The Colombian Cacao Experience in Medellin
A hands-on, bean-to-bar chocolate journey in the heart of Medellin.
Introduction and Cacao History
The Colombian Cacao Experience is a hands-on chocolate-making workshop in the Laureles neighbourhood of Medellin. You roast cacao over fire, grind it on a traditional molino, and craft your own chocolate bar from bean to bar, guided by locals. It is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and ranked number 1 in Classes and Workshops in Medellin. We begin with a short and warm talk about the history of cacao, from its place in indigenous rituals to its role in Colombia today. You learn how cacao grows, why Colombian cacao is special, and how it connects to our culture and our land.
Roasting the Beans
Roast like our abuelas used to do
Next you roast raw cacao beans in a traditional pan over fire, just as Colombian grandmothers always have. You watch the beans change colour and release their rich aromas as they begin their journey toward chocolate. The roasting is one of the most hands-on and memorable parts of the chocolate experience, and it fills the room with the smell of fresh cacao.
Hands-on cacao like a local
After roasting, you peel the cacao beans by hand. It is a calm, mindful step that connects you directly to the process. Then you grind the beans on a traditional stone molino into a rich, smooth paste, exactly how it has been done in Colombia for generations. This is the heart of making chocolate from bean to bar.
Peeling & Grinding by Hand
A chocolate bar that is truly yours
Now you create. Using the paste you ground yourself, you craft your own artisanal chocolate bar and choose your own toppings, from sea salt to dried fruit to coffee. You pour it into a mould, let it set, and take your handmade chocolate home with you. Every bar is different, because every bar is yours.
Making Your Own Chocolate Bar
Sip, taste and connect
We finish with a cacao cocktail. While we sip together, the conversation turns to modern cacao farming, sustainability, and the lives of Colombian cacao growers. It is a relaxed moment to ask anything, share your impressions, and simply connect. Throughout the workshop you also taste four to five cacao-based drinks and bites. It is one of the warmest and most hands-on things to do in Medellin, and it works just as well for couples, families and solo travellers.
Tasting & Cacao Conversation
From sacred bean to Colombian pride
Choose your Experience time
Morning, afternoon or evening. The choice is yours!
Morning Session - 9:00am
3.5 hours. Start your day discovering the art of Colombian cacao. A hands-on, cultural, and delicious chocolate experience. 45 USD per person
3.5 hours. A fun and interactive way to spend your afternoon, learning and making your own chocolate bar. 45 USD per person.
2 hours. A pairing experience where fine Colombian cacao meets 10 Colombian rums. Perfect for a unique night out. 50 USD per person.
Afternoon Session - 2:00pm
Rum & Cacao Tasting - 8:30pm
Rum & Cacao Tasting - 6:00pm
2 hours. A pairing experience where fine Colombian cacao meets 10 Colombian rums. Perfect for a unique night out. 50 USD per person.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Colombian Cacao Experience?
The Colombian Cacao Experience is a hands-on chocolate-making workshop in the Laureles neighbourhood of Medellin. Guided by locals, you roast cacao over fire, grind it on a traditional molino, and craft your own chocolate bar from bean to bar. It is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and ranked number 1 in Classes and Workshops in Medellin.
Where is the Colombian Cacao Experience located?
The experience takes place at CRA 80B #35A-28 in Laureles, Medellin, one of the city's calmest and most walkable neighbourhoods. It is easy to reach by taxi or a short ride from El Poblado and the city centre.
How long does the chocolate experience take and when does it start?
The chocolate experience takes about 3.5 hours. There are two daily sessions, one at 9:00 AM and one at 2:00 PM. The Rum and Chocolate experience in the evening takes about 2 hours and starts at 6:00 PM or 8:30 PM.
Is the experience suitable for couples, families and solo travellers?
Yes. The experience works well for couples, families with children, and solo travellers. It is a relaxed, hands-on activity, and the guides switch easily between English and Spanish so everyone can take part.
How much does the chocolate making experience cost?
The chocolate experience costs 45 USD per person. The evening Rum and Chocolate experience costs 50 USD per person. Both prices include all materials, the tastings, and the chocolate bar you make and take home. Booking directly through the website gives you the best price.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, because group sizes are kept small. You can book directly through this website, which is also the best price. For last-minute spots or group bookings you can reach us by WhatsApp at +57 312 2737344.
As a family we really enjoyed the Colombian Cacao Experience. Extremely professional, informative and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The experience lasts for about 3.5 hours so you really do learn the whole chocolate process. Of course our 10 year old daughter loved making her own bar of chocolate, as did we!!
Craig W.
★★★★★