Chocolate and Cacao Tour

The Dominican Republic is one of the world's top producers of organic cacao, and a plantation tour reveals the fascinating journey from cacao tree to finished chocolate. Tours visit working farms where you'll see cacao pods growing on trees, watch the fermentation and drying process, and learn about the cultural significance of cacao in Dominican life.

The hands-on experience typically includes cracking open fresh cacao pods, tasting the sweet-tart pulp surrounding the beans, grinding roasted beans on a traditional stone, and making your own rustic chocolate drink. The rich, complex flavors of fresh Dominican cacao are a revelation for anyone accustomed to commercial chocolate.