Panama City: Chocolate Making Class & Cocoa Tasting Tour

Summary

Make chocolate in panama city taste local cocoa and laugh with guides

You’ll feel the warmth of real cocoa as you tour a working Panama City chocolate factory with a friendly local guide. Taste chocolates at every stage, make your own bar (messy hands guaranteed), and sip a drink paired just for you. The memory might linger longer than your handmade treat.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what real Panamanian chocolate tastes like before it’s all wrapped up and shipped off? I didn’t, honestly — not until we ducked into this little chocolate factory in Panama City, where the air smelled so thickly of roasted cocoa beans that I almost forgot about the rain outside. Our guide, Marta, greeted us with this huge grin and immediately started handing out tiny cups of something warm (I think it was cacao tea?). She made us laugh right away by telling us how she’d once dropped an entire tray of chocolates on her first day. You could tell she really loved the stuff — kept sneaking us little pieces to try.

I’m not much of a chef (my last attempt at baking ended with smoke), but making my own chocolate bar was way easier than I thought. The process is messier than you’d expect — there’s cocoa dust everywhere, and your hands get sticky fast. The best part was probably grinding the beans; it’s louder than you’d think, sort of satisfying in a weird way. We learned about how cocoa goes from these odd-looking pods to actual chocolate, which sounds basic but seeing it up close makes you appreciate every bite. My favorite moment? When Marta let us taste the liquid chocolate straight from the machine — still warm, kind of earthy and bitter-sweet. It’s nothing like what you buy at home.

I left with my own lumpy chocolate bar (which melted a bit on the walk back, oops) and a head full of new facts about Panamanian cocoa. There were families there too, kids giggling as they tried to write their names in melted chocolate. Even now when I open my fridge and see that half-eaten bar, I remember how everyone was just smiling and sticky-fingered together for an hour or two. If you’re in Panama City and want something different from the usual sightseeing — well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn and make chocolate

• Visit chocolate factory
• Learn cocoa to chocolate process
• Make your own chocolate bar
• Taste seasonal chocolates

Top questions

Is this chocolate making class suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome and kids can participate in making their own bars.

Does the tour include tasting different chocolates?

Yes, you'll taste various chocolates throughout your visit.

Where does the activity take place?

The chocolate making class takes place at a factory in Panama City.

Are drinks included during the experience?

Yes, you'll get a drink to pair with your chocolates.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Can people with mobility issues join?

The activity is not recommended for travelers who have trouble climbing stairs.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed at the facility.

What will I make during the class?

You’ll create your own custom chocolate bar using Panamanian cocoa.

What’s included

Your visit includes all ingredients for making your own chocolate bar using local Panamanian cocoa, plenty of tastings along the way (including seasonal chocolates), plus a drink to pair during your time at the factory before heading back out into Panama City’s bustle.