Chaqchao Chocolate Making Workshop

A Sweet Journey in Arequipa: Chaqchao Chocolate Making Workshop

If you’re visiting Arequipa and have a sweet tooth—or even if you don’t—spending a couple of hours in a chocolate-making workshop is a surprisingly enriching experience. For $35 per person, this 2-hour 15-minute guided session offers more than just tasting; it’s a chance to see and participate in the entire bean-to-bar process, with a focus on Peruvian and Mexican traditions.

What immediately appeals is the personalized touch of a private workshop, where your host, Andres, or similar guides, carefully walk you through each step. It’s a mix of education and fun, with a generous dose of tasting gourmet chocolates and making your own. We especially loved how interactive and tactile the experience is—there’s nothing quite like roasting and grinding cacao beans yourself. And the culinary history tied to the Aztecs and Mexican cacao traditions adds a fascinating layer that elevates this beyond a simple cooking class.

The only thing to consider is that the class runs at set times (11 am or 2:45 pm), so planning ahead is wise. Otherwise, this workshop suits travelers who appreciate authenticity, hands-on activities, and a chance to understand the cultural context behind their favorite treat.

If you love chocolate and enjoy learning about its origins, this workshop is perfect. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who want an engaging, intimate experience rather than a large tour. It’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in Arequipa, combining education with delicious fun.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: A private class means plenty of individual attention and interaction.
• Hands-on process: You’ll roast, grind, and shape your own chocolate, making it both memorable and tasty.
• Cultural insights: Learn about the history of cacao in the region and its connection to Aztec and Mexican traditions.
• Tasting opportunities: Sample a variety of gourmet chocolates and a traditional Mexican cacao drink, cacahuatil.
• Value for money: At $35, it’s a well-priced way to add a unique, flavorful activity to your trip.
• Convenient location and timing: Held at the Chaqchao café in Arequipa, with scheduled classes that fit easily into most itineraries.

A Deep Dive into the Chaqchao Chocolate Workshop

This workshop is based in the cozy yet stylish Chaqchao café, where you can also pick up organic Peruvian coffee, desserts, craft beer, and of course, their signature bean-to-bar chocolates. The setting alone hints at a focus on quality and authenticity, which is reaffirmed by the enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The workshop begins with a clear overview of the history of cacao in the region, giving you a cultural backdrop that enriches the entire experience. Your guide, often Andres or a similarly engaging host, shares stories about the Aztecs and Mexican cacao traditions, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Next, you’ll move on to the fun part—processing cacao beans. The process starts with roasting, where you’ll see the transformation of raw cocoa into fragrant beans. The smell alone is worth the trip. Unlike more commercialized classes, this is a hands-on experience, with each participant roasting their own beans, ensuring you get to see, smell, and feel the process firsthand.

Once roasted, you’ll grind the beans using a traditional granite stone mortar, a method that connects you to ancient techniques. This step produces a smooth cacao paste, which becomes the basis for your own chocolate bar. Several reviews emphasize how engaging and educational this part is, with one reviewer noting that they appreciated the ample time and attention each person received, never feeling rushed.

Making Chocolate and Tasting

After creating your cacao paste, you’ll learn to turn it into a personalized chocolate bar. The guides encourage experimentation—adding local Andean grains like quinoa, kiwicha, and coca—so you can customize your flavor profile. This part rewards creativity and results in a chocolate bar that’s uniquely yours.

Alongside this, you’ll prepare cacahuatil, a traditional Mexican chocolate drink. This beverage, made from cacao, provides a taste of history, and many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the authentic flavors and the cultural story behind it.

A highlight for many is the tasting session—comparing artisan chocolates made during the class to commercial chocolates bought in stores. One reviewer mentions, “The tastings were fun, and of course, making our own bonbons was the highlight!” It’s an eye-opener to understand the differences in quality, cocoa content, and flavor complexity.

The Guide and Atmosphere

The guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience. They speak good English, which makes the explanations clear and accessible. The intimate setting means that you can ask questions freely, and everyone gets hands-on experience.

What We Love

One of the best parts is the personalized approach—each participant makes their own chocolates, from roasting to molding. This ensures a memorable, tangible outcome that you can take home. The story about cacao’s history adds depth, making this more than just a cooking class; it’s a cultural journey.

Another feature that stands out is the quality of the tasting. The class includes a blind tasting of different chocolates, helping you understand the differences between artisan and commercial products, which most reviews describe as both fun and educational.

Practical Details

The class is scheduled at 11 am or 2:45 pm, so booking in advance ensures you get your preferred time—most groups book about 13 days ahead. The workshop lasts approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, making it a manageable and enriching activity without taking up your whole day.

Located at Santa Catalina 204 in Arequipa, the venue is near public transportation, making it easy to access. The private nature of the class means only your group participates, adding to the relaxed, personalized atmosphere.

The Cost and Value

At $35 per person, this workshop offers excellent value considering the hands-on nature, the educational content, and the personalized service. Many reviews agree that it’s worth every penny, especially for chocolate lovers eager to deepen their understanding and enjoy a creative activity.

Who Should Book This Workshop?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy interactive and cultural activities. It suits those curious about culinary traditions or wanting a memorable souvenir—like the chocolate they make themselves. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and aren’t afraid to get a little messy.

If you’re seeking a fun, educational, and delicious activity during your stay in Arequipa, this workshop checks all the boxes. It also works well if you want an alternative to more conventional sightseeing—something truly memorable and tasty.

The Sum Up

The Chaqchao Chocolate Making Workshop offers a genuine, hands-on look into cacao’s journey from bean to bar. With a passionate guide, a cozy setting, and plenty of opportunities to taste, create, and learn, it’s a standout activity for chocolate enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind your favorite treat—and a custom chocolate bar to enjoy or gift. The experience’s intimacy and educational value make it worth the modest price, especially if you love engaging with local traditions.

Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or just looking for a fun, authentic activity, this workshop delivers an experience that’s enriching, tasty, and fun. It’s an excellent way to spend part of your day in Arequipa, creating sweet memories that will last long after the chocolate is gone.

FAQ

• Where is the workshop located? It’s held at Santa Catalina 204 in Arequipa, Peru, within the Chaqchao café.
• How long does the workshop last? About 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Are the classes private? Yes, only your group participates, providing a more personal experience.
• What are the available times? Classes run at 11 am and 2:45 pm daily.
• What is included in the price? The workshop covers bean roasting, grinding, making your own chocolate, tasting chocolates, and preparing cacahuatil.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
• Is there an age limit? The data doesn’t specify, but generally, children who can participate actively and enjoy tasting may find it suitable.
• Is the workshop suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions? The information provided doesn’t specify, but most activities focus on cocoa and chocolate, which are vegetarian-friendly.
• Can I buy chocolates afterward? Yes, the café sells various organic Peruvian chocolates and related products, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.