Yumbos Chocolate, Quito Travel Guide

Free Guide: 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.

A brief summary of 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.

0.5–1.5 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
4.9 Excellent · 439 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon–Sat9:30 am–6:30 pm
  • Sun9:30 am–6 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Sebastián de Benalcázar, Quito 170401
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walking

5-10 min walk from Plaza San Francisco or La Compañía; free, flat terrain in pedestrian zone.

Taxi

From Quito airport 45 min, $25-35 USD; from La Mariscal 15 min, $8-12 USD.

Public Bus

Trolebus to Centro Histórico stop, then 10 min walk; $0.35 USD, frequent but crowded.

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.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Mar, Apr & Nov · before 9am or from 7pm

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 78% of the busiest month
  2. Feb: 78% of the busiest month
  3. Mar: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  5. May: 89% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 78% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 89% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 89% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 78% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  12. Dec: 100% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 8am: 13% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 9am: 38% of the busiest hour
  3. 10am: 63% of the busiest hour
  4. 11am: 75% of the busiest hour
  5. 12pm: 88% of the busiest hour
  6. 1pm: 88% of the busiest hour
  7. 2pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  8. 3pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  9. 4pm: 88% of the busiest hour
  10. 5pm: 75% of the busiest hour
  11. 6pm: 50% of the busiest hour
  12. 7pm: 25% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  13. 8pm: 13% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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