Yumbos Chocolate
Bean-to-bar haven in Quito's Historic Center: Ring the bell for Ecuadorian fine cacao tastings, ethical chocolates overlooking San Francisco Plaza, and pure indulgence.
Hidden on the second floor in Quito's Historic Center, Yumbos Chocolate offers an immersive bean-to-bar experience celebrating Ecuador's fine aromatic cacao. Ring the bell for a guided tasting of pure, handmade bars in flavors like lemongrass, coffee, chili, and 100% cacao, paired with rich hot chocolate and brownies. Overlooking Plaza San Francisco, this artisanal shop highlights ethical sourcing from Afro-Ecuadorian communities, delivering a sensory journey into chocolate's rich heritage.
A brief summary to Yumbos Chocolate
- Sebastián de Benalcázar, Quito, Centro Histórico, 170401, EC
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Ring the doorbell at street level to be buzzed into the second-floor shop.
- Try the 100% cacao and lemongrass flavors during the free guided tasting.
- Enjoy plaza views from the tasting room; pair samples with hot chocolate and brownie.
- Opt for dark bars if vegan; bars cost $5-6 USD each.
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Getting There
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Walking
5-10 min walk from Plaza San Francisco or La Compañía; free, flat terrain in pedestrian zone.
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Taxi
From Quito airport 45 min, $25-35 USD; from La Mariscal 15 min, $8-12 USD.
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Public Bus
Trolebus to Centro Histórico stop, then 10 min walk; $0.35 USD, frequent but crowded.
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Discover more about Yumbos Chocolate
Discovering Yumbos Chocolate
Nestled in Quito's vibrant Centro Histórico on Sebastián de Benalcázar, Yumbos Chocolate beckons from the second floor of a discreet building. Visitors ring a doorbell to be buzzed in, revealing a cozy space alive with the aroma of roasting cacao. Overlooking the iconic Iglesia de San Francisco, the shop provides sweeping views of the plaza while immersing guests in Ecuador's chocolate legacy.Bean-to-Bar Mastery
Yumbos crafts pure, preservative-free chocolate from Nacional Fino de Aroma cacao varieties, sourced from Los Ríos and Esmeraldas regions. Founders Claudia Ponce and Pierre Alain Molinari partner with Afro-Ecuadorian women through AMATIF, empowering nearly 100 families in sustainable tree-to-bar production. Each 60g bar embodies ancient techniques, blending Criollo Blanco, Amendolado, and Arriba beans into exceptional quality.Tasting Experience
The highlight is the complimentary guided tasting of 7-9 varieties, from intense 100% cacao to flavored delights like coffee, lemongrass, orange, chili-salt, ginger, and blueberry. Knowledgeable hosts explain cacao's journey from pod to bar, sharing stories of Ecuadorian cultivation. Pair samples with thick hot chocolate or decadent brownies for a full sensory delight.Products and Souvenirs
Bars retail around $5-6, alongside nibs, syrups, and mixes. Dark chocolates dominate, appealing to vegan and quality seekers. The intimate setting fosters conversations on cacao's cultural significance, making it ideal for couples, friends, or solo explorers seeking authentic flavors.Practical Visit
Open daily from 9:30 AM, with slight variations (Sundays to 6 PM). No reservations needed for tastings; tips appreciated. Perfectly positioned near historic sites, it's a must for foodies wandering Quito's colonial heart.Explore the best of what Yumbos Chocolate has to offer
More about Quito
Discover Quito, Ecuador's high-altitude capital, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in the heart of the Andes.
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