La Leyenda de Chocolate Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience a deep sensory connection with the history and spirit of cacao. This immersive tour takes you through the ancestral, artisanal process of cacao: you’ll discover the dried cacao bean, roast it over a traditional clay pan, peel it by hand, and grind it using a stone or mortar—just like in ancient times. The experience culminates in the preparation and tasting of an energizing cacao drink made with honey and spices, all accompanied by live drumming. This journey honors the spirituality, history, and vital force of cacao as "the drink of the gods," awakening body and mind.
Includes:
Introduction to dried cacao and its ancestral uses
Roasting and hand-peeling of cacao beans
Traditional grinding with stone or mortar
Preparation and tasting of ancestral cacao drink
Live music with local drummers
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
El Quetzal de Mindo
El Quetzal de Mindo is a tourist destination in the heart of Mindo, Ecuador, blending nature, culture, and sustainability. We offer authentic experiences, such as our innovative Chocolate Tour, where visitors can explore the artisanal cocoa process and enjoy unique tastings. Committed to environmental sustainability, we use biodegradable packaging to minimize our ecological impact. Visiting El Quetzal de Mindo means immersing yourself in the natural beauty and rich chocolate traditions of the region.
What‘s Included
cacao beverage tasting
Options
Leyenda de Chocolate Tour
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fun tour
Alicia A,,May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We enjoyed this tour! It was very interesting to see the original way to make a cacao drink. We did the entire process from start to finish and drank together at the end. This tour includes the drink tasting, no food. Our guide was very nice and band playing music was a nice touch. The only negative part of this tour is that the English guide was not available, so my partner translated the tour for me as I do not speak Spanish fluently. We were the only 2 people on the tour the evening we booked, so it was very hands on and exciting. this was a great tour!
Great Experiennce!
Z4116ASkathrynf,,Apr 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this. Our guide, Angel, was terrific. I loved hearing about the importance of the ceremony. The music was excellent. We loved that we participated in making the chocolate drink. It was so fun.
Nice and tasty trip
Birgit L,,Jan 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice chocolate tasting, interesting tour. Costs 10 dollars pp. At the end you can eat as much chocolate as you want:)
Authentic Chocolate Tours
MrSudbury,,Nov 4, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00On an open fire, it’s your turn to make chocolate cocoa from scratch like they did hundreds of years ago. It tastes so much better when you take the time to roast the cocoa beans, strip the shell, crush it into a paste, and then mix in a hot pot
Superb chocolate tour
steelriver2014,,Jan 23, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The comprehensive tour introduces the whole process of the chocolate making from the beginning to the end. Very professional and informative! Two highlights: the big variety of tropical plants in the garden and the tasting experience. Sergio: you are so passionate and professional! Thanks a lot!
Delicious
BelgianRobbe15,,Oct 10, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The jugo de cacao is sooo good!! Tried the cacao cocktails, hot chocolate, and chocolate tea, too. I actually didn't get to go on the tour for a booking issue but had a blast listening to the live music instead.
Chocoexperience
MichelleP5615,,Aug 10, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is an interactive experience, where one participates in the elaboration of ancestral chocolate. Very fun and interesting. In the end we can have the cinnamon chocolate drink. There is how to add Honey and aji. Tip: change the plastic spoons to metal ones.
Awesome
ancientmoods,,Mar 27, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00What a great opportunity to learn about the amazing chocolate production in Ecuador. Make sure you buy chocolate to take home.
Delicious food and friendly staff
alfaice,,May 22, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My boyfriend and I had a great time during the tours. They know what they do and they try to improve their chocolate all the time. The 100% chocolate you will get in the end is very smooth and mild comparing to other chocolate liquids. The food at the restaurant was amazing and fresh. They use cacao in food and drinks (with or without alcohol) as well as in the menu. Staff was helpful and very friendly.
Delicious food, Friendly staff and only the best chocolate I've tried.
Alisinab,,Mar 25, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to El Quetzal de Mindo for a late lunch visiting the river in Mindo. The restaurant is very well located and close to main square in Mindo. I definitely recommend the steak in coffee sauce for lunch. My friends had Quinoto and Shrimp and one tasted better than the other! Try their home-made beer (cervesa artesanal) and the coco juice ! So so good. After being satisfied with the great food, we tried the tour and it did not disappoint! We tried several amazing tasting chocolates while learning how they are produced. Our tour guide Gorge was very funny and friendly. Our visit to el Quetzal ended with a taste of chocolate brownie that I will dream of for the coming years ! SO SO AMAZING!
Related Experiences
Operated by Mindo Chocolate Makers