Artisanal Chocolate: From the Garden to the Table

Artisanal chocolate is more than just a sweet treat – it’s a captivating journey that takes you from the lush cacao forests of Colombia to the exquisite flavors in your cup. In Santa Marta, visitors can enjoy this process, learning about the intricate art of chocolate-making and savoring the unique culinary experiences that celebrate the local bounty. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur or simply curious, this experience promises to transport your senses and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich heritage behind every artisanal creation. But the true delight lies in uncovering the layers of this delectable adventure.

About Your Stay

• Immersive experience in Santa Marta, Colombia, featuring a guided tour through a cacao forest, chocolate-making class, and tastings of artisanal chocolate.
• Personalized exploration of the chocolate-making process, from observing cacao growth stages to learning about traditional fermentation and drying techniques.
• Diverse menu options, including vegetarian, seafood, and chicken-based dishes, designed to complement the flavors of the artisanal chocolate.
• Flexible cancellation policy and private transportation provided for a seamless and comfortable experience.
• Intimate group size of 8 ensures a personalized and memorable encounter with the origins of artisanal chocolate.

Exploring the Chocolate Experience

In the charming town of Santa Marta, Colombia, visitors embark on an immersive artisanal chocolate experience.

The adventure begins with a soothing chocolate tea upon arrival, followed by a captivating chocolate tasting. Participants then venture into a cacao forest, exploring the source of this divine treat.

Private transport ensures a seamless journey, while a delectable lunch is included to satisfy the palate. The experience caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and fish or chicken options.

With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, the artisanal chocolate experience promises an intimate and personalized encounter, complete with rave reviews and flexible cancellation policies.

Arrival and Chocolate Welcome

Visitors arrive at the designated meeting point, where they’re greeted with a soothing cup of chocolate tea. This welcome sets the tone for the immersive artisanal chocolate experience ahead.

After enjoying the warm beverage, participants receive the necessary materials for the class and set off on a tour through the cacao forest. The private transportation ensures a seamless and comfortable journey to the reserve or farm.

With a maximum group size of 8, the experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of the chocolate-making process, from the cocoa bean to the final product.

Discovering the Cacao Forest

After savoring the chocolate tea, the group sets off on a journey through the lush cacao forest.

Their expert guide leads them through the verdant landscape, pointing out the different stages of cacao growth. Visitors marvel at the vibrant pods hanging from the trees, learning about the intricate process of fermentation and drying.

The aroma of rich, earthy cacao fills the air as the group meanders along the shaded paths.

Hands-on demonstrations showcase the traditional methods of separating beans from the pods and preparing them for the chocolate-making process.

This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the origins of artisanal chocolate.

Vegetarian Menu Offerings

The vegetarian menu options at this artisanal chocolate experience offer a delightful array of plant-based delicacies.

Theres some good a squash cream with quinoa, chickpea croquettes stuffed with cheese, and red brown rice with paprika, all served alongside sautéed vegetables in a house sauce for $19,000 COP.

Alternatively, they can savor chickpeas in coconut milk, lentil meatballs, brown rice curry, and steamed veggies with a homemade vinaigrette, also priced at $19,000 COP.

The menu caters to various dietary preferences, ensuring a memorable and inclusive culinary journey.

The vegetarian offerings include:

1. Squash cream with quinoa
2. Chickpea croquettes stuffed with cheese
3. Red brown rice with paprika
4. Sautéed vegetables in house sauce

Fish-based Lunch Options

Along With the vegetarian offerings, the artisanal chocolate experience in Santa Marta, Colombia, also features enticing fish-based lunch options.

Guests can enjoy sea fish in a house sauce, served with brown rice in coconut milk, a fresh salad with homemade vinaigrette, and breaded yucca fingers from the garden.

This seafood-focused meal is priced at $25,000 COP.

The menu provides a well-rounded and flavorful dining experience, allowing participants to savor the local ingredients and culinary traditions of the region while immersed in the artisanal chocolate-making process.

Chicken-inspired Culinary Delights

Beyond the vegetarian and seafood offerings, the artisanal chocolate experience in Santa Marta, Colombia, also features chicken-inspired culinary delights.

For $25,000 COP, guests can indulge in:

1. Chicken in a house adobo sauce, a flavorful marinade that infuses the meat with a delightful blend of spices.
2. Green plantain chips, a local staple, served with a homemade mayonnaise for dipping.
3. Roasted vegetables, tossed in a homemade vinaigrette, providing a fresh and nutritious accompaniment.

The entire meal is designed to complement the rich, complex flavors of the artisanal chocolate tasting, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Meeting and Pickup Directions

Travelers can reach the meeting point at 77376W37+575 in Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia by taking a bus to Bonda and then using a motorcycle taxi to the La Esperanza Reserve or Finca de Melissa. The experience returns to the original meeting point.

Meeting Point	Directions	End Point
77376W37+575, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia	Take bus to Bonda, tell driver to stop at Bonda police station. Use motorcycle taxi to La Esperanza Reserve or Finca de Melissa.	Returns to meeting point.

The artisanal chocolate experience starts at 9:00 AM and has a maximum group size of 8 travelers. Accessibility is limited, as the experience is not wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed and infants must sit on laps.

Reviews and Cancellation Policy

Based on 2 positive reviews, the artisanal chocolate experience boasts an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 5.

The experience offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Plus, a "Reserve now and pay later" option is available, providing further flexibility for travelers.

The experience caters to a maximum group size of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized encounter.

Lastly, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted, and infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Own Chocolate to the Experience?

No, you can’t bring your own chocolate to the experience. The chocolate tasting is a core part of the activity, and the organizers provide the chocolates for the tasting session.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Experience in Advance?

Yes, there’s a discount for booking the artisanal chocolate experience in advance. Customers who reserve their spot early save 10% off the regular price. It’s a great way to ensure availability and get the best deal.

How Long Does the Entire Experience Last?

The entire artisanal chocolate experience lasts approximately 4 hours. It includes a chocolate tea upon arrival, chocolate tasting, a tour of a cacao forest, and a locally-sourced lunch, all within the specified timeframe.

Can I Customize the Menu Options to My Dietary Needs?

Yes, the tour offers customizable menu options to accommodate dietary needs. Customers can choose between vegetarian and fish or chicken-based meals, and the staff will work to personalize the dishes to their preferences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Experience?

The artisanal chocolate experience doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome, though infants must sit on laps during the tour. The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.

Final Verdict On This Stay

Artisanal chocolate in Santa Marta, Colombia, offers a captivating farm-to-table journey. Visitors can enjoy the cacao cultivation process, from guided tours of lush forests to savoring exquisite chocolate creations. The diverse menu highlights local ingredients, creating a memorable culinary adventure that celebrates the artistry of chocolate-making. This experience is a must-visit for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation for the rich heritage of this beloved treat.