• Cocorna Restaurant and Viewpoint - 1) After being picked up from your Airbnb or hotel in a comfortable and private vehicle, the journey will begin towards the eastern region of Medellín. This scenic drive through the beautiful countryside will showcase a variety of landscapes, farms, and quaint towns. After an hour’s drive from the city, the first stop will be at the renowned “Mirador de Cocorná” to stretch, use the restroom, and take in the breathtaking views.

The “Mirador de Cocorná” is a traditional restaurant with a stunning viewpoint located at the highest part of the mountain, offering a magnificent view of the Andes Mountain Range. Situated near the charming town of Cocorná, it is a must-visit spot for travelers.

• San Francisco - 2) The next destination is a picturesque local family cacao farm, surrounded by natural beauty and a variety of crops, flowers, and plants. Here, an authentic cacao experience awaits, guiding you through the entire chocolate-making process, from the cacao tree to the drink and chocolate bar!

Amidst the beautiful landscapes of Antioquia, you’ll gain insight into the art and science of cacao and its fascinating history. From picking the fruit to roasting the cacao nibs, you’ll witness firsthand the complexity and dedication involved in producing a simple cup of chocolate.

This is the process you will observe:

1. Cacao Cultivation

These trees flourish in tropical climates, not exceeding 1500 meters, producing cacao pods that are the foundation of chocolate. These unique, oval-shaped fruits come in various colors. You’ll observe the different growth stages and learn about the environmental factors crucial for cultivating high-quality cacao beans.

• San Francisco - 2. Harvesting the Pods

Next, you’ll witness the harvesting process. Farmers carefully handpick the ripe cacao pods, which are ready when they reach a good size and bright color. These pods are then opened to reveal the cacao beans nestled inside a sweet, sticky, and delicious pulp. The pods are hung upside down for a few hours, allowing gravity to pull the pulp down, leaving the beans with minimal flesh.

3. Fermentation

The freshly harvested beans are placed in shallow wooden boxes, barrels, or covered with banana leaves to ferment for 5-6 days. This crucial stage develops the beans’ flavor and color, influencing the quality and taste of the final chocolate.

4. Drying the Beans

After fermentation, the beans are spread out under the sun to dry, covered with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. This process typically takes several days, depending on the sun, ensuring the beans reach the proper moisture content.

• San Francisco - 5. Roasting

Once dry, the beans are roasted to enhance their rich, complex flavors. The roasting time and temperature vary based on the desired flavor profile. During the tour, you’ll observe the roasting process and perhaps sample some freshly roasted beans!

6. Winnowing

Roasted beans are then cracked and winnowed, separating the cacao nibs from the husks. The nibs are the purest form of cacao and are essential for making chocolate. You’ll see how machinery or traditional methods are used for this separation, which is truly fascinating.

7. Grinding

The cacao nibs are ground into a thick paste known as chocolate liquor or cocoa mass. This step usually involves heavy machinery that crushes the nibs, but a traditional and resourceful method will be used, releasing their natural ingredients (cocoa butter) and transforming them into a smooth, liquid form, which will be used for exfoliation in the river!

• San Francisco - 8. Conching

The chocolate liquor is refined through a process called conching, where it is continuously mixed and aerated at controlled temperatures. This step can last from several hours to several days, depending on the desired smoothness and flavor, impacting the final product’s texture and taste.

9. Tempering

To achieve the perfect snap and glossy finish, the chocolate is tempered. This involves carefully cooling and reheating the chocolate to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals. You’ll observe the precise techniques used to temper chocolate and perhaps try your hand at it!

10. Molding and Packaging

Finally, the tempered chocolate is poured into molds to create bars, truffles, or other delightful shapes. After cooling and hardening, the chocolate is ready to be packaged.

You’ll have the opportunity to make and package your own chocolate bar to take home as a souvenir!

• Pailania - After the enriching cacao experience at the farm, the journey continues to a stunning, crystal-clear river with a small waterfall. Here, the cocoa butter made earlier will be used for an exfoliating session, applied all over the body to remove dead skin cells, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin, concluding with a wonderful natural massage under the waterfall.

This natural treat will leave you feeling refreshed and glowing!

• Private transportation
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Insurance

In this amazing experience you’ll immerse into the fascinating world of chocolate, but also treat yourself to a refreshing cocoa butter exfoliation, ending up with a natural massage at a waterfall!!

Start by exploring a beautiful cacao farm and learning the intricate process of how chocolate is made from start to finish. Then, chill by a crystal-clear river and enjoy a natural spa treatment with the cocoa butter we made at the farm, leaving your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated!

Don’t miss out on this awesome mix of fun and relaxation!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.