The Dominican Republic is a lush, tropical Caribbean isle perfect for growing cocoa, and farms and tourist initiatives across the island offer the best ways to savor the flavor of chocolate, right where it’s grown and produced.
Dominican cocoa is primarily grown in the northern region of the half-island nation, but there are opportunities to explore and taste locally grown chocolate from anywhere in the Dominican Republic.
In Santo Domingo, for example, the Caribbean’s Spanish Colonial past combines with some of the best chocolate experiences. Travelers can immerse themselves in the growing of cocoa and even sleep in rural accommodations at La Cueva del Eden. They can even make their own chocolate bars at the Cortes Hermanos Visitors Center.
Travelers can take part in a true adventure travel experience in Hermanas Mirabal, home to Las Golondrinas waterfall, the pools of Río Partido and the “Chocolate Jungle,” a rural accommodation project that provides a place to stay and a sanctuary full of unique experiences like chocolate therapy, all in a forest of cocoa plants.
Further north, in San Francisco de Macorís, is where travelers will find the Sendero del Cacao, where specialized guides take travelers on a chocolate journey from seed to bar. Families can enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch at the end of the tour.
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the popular city of Puerto Plata. Right where many travelers can enjoy the plethora of resorts and beaches along the island’s scenic coastline is also where they can explore Dominican chocolate, too. Guananico offers a cultural experience combining music and folklore with chocolate, while Altamira offers two cocoa routes in a rural tourism initiative that sheds light on other cocoa products, like cocoa butter, soap and even wine.
The Dominican Republic is home to some incredible culinary and agricultural wonders: chocolate is only one incredibly delicious one. To learn more about the half-island nation, visit GoDominicanRepublic.com.
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