PERSONALIZED VISITS
Would you like a personalized visit or workshop? Would you like to visit us with a group of producers or researchers? We can create an option that suits your needs!
-
THEMES
We can focus your visit on any of these topics:
– Ecological management of cocoa crops
– Organic agriculture / Production of organic inputs
– Agroforestry / Food forests
– Good manufacturing practices in chocolate
– Chocolate processing – Bird watching
– Agrotourism / nature tourism
-
CONTACT US
CONTACT US BY WHATSAPPTo create an educational and enriching experience for your group, we need about 7 days' notice. We can help you in a personalized way with the logistics of the trip and with the alternatives offered by the Mashpi community to provide you with a complete experience.
STAY
IN THE COMMUNITY OF MASHPI
Take advantage of the walk and learn about other initiatives in the community!
We share information with you so you can create your personalized itinerary.
ACCOMMODATION
To support community tourism, we recommend that you contact the Mashpi River Tourism Association . You can enjoy cozy cabins in the middle of the forest, or stay with families from the community. Another alternative is to bring your tent and use the camping area that is very close to the community and the river. It is recommended to make reservations three days in advance.
Contact: Administrator of the Mashpi River Association
–Jose Vasquez – +593 99 355 0603
WHERE TO EAT?
Chontaloma Restaurant:
Experience the Italian-Emerald seasoning. Doña Flor María Castillo Quiñonez runs the restaurant at the Chontaloma Reserve, Mashpi, where her family offers accommodation and a menu inspired by native emeralds and her son-in-law's land, Italy. Highly recommended!
Community dining room of the Mashpi River Association:
You can enjoy healthy and local dishes, such as heart of palm ceviche, Creole chicken broth or tilapia. Reservations are recommended three days in advance.
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN MASHPI
Butterfly farm visits, bird watching tours, waterfalls and trails: Tourism Association
Yakunina Permaculture Center: yakunina.com
Pambilino Forest School: pambilino.org
SER Ecological Tour of Ecological Regeneration:
Walk that goes through 4 regenerative farms, passing by water streams and food forests. Contact: +593 96 773 1489
TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
– Most mobile phone operators do not have signal strength in Mashpi. Please be on time when arriving.
– We do not have a continuous garbage collection service. Please try not to generate waste and take home any non-organic waste you generate.
BUY YOUR CHOCOLATE DIRECTLY FROM THE FARM
Are you passing through Mashpi and want to buy chocolate? You will be able to see our production model and our facilities. You will eat chocolate that has traveled 0 kilometers from the cocoa to your mouth!
Chocolate sales hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 4 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: confirm availability a few hours in advance.