Local Connections: Hands On Chocolate Experience with Women's Co-op

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Chocal-a Cacao, Women's Chocolate Cooperative

Located in the rural community of Altamira, Chocal was formed in 2007 by a group of industrious women who were looking for the opportunity to work close to home and family. The Dominican Republic is a major world producer of cocoa and a leader in organic and Fair Trade cacao, much of which comes from small-scale farms. With the aid of machinery from the United States and training from European chocolatiers, the co-op now produces five kinds of organic chocolate bars – milk chocolate, orange flavored, one with cacao nibs, one with chocolate chips, and a 70% pure chocolate. The co-op is an important source of income for the Puerto Plata region, and volunteers are an integral part of the production process, helping the organization increase sales and thrive within the community.

What you will see along the way:

An approximately 40-minute drive to Altamira outside of Puerto Plata takes you past rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys and charming farming communities.

Special Notes:

Minimum age required to participate is 8 years old. Activity takes place both indoor (inside chocolate factory) and outdoor (at cacao trees nursery). Comfortable clothes and closed toes shoes recommended, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, umbrella or rain poncho, cash for souvenir.