Puerto Vallarta: Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop ChocoMuseo

Summary

Make chocolate from bean to bar in puerto vallarta’s city center

You’ll learn how chocolate is made from scratch at ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta — roasting beans, grinding them by hand, tasting as you go. Guided by locals who know their stuff (and their jokes), you’ll make your own chocolates with toppings you pick yourself. Expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe a little mess on your apron.

What’s the experience like?

"You have to listen to the beans," our guide grinned, tapping a handful of glossy cacao pods on the counter. I didn’t really get it at first — but by the time we were roasting them in this bright upstairs room at ChocoMuseo, I swear you could almost hear a tiny pop when they cracked open. The smell was nutty and warm, like someone baking brownies next door. It was humid outside but up here it felt cozy, with fans rattling and the sound of kids giggling in Spanish downstairs.

We started by learning where Mexican cacao grows (I always thought it was just in Oaxaca, but apparently Chiapas too), and how ancient cultures used it — our guide told us about the Olmecs and Mayans drinking it bitter, no sugar, which made me feel a bit soft for loving milk chocolate so much. She handed out aprons and hats — mine was too big and kept slipping over my eyes — then showed us how to grind the beans by hand. It’s harder than it looks. My arms got tired after just a minute, but there’s something kind of satisfying about feeling the gritty paste come together under your palms.

I tried saying “cacao” the way she did — ca-KA-o — and she laughed at my accent but in a nice way. We picked toppings for our chocolates (I went heavy on chili flakes, maybe too much) and poured everything into little molds. The whole place smelled sweet but not cloying, more earthy than I expected. The best part? You get to take your own chocolates home wrapped up like tiny gifts. I still think about that first bite on the walk back through Puerto Vallarta’s busy streets — spicy, rich, nothing like store-bought bars.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chocolate workshop and cacao history

• Learn about cacao cultivation
• Discover chocolate transformation process
• Explore chocolate history and cultures
• Make your own chocolates
• Take chocolates home

Top questions

Where is the chocolate workshop held in Puerto Vallarta?

The workshop takes place at ChocoMuseo in the city center of Puerto Vallarta.

How long does the bean to bar chocolate workshop last?

The workshop lasts around 2 hours.

Is this workshop suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The workshop is suitable for all fitness levels and children can attend; however, it's held on an upper floor without elevator access.

What do I get to take home from the chocolate class?

You get to take home the chocolates you make during the workshop.

Are there guides or instructors during the experience?

Yes, a tour guide leads you through each step within ChocoMuseo.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to ChocoMuseo.

What will I learn during this Puerto Vallarta chocolate workshop?

You’ll learn about cacao history in Mexico and how chocolate is made from bean to bar.

What’s included

Your day includes cocoa beans for hands-on making, all chocolate ingredients plus toppings of your choice, use of an apron and hat while you work (even if yours keeps slipping off), and guidance from friendly local staff throughout your time at ChocoMuseo.