What's the closest airport?

We are only three hours away from Quito Mariscal International Airport

How do I get there?

1) we have drivers who can pick you up and drive you right to the farm for around USD$100.00

2) You can take the bus from Terminal Carcelen in north Quito.
Go to the Norteoccidente ticket window.
Purchase a ticket for Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
There are three bus lines that come here:

• Kenendy

• Aloag

• San Pedrito

The bus ride is about a three hour trip and very scenic. The bus system in Ecuador overall is safe and comfortable, but it is best to be aware of your backpack and keep your valuables in a safe location. It costs around USD$8.00

We’ll make arrangements to have you picked up in Pedro Vicente Maldonaldo once you arrive

Arriving Late?

We recommend Hosteria Colibri Aeropuerto

You can contact Felipe directly on whatsapp he speaks english and spanish and you can arrange to have them pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hostel, their shuttle service is 24 hours, it costs USD$10.00

Accommodations at the Farm

We offer accommodations in San Dimas a 30 minute walk from the farm, it is a three bedroom apartment above our Choco Estates’ chocolate workshop. The walk is pleasant and easy to the farm. The apartment is equipped with a kitchen where you can prepare breakfast and snacks, lunch can be prepared at the farm

How's the weather? 

Daytime temps average 75-85°F (21-25°C) and nighttime 65-75°F (17-21°C). Humidity is 75-80%. It cools down at night, so bring a hoodie or light fleece and comfortable long pants

The dry season runs from June until November, the rainy season runs from December until May. The cloud forest version of winter is warm and sunny during the day, with rain that begins in the evening and stops around 6am

June through October are lovely months to visit if you want to come when the weather is dry and calm, with July being the driest month and the best time for starry nights. This is a wet climate, but the only months of year it rains consistently during the day are November and December

Will altitude affect me? 

We are at the foothills of the Andes at a modest 2000 feet (650 meters) above sea level. The altitude here won't bother you. However, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world at over 9000 feet (2900 meters). Upon landing at the Quito airport, you might get a headache, feel tired, exceptionally thirsty, or have shortness of breath while walking uphill. This is normal, especially if you don't live in the mountains at home

The best remedies are:

• Rest and sleep

• Drinking A LOT of water

• Ibuprofen or aspirin

• Caffeine or other stimulants (cacao, black or green tea, maté, coffee)

If you are staying a few days in Quito to sight see, follow these remedies and give yourself a day to sleep in, so your body can acclimate

Is there wifi?

Your mobile carrier may automatically switch to the local carriers CLARO or Movistar when you arrive in Ecuador. Check with your carrier if they provide service here. If not, or if you don't want to pay roaming charges, you can purchase a sim card when you arrive and we'll help you set it up

At the farms there is periodic wifi but it is best not to rely on it being available

Do I need to get any vaccines?

Some vaccinations are required for travel to certain areas of Ecuador like the Amazon or the coast, check your country’s public health requirements for travel to Ecuador

Are there health care facilities nearby?

Ecuador has a competent universal health care system. There is an urgent care clinic and a private hospital with emergency room in Pedro Vicente Maldonado, half an hour away. Insurance/papers are not an issue, and costs are low

What to bring

The biggest challenge to first time visitors is the bugs, they bite, they bite through yoga pants and leggings. The best pants for this climate are a looser hiking pant like patagonia or MEC type outdoor pant. a long sleeve button down shirt that is looser and a hankerchief to cover your neck, lots of socks that cover your ankles that you can tuck your pants into and a hat with a brim to protect you from the sun. A rain poncho, umbrella, head lamp, swim suit and swim cap if you plan to swim in pools or hot springs, camp towel (hot yoga type) .

bring sunscreen, eco friendly bug spray, waterbottle, book to read, eco friendly toiletries, an eye cover and earplugs may help with sleeping, notebook, travel yoga mat.

Waterproof travel bags are very helpful, or ziplock bags to put your things in. For traveling around Ecuador it is highly advisable to carry a ziplock bag with toilet paper, wet wipes, lysol wipes, small bar of soap, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene items if needed for bathroom stops along the highway or even in town.

If you are coming for apprenticeship, bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, clean clothes for days off, rubber boots, work gloves, protective eye wear.

shoes: many visitors enjoy having a few options, rubber boots for working at the farm, crocks for walking around indoors, flip flops or water shoes and a nicer pair of non leather sandals for in town. You may also want hiking shoes if you plan to do some adventuring

Things to do

We can arrange private yoga/pilates sessions at the farm if you’d like. Tour the farm, with a chocolate tasting.

For excursions in the Pedro Vicente area we can help you make arrangements, if you would like help planning further travel in Ecuador let us know and we can recommend some options for you