5/5 Sierra G. 1 year ago on Google • 6 reviews
We
were
excited
for
our
tour
but
this
far
surpassed
our
expectations
and
ended
up
being
one
of
our
favorite
activities
while
we
were
in
the
Dominican
Republic.
The
entire
experience
takes
approximately
2-2.5
hr
and
starts
with
a
delicious
cup
of
hot
chocolate.
Our
guide
was
Miguel
and
he
first
took
us
to
a
small
area
where
he
talked
about
the
difference
between
growing
the
cacao
from
seed
and
grafting.
You
can
try
one
of
the
cacao
seeds
of
you
would
like.
Miguel
showed
us
how
they
germinate
the
seeds
and
how
they
incorporate
grafts
from
their
best
producers
into
the
root
stalks.
You
can
even
plant
a
germinating
seed
of
your
own.
Next
we
toured
through
the
cacao
trees
while
Miguel
explained
the
prime
growing
conditions
and
some
of
the
pests
that
can
impact
cacao.
Miguel
we
incredibly
knowledgeable
and
was
able
to
answer
any
of
our
questions
thoroughly
and
in
great
detail.
Next
we
discussed
the
germination
and
drying
processes
needed
to
make
the
cacao
seeds
ready
for
chocolate
production.
The
tour
continued
in
the
factory
where
Miguel
showed
how
the
cacao
beans
were
roasted,
husked,
and
ground.
Next
was
the
process
of
making
the
chocolate
smooth
and
tempering
the
chocolate.
Miguel
showed
off
his
impressive
skills
by
demonstrating
how
to
temper
chocolate
by
hand
on
a
marble
surface
and
we
were
able
to
pour
our
own
candy
bar
and
taste
the
different
types
of
chocolate.
The
last
stop
in
the
factory
was
a
very
nice
gift
shop.
Our
tour
finished
with
a
demonstration
of
the
traditional
method
of
chocolate
production
and
a
delicious
Dominican
lunch.
We
would
absolutely
recommend
this
experience
to
anyone
looking
for
a
unique
and
educational
opportunity.
Transportation
is
not
included
but
for
those
coming
from
Santo
Domingo
it
is
easy
to
catch
one
of
the
Caribe
buses
in
Santo
Domingo
toward
San
Francisco
de
Macoris
and
then
take
a
short
taxi
ride
to
the
plantation.
Don't
forget
to
wear
your
bug
repellent
as
the
mosquitoes
are
numerous
and
make
sure
to
leave
room
for
chocolate
tasting.
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