Guayaquil is known for its vibrant culture, scenic waterfront, and rich history, but for chocolate lovers. The city offers an even sweeter treasure—San Fernando Chocolatería. Nestled in the heart of the city, this cozy chocolate haven is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for Ecuadorian cacao. Our visit to San Fernando Chocolatería was an indulgent journey into the world of artisanal chocolate, where tradition meets innovation.
The Art of Ecuadorian Chocolate
Ecuador is renowned for producing some of the finest cacao in the world, and San Fernando Chocolatería proudly showcases this legacy. From the moment we stepped inside, the rich aroma of chocolate filled the air, drawing us into a warm and inviting space. The walls were adorned with displays of cacao pods and the history of chocolate-making, setting the stage for a truly immersive experience.
The Chocolateria is on the first floor of El Museo del Cacoa, the national chocolate museum in Guayaquil. The museum features several floors of displays outlining the history of chocolate production in Ecuador. The museum is a bit campy, but worth the inexpensive ticket prices.
San Fernando Chocolatería Tasting
The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the chocolate tasting. San Fernando offers an array of handcrafted chocolates, each made with love and precision. We sampled dark, milk, and white chocolates, each infused with unique ingredients like Andean salt, passion fruit, and even local spices.
The standout for us was the 70% dark chocolate with orange zest—a perfect balance of richness and citrusy brightness. We also loved the chocolate cookies, which we enjoyed with a fresh cup of hot coffee. As tempting as the hot chocolate was, coffee was a perfect complement to the rich cookies.
San Fernando Chocolatería: Gifts and More
In addition to chocolates, San Fernando Chocolatería offers a delightful selection of gifts and souvenirs. From beautifully wrapped chocolate bars to cacao-based skincare products, it was hard to resist taking a little piece of Ecuadorian chocolate artistry home with us.
The prices at the cafe were reasonable. A cup of coffee ran under three dollars while the hot chocolate was around four dollars. The chocolate bars were all under ten dollars as were the wide range of other chocolate products (including beer). Having visited several chocolate shops and numerous coffee shops during the trip, the prices were comparable. Not inexpensive, but reasonable.
A Sweet Ending From San Fernando Chocolatería
Our visit to San Fernando Chocolatería was a nice way to wrap up our time in Guayaquil. It wasn’t just a chocolate shop; it was an experience that celebrated the craftsmanship and heritage of Ecuadorian cacao. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or simply looking for a unique local experience, San Fernando Chocolatería is a destination that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of chocolate.
If you find yourself in Guayaquil, make sure to stop by San Fernando Chocolatería. Indulge in their creations, learn about Ecuador’s cacao tradition, and take home a delicious memory that will keep your sweet tooth happy long after your visit.
Read about our exciting two-week Ecuadorian adventure!
