Cacao Farm & Chocolate tasting with a visit to Jubones desert

A Taste of Ecuador’s Contrasts: Cacao, Desert, and Tropical Farm

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that captures the incredible diversity of Ecuador — from lush highlands to arid deserts and tropical farms — this Cacao Farm & Chocolate Tasting with Jubones Desert tour offers a fascinating blend. For $119 per person, you’ll spend about 9 hours exploring some of the country’s most intriguing landscapes, guided by friendly experts who share their knowledge with genuine enthusiasm.

What really sets this tour apart are two things we especially appreciate: the chance to see native wildlife and the opportunity to learn hands-on about cacao cultivation and chocolate making. These experiences make the day both educational and fun. On the flip side, a consideration for some travelers is the early start time and the length of the day — but the scenery and authentic experiences more than make up for it.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy natural beauty, want a deeper understanding of Ecuadorian cacao, and appreciate personalized, private experiences. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a curious spirit and value guides who can answer your questions along the way.

Key Points

• Diverse landscapes: From high Andes mountains to dry Jubones desert, showcasing Ecuador’s natural variety.
• Educational focus: Hands-on cacao harvesting and chocolate tasting, plus insights into local geology.
• Cultural experience: Homemade lunch with a local family in a tropical farm setting.
• Wildlife sightings: Trails and farm visits include chances to spot tropical birds and local flora.
• Flexibility: Customizable itinerary, with optional biking and vegetarian meal options.
• Private tour: Only your group with a guide/driver for a personalized experience.

Exploring Ecuador’s Contrasting Landscapes

This tour offers a rare chance to see Ecuador’s geographical diversity in one day. Starting from Cuenca, we set off early, with the benefit of hotel pickup and drop-off, easing transportation logistics. The 85 km drive takes us through spectacular scenery, crossing the high Andes and the lush Yunguilla Valley. This initial stretch hints at the richness of the day ahead, filled with visual treats.

The Jubones River and the Desert Oasis

Our first stop is the Jubones River, a striking geological marvel. This desert is not like typical sandy dunes but a unique formation resulting from volcanic eruptions 25 million years ago. Here, a river has carved an oasis, surrounded by crops grown by local farmers, creating a powerful contrast between dry terrain and lush vegetation.

For those interested, biking options are available for an extra fee. We loved the idea of riding 4 km downhill on a dirt road, with little traffic and beautiful views. Even those with limited biking experience can handle this, as it’s mostly downhill with gentle slopes, making it accessible without feeling like a race.

Tropical Farm Experience at Hacienda La Cortadera

After exploring the desert, we headed to Hacienda La Cortadera, a working tropical farm. The ride was about 35 km, giving us ample time to enjoy the changing scenery. The highlight here is the homemade lunch with a local family, featuring fresh ingredients that give you a real taste of rural Ecuador.

What makes this stop special is the hands-on cacao experience. We learned about the harvesting process, getting to taste the fresh pulp of cacao beans — a real treat! The guide explained the journey from tree to cup, culminating in a chocolate tasting that let us savor the flavors of Ecuador’s renowned cacao.

Nature, Fruits, and Relaxation

Post-lunch, you can opt to relax by the pool or stroll along the farm’s trails. We loved the chance to spot tropical birds and sample a variety of local fruits and products, which added an authentic touch to the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable guides are key to enriching this experience. The guide we had was friendly, professional, and full of interesting facts, making the day both informative and engaging — a sentiment echoed in reviews praising the guide’s fluency and expertise.

The stunning views across different landscapes are another high point. From the volcanic deposits of the Jubones desert to the lush farm scenery, each stop offers a new visual and experiential dimension. This variety makes the tour feel like a mini-journey through Ecuador’s natural tapestry.

On top of that, the private tour setup ensures you’re not caught in a large group. You get personalized attention, the flexibility to ask questions, and the chance to customize parts of your day, such as adding biking or selecting vegetarian meals.

A Few Considerations

The main consideration is the early start time — 8:00 am — which might be a challenge for some. The entire day spans approximately 9 hours, so be prepared for a full schedule. Also, while the tour is well-paced, travelers who prefer very relaxed days might find it a bit long, especially in warm weather.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Jubones Desert and River

This stop is not just about the landscape; it’s about understanding Ecuador’s volcanic history. The deposits, from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, make this a geologically fascinating site. Walking around the oasis allows you to appreciate how water and volcanic activity shape landscapes over millions of years.

While some might think of deserts as stark, this place’s geological significance and lush crops make it a surprisingly vibrant spot. The optional biking activity adds an element of adventure and physical activity — a highlight for active travelers.

Hacienda La Cortadera and Cacao Harvest

The farm visit is both educational and delicious. You’ll see the entire process of making craft chocolate, from harvesting cacao pods to tasting the finished product. The hands-on approach, such as tasting the pulp directly from the beans, makes this a memorable experience.

The homemade lunch is a real treat, emphasizing local ingredients and hospitality. The chance to stroll through trails and relax after the meal provides a good balance between structured activities and downtime.

Wildlife and Fruits

Tropical birds, farm fruits, and local products are woven into this part of the experience, enriching your understanding of Ecuadorian agriculture and biodiversity. The guides’ knowledge makes spotting birds or identifying fruits exciting rather than just routine.

The Value of This Tour

At $119, this tour offers good value considering its inclusiveness: hotel pickup and drop-off, a homemade meal, and a private guide. When you factor in the opportunity to see such diverse landscapes and learn about cacao — Ecuador’s world-famous crop — it’s a well-rounded experience.

Booking 24 days in advance shows strong interest, suggesting it’s a popular choice for those who want a guaranteed, well-organized day out. The inclusion of a free cancellation policy adds peace of mind.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This tour suits those who enjoy learning about local culture, nature, and geology while traveling. It’s perfect if you’re interested in craft chocolate or want a personalized, intimate experience with a knowledgeable guide. The mix of landscapes and activities appeals to curious travelers who like variety, not just sightseeing but engaging with the environment.

Travelers who appreciate flexibility will enjoy the option to customize parts of the day. It’s also a good fit for those who want to combine adventure with cultural exchange, especially with the inclusion of the homemade lunch with locals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

Can I add activities like biking?
Yes, biking is available for an extra cost. The ride covers about 4 km downhill on a dirt road, suitable even for those with basic riding skills.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?
Yes, a vegetarian meal option is available; just be sure to specify when booking.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning to Cuenca in the late afternoon.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include the Jubones desert and geological formations, hands-on cacao harvesting and tasting, and the tropical farm experience with fresh lunch.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What is the best time to book this tour?
It’s advisable to book about 3-4 weeks in advance due to its popularity, especially during high travel seasons.

In The Sum Up

This Cuenca-based tour offers an impressive mix of landscapes — from volcanic deserts to lush tropical farms — all packed into one memorable day. You’ll love the expert guides, who bring the journey to life with stories and insights, and the stunning scenery that highlights Ecuador’s natural treasures. The hands-on cacao experience provides a tangible connection to Ecuador’s prized crop, making it ideal for food lovers and curious explorers alike.

While the early start and full schedule might not suit everyone, the chance to see native wildlife, learn about geology, and enjoy local hospitality makes this a rewarding choice. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, nature enthusiast, or cultural traveler, this tour provides authentic, engaging encounters that deepen your appreciation for Ecuador’s diversity.

Overall, it’s a well-balanced day that emphasizes value, learning, and genuine experience. If you’re looking for a flexible, intimate, and fascinating way to explore Ecuador’s contrasting landscapes and traditions, this tour is hard to beat.