Guayaquil: Cacao farm tour with lunch & local guide

Summary

Walk Guayaquil’s countryside, taste cacao, and share stories over lunch

You’ll walk through lush cacao groves near Guayaquil with a local guide, taste fresh cocoa juice straight from the pod, and share a homemade lunch made from ingredients grown right on the farm. Learn about chocolate’s journey from tree to cup—and leave with memories of flavors and moments you can’t find in any shop.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d smell at the farm to be this mix of wet earth and something sweet—almost like bread baking, but greener. The drive from Guayaquil was just long enough for the city noise to fade out, replaced by these low hills and the sound of birds I couldn’t name. Our guide, Carla, waved us down a path lined with mango trees (she told us not to stand directly under them unless we wanted a surprise on our heads). I tried to keep up but kept stopping to look at these wild-looking fruits—dragon fruit, papayas bigger than my head. It was humid but not in a bad way; more like the air was holding onto every scent.

Watching the cacao harvest was honestly more interesting than I’d guessed. The farmer sliced open a pod right in front of us—inside it looked nothing like chocolate, all pale and sticky—and handed me a piece. Tasted tangy-sweet, almost floral. We made this cocoa juice cocktail together (I spilled some on my shirt; Carla pretended not to notice), and she explained how her family’s been working this land for generations. There was something about her hands moving through the beans that made me think about how much work goes into every bar of chocolate I’ve ever eaten.

Lunch happened under a big tree with chickens wandering around our feet—rice from their own fields, vegetables I barely recognized, and this cup of chocolate so thick you could almost stand your spoon in it. The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like being let in on someone’s daily life for an afternoon. On the way back toward Guayaquil, I realized my shoes were caked with mud and didn’t care at all. Sometimes you just want to remember what real food tastes like or how quiet things can get outside the city—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cacao Farm Excursion and Lunch

• Travel to Cacao Farm
• Explore Cacao y Mango Farm plantations
• Enjoy typical lunch and chocolate tasting

Top questions

How far is the cacao farm from Guayaquil?

The farm is located about 32 miles from Guayaquil.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What will we eat for lunch during the tour?

You’ll have a typical lunch prepared with organic ingredients grown on the farm.

Will I see how chocolate is made?

Yes, you’ll learn about the entire cacao and chocolate process from plantation to preparation.

Are there other crops besides cacao on the farm?

Yes, you’ll see rice fields as well as mango, papaya, dragon fruit, avocado trees, and more.

Is this excursion suitable for children?

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

Should I bring anything special for this tour?

It’s recommended to bring bug repellent due to the rural setting.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Guayaquil, all entry fees and taxes covered by your guide, tastings of fresh cocoa juice and homemade chocolate at the farm, plus a traditional lunch using organic ingredients grown right there before heading back in comfort.