The most populous and largest city in Ecuador, Guayaquil is a paradise for chocolate lovers. Visit the sights of the city while having some chocolates, the perfect combination!

Home of about 3.5 million inhabitants, Guayaquil is a bustling and vibrant city that covers a total area of 133.01 square miles. It is blessed with a tropical savanna climate and is located along the banks of the Guayas River. The city is the financial and trading center of the country, although in the early 2000s, the government started focusing on the tourism industry by initiating an "urban regeneration" plan, which meant developing the city’s transit system, and building of infrastructures and developing parks. Today, tourists who would bypass the city to head to Galapagos Islands are now spending a few days in the city and exploring its attractions. The José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, one of the best South American airports, is your gateway to the city.  It is 8 kilometers from the downtown area, and is served by American Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Iberia, KLM, LAN, and Tame.

With the onset of tourist arrivals, the city is fast becoming known for its chocolate tourism. Organized tours are offered so you can enjoy the ultimate chocolate experience. Hacienda El Castillo located about 30 minutes from the heart of the city offers accommodations and daily tours of the plantation. This is where you will learn about the process of turning cacaos into delicious chocolates.  You can also sign up for a chocolate tour with Chchukululu Cacao Tours which will take you to farm producing cacao and interact with one of chocolate producers in the country. You can also opt for a stay at the Río Muchacho Organic Farm to explore more about the industry. If after the tour, you are still craving for more chocolates, head to La Pepa de Oro, which boasts of the best hot chocolate drink in Ecuador.

Don’t forget to bring home some chocolates from Guayaquil. We will not be surprised if you will be coming back for more! Consult your travel agent for more details and have a chocolate-filled vacation.