The Dominican Republic is not only one of the largest organic cocoa producers in the world, but it was also one of the first countries to export cocoa to the United States.

The number one cocoa producing company in the Dominican Republic is Rizek Cocoa.

Rizek Cocoa is also the leading exporter of high quality cocoa products to many countries around the world, including the United States, Spain, Italy, France, Japan and many other countries.

Rizek Cocoa realized that many of their customers, as well as experts in the field of chocolate production, were interested in having first-hand experiences in order to learn more about the cocoa plantations and the processes involved in producing cocoa.

To that end, executives at Rizek Cocoa made the decision to design The Cocoa Trail, which consists of three special tours:

The first tour is called the Classic Cacao Tour where guests are introduced to the steps that are involved in making organic cacao. This tour begins with a soothing cup of hot chocolate on arrival, followed by a visit to the plantation, where guests are able to sow their own cacao plants. The tour experts explain why the organic cacao grown in the Dominican Republic is the finest in the world. Later, guests are invited to tour the La Esmeralda Chocolate Factory where they learn how chocolate bars are made, and where they can make their own chocolate. At the end of the tour, guests will be provided with a delectable Dominican lunch served under the shade of the cacao trees. What better way to learn about Dominican culture than by eating local cuisine, while listening to the sounds of traditional Dominican music.

The Chocolate Lover's Tour is Rizek's second tour, and was created for people who are already somewhat familiar with the production of cacao. Like the “Classic Tour”, this tour begins with a welcoming cup of hot chocolate, and continues with a visit to the cacao plantation where guests learn about the advantages of Dominican Republic cacao, plant some cacao, visit the chocolate factory, and have a traditional Dominican lunch while learning about local traditions. In addition, this tour includes further information on post-harvest production, information on using the five senses to experience chocolate, and the tour ends with an unforgettable visit to another Rizek plantation.

The third and final tour offered by Rizek Cocoa is called the Chocolate and Culture Tour. This tour begins with all the basics of the “Classic Tour”, but then continues with a special visit to Provincia Hermanas Mirabal, or the Mirabal Sisters Province. Here guests are treated to a guided tour of the spectacular murals that have been created by both local and foreign artists. This is followed by a lesson in Dominican history at the Museo de las Hermanas Mirabal, or the Mirabal Sisters Museum. And, finally, guests will be able to have fun while learning how to create chocolate at the Hacienda La Esmeralda Garcia Jiménez.

You can make your tour reservation directly here.